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Dispersed Camping near Klamath Falls, OR
Our camp at Four Mile Flat Quarry, 25 miles west of Klamath Falls Oregon.
I have a campsite near Kamas, Utah that I enjoy a lot and stày at every time I’m near Salt Lake City. It’s about 25 miles east of Salt Lake City just on the edge of the Uinta Mountains. I even have a favorite mechanic there in Kamas so I spent an extra day and had him look into a problem that I was having, fortunately, he said it was nothing. It only cost me $40 to fix a minor thing he found. I highly recommend that shop in Kamas, Kamas Tire Factory. 230 N Main St, Kamas, UT 84036
After that was over it was time to move on, I took Interstate 80 all the way across the top of Nevada to Winnemucca where I turned north and headed towards Oregon on 95. About 30 miles north I turned West on State Route 140 and took it all the way into Lakeview, Oregon. As you probably know Eastern Oregon is all desert and most of it is not very pretty. But this was a very dramatic and spectacular drive so I enjoyed it a lot. I was in a hurry so I never stopped and took any pictures, but there were numerous times I was tempted to. That’s how I judge how good a drive is, by how often I’m tempted I to stop and take pictures.
When I got into Lakeview, Oregon I needed to find a place to camp for the night so I got out my maps and studied them and found lots of Forest Roads in the National Forest surrounding the town. I needed internet because I had not had it for the last two days so I looked for roads that went up on the side of the mountains overlooking town. After that research I drove out and found a Forest Road that dropped over the ridge line and looked straight down at town. It was a beautiful Camp high on the mountain with very good Verizon 4G signal, so I spent one night there
The next day it was time to meet Carolyn in Klamath Falls at the Walmart. So I headed out and met her at noon. It was wonderful to see her again!! It had only been three weeks, but it seemed like forever! We stopped for lunch and looked for a campsite. She’s a big fan of the website Campendium.com and so she got on it and found a great campsite with Verizon nearby. Since we both work from home, internet service is critical for both of us and this one had a very good signal. The name of the campsite is Four Mile Flat Quarry. Find it here: https://www.campendium.com/four-mile-flat-quarry
So we headed there and found it to be everything Campendium had said it would be. We loved that it was on a beautiful lake but it was pretty far from town. Fortunately we had just stocked up so we thought we would be fine there for at least a week or even two. We’d have to go into own for supplies at least that often because she is in a Class C RV and needs to dump and get water every two weeks.
A rare quiet moment on the lake when it wasn’t inundated with people.
Our second camp in the woods which was within 1/2 a mile of the lake but we rarely saw anyone else.
The next morning we broke camp and moved so we didn’t have to endure the crowds another day. But we had over-estimated her RV’s ability to go off-roading. She immediately got stuck in the dry creek bed full of rocks. It was dry but her rear overhang was so long it dragged and she lost traction in the sand at the bottom of the creek-bed. Fortunately, getting her out was easy, I just snatched her out with a snatch strap. We kept going into our campsite and set up a beautiful camp and stayed there for about 2 weeks. We had great internet and lots of privacy so we both really enjoyed it. I shot a video of getting her out, you can see it here:
This is what I carry to get me unstuck:
- A 2-Pack of Shackles: http://amzn.to/2dx6s2n
- Two of these Snatch Straps: http://amzn.to/2dzA7EH
- A pair of Emergency Traction Pads: http://amzn.to/2dD9bmW
- This 12 Volt Compressor to air my tires up after airing them down: http://amzn.to/2d7IY0N
My sister is now living in Medford Oregon which is about another 30 miles down State Route 140 towards the coast. Since we were so close, we went over and visited with her several times. It was great to see her again and we made plans for our Thanksgiving family reunion.
The Refectix on the outside of the van keeps the heat from getting into the van.
Our camp was very close to Crater Lake National Park, so while we were there we took a visit up to it. I’ll tell you all about that in my next post.
Be sure and check out my YouTube Channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAj7O3LCDbkIR54hAn6Zz7A
That’s a good job of demonstrating how to recover a hung up vehicle. It also illustrates the hazard of a long overhang. All in all, except for shovel work, it looks as if the video took more time than the recovery.
Yeah, the shovel work was the longest. But the video work was the most pleasant!
Air conditioning…. you’re getting spoiled Bob 🙂
This was good report on the area, thank you.
I sure am Rob!
Your van looks like a conspiracy nut.
As the right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Star Fleet personnel may interfere with the healthy development of alien life and culture. Such interference includes the introduction of superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely. Star Fleet personnel may not violate this Prime Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations, and carries with it the highest moral
obligation.
