29
Jan
2012
jloomis

Snowmobiling and Snow Camping at Summit Lake, Oregon

I have been eager to go snow camping this season and the opportunity presented itself this weekend. Since Katie is not fond of snow camping (she has a hard time staying warm), I went with my friend John. We packed up and left my house around 6 AM Saturday, destined for Skyline SnoPark (Mt. Hood National Forest). This SnoPark is off Hwy 26 SSE of Government Camp, Oregon. It's popular with snowmobiles, offering access to the areas around Clear Lake and Timothy Lake. Skyline SnoPark is also the access point to the Clear Lake Lookout Tower where Katie and I stayed last weekend.

We arrived at Skyline SnoPark around 7:30 AM. There were already many other snowmobilers there, half of which had motorhomes. The weather was nearly perfect: partly sunny, no wind, temperature in the mid 20's. We unloaded my snowmobiles, hitched up the gear sleds, and headed off down Skyline Road/FSR 42. Our planned destination was Summit Lake Campground, about a 14 mile ride South of the SnoPark. The campground has 5 sites situated on the shores of Summit Lake. It's about 0.8 miles from Skyline Road/FSR 42 on Peavine Road/FSR 141.

The snow was great and the trail recently groomed. The only disappointment was that an automobile had illegally driven on the trail, creating deep ruts all over for many miles (more on that below). We had a great ride cruising along around 20-25 mph pulling our sleds full of gear. In the past, I have pulled one of the sleds while snowshoeing, but this sure made it easier. The turnoff to Summit Lake is not groomed and there were no tracks from other snowmobiles. Luckily it had been colder the previous week, so the snow was firm. We easily made it up Peavine Road/FSR 141 to Summit Lake Campground. Its a beautiful little lake and it was a pleasure having it all to ourselves. It was very quiet except for the occasional echo of our voices.

Summit Lake - Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon     Snow Camping at Summit Lake

We set up our camp in a nice spot close to the lake shore. This was my first time trying out my new Marmot Alpinist 2P tent. While I set the tent up, John went to work digging out an area to build a fire. We found some firewood outside the campground and used my new Echo CS-271T chainsaw to cut it up. We took turns splitting it and soon had a nice fire going.

John Enjoying Dug Out Campfire Pit     Our Camp Spot at Summit Lake Campground

After enjoying lunch, we went on a snowmobile ride to the Warm Springs Cabin (built and maintained by the Mt. Hood Snowmobile Club). It is farther South along Skyline Road/FSR 42. We found the culprit who had destroyed the groomed trail about a mile from the turn off to Summit Lake. It was an abandoned Jeep Cherokee. Probably some disrespectful people who thought they were above the law. They'll be in for a treat when they receive the bill for towing their rig and are then handed a fine.

Snow Covered Outhouse at Summit Lake Campground     Illegally Abandoned Jeep on Snowmobile Trail Along Skyline Road/FSR 42

After passing the abandoned vehicle, the trail was superb. We flew the rest of the way to the cabin. The Warm Springs Cabin is a large log cabin with a wood stove, table, chairs, and loft above. We passed a couple of riders on our way there who had enjoyed lunch at the cabin.

Warm Springs Cabin     Jason in Front of Warm Springs Cabin

Back at camp we started our fire again and relaxed as the sun went down. The temperature had warmed to just over 40°F during the day, but dropped back down around freezing as the sun set. We cooked a delicious meal and then went on a short night ride prior to relaxing around the campfire before bed.

Firewood and Mini Chainsaw (Echo CS-271T)     Dinner Cooking on the Fire

I had expected to wake up to clouds and possibly rain Sunday morning, but instead we were greeted with a beautiful sunrise. I took a few pictures in between eating breakfast and packing up camp.

Winter Sunrise at Summit Lake, Oregon     Coyote Tracks in the Snow

On our way back to Skyline SnoPark, we made a side trip up to the Clear Lake Lookout Tower. As we neared the tower, we rode by four cross-country skiers who presumably spent the night at the lookout. Since no one was there, John and I went up to the top to admire the views. I could see more than Katie and I did last weekend. Clear Lake was frozen, Timothy Lake was open water, and the base of Mt. Hood was visible (the top was hidden by clouds).

Coyote Track on Snow Covered Surface of Summit Lake     Clear Lake Lookout Tower
Clear Lake and Base of Mt Hood     Polaris 500 RMK Snowmobile Towing a Gear Sled

A few more miles and we were back at the SnoPark. We had a few sprinkles just before we reached my truck, but soon the sun made another appearance. We lucked out with the weather and had a great trip. Sometimes I feel like like snow camping is even more fun then summer camping. In any case, it is nice to be able to get out year-round.

4 comments

S.May, Mon, 01/30/2012 - 08:49

Another great write up Jason! Just courious what do you take on your trip in the outback??

jloomis, Mon, 01/30/2012 - 19:38

Here is my normal gear list for snow camping when I tow my gear sleds with my snowmobiles.

Clothing
Winter Jacket Shell
Snow Pants
Jacket Liner
Long Underwear/Base Layer (top and bottom)
Extra Socks
Stocking Cap
Gloves
Extra Gloves
Balaclava
Toe Warmers
Hand Warmers

Fire Supplies
Chainsaw
Bar Oil
Gasoline Mix
Splitting Axe
Hatchet
Gloves
Kindling
Fire Starter
Matches

Gear
Snowshoes
Trekking Poles
Solar Pannel
Water
First Aid Kit
8'x10' Tarp
Rope
2 Qt. Pot
Pot Lifter
Fork
Leatherman Multi-Tool
Gun
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Pillow
Tent
iPhone
iPhone Battery
Compass
Head Lamp
Snow Shovel
Camera
Coffe Filters
Space Blanket
Guylines
Chair
Latern and Propane
Can Opener
Paper Plates
Paper Towells
Utensils
Cups
Welding Gloves
Backpack

Food
Energy Bars
Dinner
Sandwich
Chips
Cup Noodles
Pop Tarts
Granola Bars
Cookies
Apple Pie
Canned Chili
Canned Corn
Beer
Water

Personal
Hand Lotion
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Toilet Paper

water, Mon, 01/30/2012 - 10:15

looks pretty awesome with the chain saw and such (like the two bottles of coke!).
That is crazy someone drove in. Is anything posted at snowparks about driving on the trails and such? My thought is they had no clue since they were stupid enough to be trying those roads with a stupid jeep cherokee in the first place, and frankly I'm shocked they managed to get as far as they did. If they don't commission a snowcat or something to drag them out might they be waiting until june?? haha

cheers bro

jloomis, Mon, 01/30/2012 - 19:44

I have seen signs at some road entrances that don't get plowed in the winter, but do get groomed for snowmobiling that say the road is closed to motor vehicles. They probably need better signage that states the fine.

I was shocked how far the Jeep made it, but when it is cold, groomed snow can be pretty firm. There was a littered bottle of antifreeze, so I bet they overheated. I would also bet the jeep has some tranny damage. When its all said and done the culprits will be liable for thousands of dollars. Hopefully they learn their lesson.

A snowcat will have to pull the Jeep out. They can't leave it there all winter.

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Disclaimer: You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards of backcountry travel and taking the necessary precautions. Loomis Adventures may not be held liable.