04
Nov
2013
jloomis

Snowmobiling to Badger Lake and Bonney Meadows, Oregon

We finally received our first real snow storm with snow down to pass levels around Mt Hood. Work slowed down, so I took Monday off to enjoy the snow. My friend Ryan and I decided to go snowmobiling out of Bennett Pass. This would be my first real trip testing my new Polaris Switchback Assault. It would also be the first ride on the new to me 2008 Polaris 700 Dragon RMK which Ryan would be riding. Bennett Pass SnoPark is about 9 miles East of Government Camp, Oregon across from Mount Hood Meadows ski resort off Hwy 35.

We arrived at Bennett Pass SnoPark around 10:30 AM. The parking lot had not been plowed, so after some effort I was finally able to back in with the trailer far enough to stay out of the way. The lot was empty except for one other set of tire tracks. There was about 12-18 inches of wet snow on the ground. We unloaded the snowmobiles and set off down the trail toward Badger Lake (about 12 miles away).

Ryan Snowmobiling near Bennett Pass, Oregon     Testing out New Snowmobiles near Bennett Pass

The sleds ran great and we had plenty of snow to keep them cool until we headed down the last mile to Badger Lake. The snow thinned very quickly and soon the skis on the snowmobiles were hitting rocks barely covered by snow.

Badger Lake Surrounded by Snow     Badger Lake in Winter

We only spent a few minutes at Badger Lake as it was windy and cold. I have always wanted to see the lake in the snow, but it would have been nice to have more of it. On the way out we stopped partway up the hill to let the sleds cool down before continuing on to Bonney Meadows.

Snowmobiling to Badger Lake     Taking a Break above Badger Lake

Bonney Meadows is higher in elevation than Badger Lake and there was tons of snow. There was not, however, enough snow to safely go out riding in the actual meadow (the same place I injured my knee last year). We instead relaxed by a smoldering campfire left by someone who had driven to the meadow and left just before we arrived.

Bonney Meadows Covered by Snow     Bonney Meadows Campground

Visibility remained poor as we headed back to the snopark with fog and snow showers.

Notch near Terrible Traverse on Bennett Pass Rd     Icicles

We stopped to take a few pictures near the "terrible traverse." Even though there was only about 18" of snow, the traverse was already starting to get steep with snow sloughing off the slopes above.

Snowmobiling Through the Notch     Snowmobiling Near Bennett Pass

We were still the only ones parked at the snopark, but as we were loading the sleds up another truck drove by and headed up the trail we had just come back from. Hopefully we get some more snow to fill in the tire ruts and kick off the 2013/2014 sledding season. I am happy with how both sleds performed and look forward to testing them out in more snow. Hopefully I'll be back up next weekend with my friend John so he can ride the 700 Dragon since he is a co-owner.

Snowmobiles Loaded up Ready to Go Home

Gear List

2013 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault Snowmobile
2008 Polaris 700 Dragon RMK Snowmobile
HMK Summit V16 Pack
GMAX GM76X Helmet
Smith Phenom Turbo Fan Goggles
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Max Electric Boots
Columbia Men's Echochrome Ski Pants
Columbia Titanium Hightail II Softshell Jacket
Columbia Triple Trail Shell Jacket
Triple Star Packable Down Hooded Jacket
Head Digital Sport Liner Gloves
Outdoor Research Ambit Gloves
Columbia Men's Fast Trek Fleece Hat
Balaclava
Petzl TIKKA XP 2 Headlamp
Olympus Tough TG-1 Camera
Sony Action Cam HDR-AS15
Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Snow Shovel
First Aid Kit
iPhone w/NeoTreksGPS
Suunto A-10 Compass

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