November 2013 Archive

24
Nov
2013
jloomis

Bonney Meadows Early Season Snow Camping Trip

Picture of Mount Hood at sunrise from Bonney Butte

I am still waiting for winter to really hit the Oregon Cascades, but we found a little snow up high at Bonney Meadows (around 5,200'). Bonney Meadows is on the Southeast side of Mt. Hood about 1.5 miles Northwest of Boulder Lake off forest road 4890. I took half a day off work Friday to go snow camping with my friend Kyle and his buddy Matt over the weekend. We met up in Sandy around 1 PM and hit the road after grabbing a quick bite to eat.

20
Nov
2013
jloomis

Alpinismo 55 Backpack by High Peak USA Review

Product Rating: 
4
Picture of High Peak Alpinismo 55 Backpack

Features:

From High Peak USA, "The Alpinismo 55 is so versatile. This 3 lbs, 5 oz., single compartment backpack is made for the multi-use trekker. It has daisy chains to attach gear to and an outside envelope for ropes or crampons. Is the 55 liter capacity too much this trip? The side compression straps wrap around the front to the opposite side of the pack so you can minimize your gear load and still keep everything securely in place."

17
Nov
2013
jloomis

Bennett Pass, Bonney Meadows, and Grasshopper Road Snowmobile Adventure

Picture of John Taking a Break After Riding a 2008 Polaris 700 Dragon RMK

We received a promising weekend weather forecast, predicting over a foot of mountain snow by Sunday. I wasn't planning on snowmobiling this weekend, but couldn't resist fresh powder. John and I headed up to Bennett Pass on Sunday Morning and arrived to a nearly empty parking lot. The only other vehicle belonged to a cross-country skier. The SnoPark had been plowed and the snowbanks around the perimeter were now about 2-3 feet tall. The weather was windy with ice pellets raining down and a temperature around 30°F.

09
Nov
2013
jloomis

Snowmobiling Near Jean Lake and to Bonney Meadows

Picture of Snowmobiling on Bennett Pass Road

After a couple days of rain in the mountains, the snow level came back down and a few inches of fresh snow fell around Mt Hood. I wasn't sure if there would be enough snow to snowmobile, but my friend John and I decided to chance it and head up to Bennett Pass on Saturday. The SnoPark at Bennett Pass is about 9 miles East of Government Camp, Oregon across from Mount Hood Meadows ski resort off Hwy 35. It is often the only SnoPark around Mt Hood with enough snow to snowmobile this early in the season.

05
Nov
2013
jloomis

2013 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault 144 Snowmobile Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of 2013 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault 144 in the Air

Features:

From Polaris, "The weapon of choice for backcountry freeriders and hillclimb racers is back and better for 2013. The Switchback Assault can run the logging roads or head for the trees. Deep snow flotation with trail gearing and the race-proven IFS for lighter steering effort."

04
Nov
2013
jloomis

Snowmobiling to Badger Lake and Bonney Meadows, Oregon

Picture of Ryan Snowmobiling near Bennett Pass, 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.