Snow Camping at Hideaway Lake, Oregon

My buddy John and I ventured to Hideaway Lake in the upper Clackamas River area (outside Estacada, Oregon) on Friday. I was able to get the afternoon off, so we were on the road shortly after 11 AM. We were hoping to hit some snow, but not too much to where travel would be impossible. As luck would have it we got our wish. Area map.

   

We started to hit snow at about 3,300 ft elevation. There was about 4-8" of snow at the Lake (4,080 ft elevation). The weather was cloudy, but cleared as the day progressed. We stayed warm chopping up a Hemlock tree and starting a fire. Temperatures ranged from about 30-34 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for a winter camping trip.

   

I tried out my new $50 Arctic Wolf from Amazon (see review) while John spent the night in the back of his truck. The tent worked out well. On Saturday morning we woke up to freezing rain and sleet which later turned to plain misty rain. Since we had been hoping for snow showers, we decided to pack up camp early and head home instead of staying another night. Next time we'll hopefully get snow.