Maybe I am!!!!!
No, just trying to stay cool on a hot day!
I have a short overhang, but I’ve gotten my rear tires stuck in sand twice. I was alone, but was able to get myself out using a carpet runner in front of the worst tire, and the second time I just dug myself a runway down into the wetter sand and drove out. Both were “Whew!” moments!
I really enjoyed the video, and have to admit, those yellow traction pads sure worked well, and I wouldn’t have ruined my carpet runner.
You are one adventurous lady Barbara!! Good for you!
My first rig was a 29′ class-C. That rear overhang (and the black/grey water dump valve) were my bane.
Maybe before next year’s spring travels you can talk Carolyn into buying your van and getting that 4wd truck/slide-in camper rig you’ve been longing for. Then you’ll be back to “going where no one has gone before” (to continue Larry Stone’s Star Trek metaphor above). 🙂
Wayne, that’s one of the big reasons I can’t imagine being in an RV–you just lose too much freedom to go where your heart desires to go.
We’re discussing solutions but we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out.
Bob
Off topic: Looking at the latest enigmatic nomadics video, I can see why you might have wanted to “go in different directions”. From now on, people are going to expect him to do work on their rigs for free, wherever he goes. People are going to be offended if he gets tired or overworked and says no. I know I wouldn’t want to be that guy.
I dunno if that’s why you parted ways, but being the “free mechanic” for the entire van community will get tired awfully fast.
Matt, that was an incredibly generous offer but I can’t imagine how he will be able to do it–and keep it up. But that had nothing to do with our split, that really was creative differences.
Bob
Those areas are bound to be very hard on that motorhome over time. I note the duct tape on the rear panel behind the passenger rear tire. I’d guess that’s rot from road moisture kicked up from the wheel. If you have a few weeks in one spot and some tools, you might cut it out and rebuild it with something other than wood. Google “truck camper wing rot” to get some good info.
Yes, we’ve had some conversation about the very poor quality of most RVs and she is aware that in the long run it may not hold up well to where she wants to go. Eventually she wants to get something that will hold up.
Bob
I watched the video and wanted to know if you used a D-Ring on the RV too? I could see it on the van but it was a little dark under the RV. Nice rescue! Thanks for posting.
You are welcome Bethers. Thanks! I didn’t use a D-Ring. It’s not required on that end. There is a loop instead and I used that to attach to the undercarriage, then the strap runs back through the loop and out to the tow vehicle.
You deserved the brownie points, for sure. Nice job!
Thanks Larry! Just goes to show it can happen every now and then. I’ll take all of them I can get!
Showing your rescue gear made me think about other stuff you’ve shown that I’ve forgotten about. Like bug netting, for example. But then it occurred to me that maybe you could have a kind of catch-all link on your page here for gear you’ve found useful over the years. I know you’ve got solar and heating etc… But a place with Amazon links to all the other misc. stuff could be a win-win for all of us?
Just a thought, or maybe I just don’t see it here?
Hi Cae, great idea! I really like it! I’m going to be shooting an “Essentials” video soon, highlighting many of these items. I’m thinking that the best place to link and list them would be in the “STORE”. I’ll see what I can do about getting that done but it may take some time. Thanks again for the idea. Awesome!
Cheers!
I usually just put it in my Amazon wish list, but I’ve not done this for over a year and it makes a lot of sense to be resident to your website for all to access.
Absolutely Cae. I hope others will find it helpful too once I have it all listed. Thanks again.
That is a great idea! I agree totally!!
Yes it is Elaine. I’ll try to implement it as soon as I can.
Hey Bob,
As I was watching the video when you first posted it on youtube…….I was wondering if that was Caroline. Mystery solved…LOL. I am really looking forward to going to all of these beautiful areas. It maybe sooner than I think!! Thanks BOB!
Sorry BOB, I thought Carolyn’s named was Caroline.
No worries Elaine, auto correct tries to trip even me up sometimes!
Yes, that is her, and good for you Elaine! We’ll see you down the road, and you are welcome!
Nice post Bob, I have a Benchmark atlas for that state, so I will take a look, this should help me learn how to find boondocks.
I had some practice in BC on my last trip just a couple of weeks ago, it felt great to wander up a dirt road, find an unnamed pasture and call it home for the night. Yours and others’ blogs were a great inspiration.
Seeing the video helped too, one of my big worries with this new style of travelling is getting stuck. Good to see that it’s not the end of the world.
Benchmarks are great to have on hand Ming! I have one for every state I travel in. They are full of information. Good for you on finding your own boondocking campsite! Keep up the good work. And getting stuck is never fun, but if you have the right equipment on hand, it can usually be easily taken care of. Happy trails!
With that Class C following you, you’ll have to slightly adjust your standards for passable roads. 😉
She’s worth it Al.
Triple A was mentioned. If you’re depending on AAA to get you out of that dry wash it may be worth the time to check before hand, I’ve heard that AAA (& others) will not go off the road at all.
Coach-net won’t.
Rob, that’s my understanding as well, that most roadside-service plans will not go off-pavement. But I think that is too broad a generalization so you really have to do your research and find out for certain from your provider and for your specific plan. Thanks for the reminder though!!
In some places, like in popular desert or beach areas, the tow services love going out to rescue people from the sand. Lots of bucks to be made.
Good point Al. Another reason to have the right tools on board. Better to pay up front in your own stock and be prepared!
Your video reminds me how much fun it can be to make a good mini-adventure out of a bit of a sticky wicket.
It’s also a great example of the joys of being prepared so we can put our fears of risk aside, but if we’re not totally prepared, I hope we’re as innovative as Barbara was (above)!
Thanks!
Sassy
Over the years I’ve gotten myself into enough laughable jams that I should be pretty good by now at turning sticky wickets into mini-adventures Sassy. Yes, lots of joy to be had out here – especially when we’re prepared – or like you said, innovative like Barbara.
The essentials area would also be good for your inventory/gear list.
Hunter
Good idea hunter.
Nice post, For a while I lived in S.E. Utah and was part of a few unstickings. Also the same in spring breakup in N.W. Mt. only with several feet of slushy snow. High lift jacks,shovels, come-alongs, and a whole lot of cold wet work did the trick.
I live in Oregon and would love to get a chance to meet you while you’re in this country. any time you’re within four hours of Portland.
Hi dan, yeah, having lived in Alaska for 40 years I know all about cars stuck in the snow and needing to be jumped! I’m working hard to forget it all!!
It’s turned too wet and codl for me so we are running south for sun and warm. I’m headed toward Pahrump, NV tomorrow!
October 13, 2016 ~ I hear that some very serious weather is coming your way Bob…please take care. I’ve been in the Pacific Northwest during a bad storm, the power lines and trees come down and a person can get stranded for a long time. Be smart and safe.
There has already been way to much wind, rain and cold here so we bailed out!! I’m headed back to Pahrump right now! If you are in the area, I’d love to see you (and your new van) again!
Just delete my comment. Too many typos. Thanks.
I think I did as you asked Jesus, and deleted your comment. Yes, I look forward to meeting you one day!
Hi Bob,
I came across a video of this guy using highline gear (lots of pulleys) to pull his sprinter out of a stuck place.
I was wondering if you understood his rigging as it’s not normal looking recovery gear. I’m looking for something little me at 93lbs and 5 feet tall with a bad back could use to pull my 2WD Tacoma out of a hole.
I am still planning to get a compressor, straps and traction mats. I’m just not sure that I can physically safely handle a come-along.
Ming, I’m not really enough of an expert to advise you on this, I just dabble in it. There is something called a “snatch block” that is a very simple device you use to change the direction of the pull on the winch or come-along. If you run the cable through the snatch block, and back to the vehicle, it literally doubles the pulling power of your winch/come-along. So my 4000 pound come-along can then pull 8000 pounds. You could then set up a second snatch block and double it again (I’m not sure of the details of that). But, you have to have enough cable to keep covering all that distance.
In your situation, with a light rig, I’d strongly consider a smaller winch with snatch blocks. No matter what, come-alongs require a certain amount of muscle and weight to make them work. If you can, try one to see if you can do it.
https://www.gowarn.com/warn-winches/winch-tips.aspx
Thanks for the thoughts, that makes a lot of sense, and a light winch I might be able to lift by myself!
forgot the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQxu6zzspk0&feature=youtu.be
and it’s good to hear that you escaped the windstorm. It showed me where my brand new fiberglass camper leaks!
You got a leak, for that much money!! Bummer!
Yes, but it’s a warranty thing, they’ll fix it on Monday. It’s from the roof rack mounting bolts and did not show up until the epic rain storm we just had passed through. Better to find out now than after I’m on the road with all my gear and the bed in there!
Right, I was just being a smart-ass, I’m sure you will be very pleased with it!
I really enjoyed the video, and have to admit, those yellow traction pads sure worked well, and I wouldn’t have ruined my carpet runner.
Yes, I’ve been very pleased with them, highly recommended!