OP
OP
Camped at Rocky Point campground, Eagle Lake, with Smoke and Bob the dog. 
Kinda cold...windy...but sunny. And nobody else here.
Kinda cold...windy...but sunny. And nobody else here.
A few days in SE-Oregon...maybe NW Nevada
- Thread starter MarkBC
- Start date
craig333
Riley's Human
Windy here too. Ordered maps. Looked at the maps I do have. More confused than ever on what route to take. Not worried, routes have a tendency to work themselves out. They're all good. Can't find any info on whether or not the Nobles Emigrant road would be wise this time of year. Love to take that and avoid Reno.
OP
OP
FWIW: Among the routes I suggested between Denio and Gerlach , I like #1 the best. 2 & 3 have the charm of the high plateau (though that "charm" is definitely subtle), and in 2 you drive a long way on the playa, which is cool...but there can be playa access from the southern stretch of #1, between Sulfur and Gerlach. I haven't done that access, but I've seen a track here and there leading from the Sulfur-Gerlach road out to the playa.
I like #1 because you drive along the base of the kinda gnarly Jackson Mts on the east with the Black Rock Desert on your west -- and few people take that route. The stretch of that route between Sulfur and Gerlach is relatively more-traveled, however.
But it's a matter of personal taste, so my fave may not match someone else's...and lot of people don't like high desert anyway.
Craig, though you probably already know this: when you leave the Warners as you drop down into Cedarville on 299, you leave all forest/trees behind for a LONG ways -- hundreds of miles. It's mostly-treeless high desert in SE Oregon and NW Nevada no matter what route. A few pockets of aspen in areas with springs...cottonwoods along a few streams.
That's why I like it: no trees to block the view!
I like #1 because you drive along the base of the kinda gnarly Jackson Mts on the east with the Black Rock Desert on your west -- and few people take that route. The stretch of that route between Sulfur and Gerlach is relatively more-traveled, however.
But it's a matter of personal taste, so my fave may not match someone else's...and lot of people don't like high desert anyway.
Craig, though you probably already know this: when you leave the Warners as you drop down into Cedarville on 299, you leave all forest/trees behind for a LONG ways -- hundreds of miles. It's mostly-treeless high desert in SE Oregon and NW Nevada no matter what route. A few pockets of aspen in areas with springs...cottonwoods along a few streams.
That's why I like it: no trees to block the view!
OP
OP
Lots of camping area -- enough for a WTW Rally! -- at the Rocky Point campground at Eagle Lake.
Facilities are minimal at this "campground" -- pit toilets -- but that takes care of the one feature my camper lacks!
Flocks of pelicans are included in the price ($0.) Pelicans are cool!
Eagle Lake: Second largest natural lake in California (after Clear Lake).
Facilities are minimal at this "campground" -- pit toilets -- but that takes care of the one feature my camper lacks!
Flocks of pelicans are included in the price ($0.) Pelicans are cool!
Eagle Lake: Second largest natural lake in California (after Clear Lake).
craig333
Riley's Human
No dog pics? I'm ashamed to admit it. I like maps also and I never really looked that area over all that well. For some reason I had a feeling the Steens were much further north. To add a bit of those and the Alvord while also do black rock and the rest? I may just get why you like the area so much. Time permitting maybe even a side trip into the Wildlife refuge. I probably should leave something for another trip though
Did you bring a fishing pole?
Did you bring a fishing pole?
OP
OP
No dog pics? I'm ashamed to admit it. I like maps also and I never really looked that area over all that well. For some reason I had a feeling the Steens were much further north. To add a bit of those and the Alvord while also do black rock and the rest? I may just get why you like the area so much.
Did you bring a fishing pole?
Steens Mt -- especially the view from on top, when you can drive the loop road in summer -- is really/almost/I-think national-park spectacular! This time of year the 4000-foot-high east face with snow on it is super, too -- which you can see from the road at its eastern base, next to the Alvord Desert -- the road I drew in up north from Fields. The view of the gently-sloped west side of Steens without being up on it to see the gorges, etc., is not spectacular, not that special at all. That's the side you see from the Catlow Valley, the side you see if approaching from Hart Mt.
Steens Mt is the crown jewel of the whole region -- SE Oregon and NW Nevada. Well, that's just my opinion, of course, but it's widely shared by those who know.
Don't have time to visit Hart Mt? Hmmm...well...the west-facing scarp of Hart Mt, looming precipitously above the Warner Lakes Valley is mighty impressive, too, like the Steens east face, but shear-er. Some might say that Steens Mt east-face and Hart Mt west-face scarps are cooler/spectacular-er than any other Great Basin scarp -- other than the east face of the Sierras, of course, which is king.
I won't say that, however...don't want to start an argument.
(the west side of Notch Peak of the House Range in western Utah is something special, too....maybe I shouldn't rank things at all
)
Fishing pole? Craig, I went to Alaska and didn't fish!
I'm not sure that's even legal...but I think the statute of limitations has run out.
(I used to fish -- caught my first fish in Clear Lake when I was 4 or 5)
I don't know if Smokecreek fishes... And I'll get some Bob-the-dog pics tomorrow.
Did you bring a fishing pole?
Steens Mt -- especially the view from on top, when you can drive the loop road in summer -- is really/almost/I-think national-park spectacular! This time of year the 4000-foot-high east face with snow on it is super, too -- which you can see from the road at its eastern base, next to the Alvord Desert -- the road I drew in up north from Fields. The view of the gently-sloped west side of Steens without being up on it to see the gorges, etc., is not spectacular, not that special at all. That's the side you see from the Catlow Valley, the side you see if approaching from Hart Mt.
Steens Mt is the crown jewel of the whole region -- SE Oregon and NW Nevada. Well, that's just my opinion, of course, but it's widely shared by those who know.
Don't have time to visit Hart Mt? Hmmm...well...the west-facing scarp of Hart Mt, looming precipitously above the Warner Lakes Valley is mighty impressive, too, like the Steens east face, but shear-er. Some might say that Steens Mt east-face and Hart Mt west-face scarps are cooler/spectacular-er than any other Great Basin scarp -- other than the east face of the Sierras, of course, which is king.
I won't say that, however...don't want to start an argument.
(the west side of Notch Peak of the House Range in western Utah is something special, too....maybe I shouldn't rank things at all
Fishing pole? Craig, I went to Alaska and didn't fish!
I don't know if Smokecreek fishes... And I'll get some Bob-the-dog pics tomorrow.
OP
OP
I called Eagle Lake the "second largest natural lake in California" (because Smoke told me, then I looked it up)...but what lake is first then?
Some places say Clear Lake...some say Mono Lake, which seems to be a bit larger (area) than Clear Lake, and both are a lot bigger than Eagle Lake. But whichever of Clear/Mono are first/second, how could Eagle get listed as "second" in several places?
The answer must be that some folks don't count Mono Lake at all. Why would that be? Is it because it's too alkaline/saline to count as "freshwater"? Why would that matter -- it's still a natural lake, even if fish can't live in it...
OK...after a little "research": The Wikipedia entry for Clear Lake says "largest natural freshwater lake entirely in California" -- so maybe "freshwater" is why Mono doesn't make the cut by some people's reckoning.
Some places say Clear Lake...some say Mono Lake, which seems to be a bit larger (area) than Clear Lake, and both are a lot bigger than Eagle Lake. But whichever of Clear/Mono are first/second, how could Eagle get listed as "second" in several places?
The answer must be that some folks don't count Mono Lake at all. Why would that be? Is it because it's too alkaline/saline to count as "freshwater"? Why would that matter -- it's still a natural lake, even if fish can't live in it...
OK...after a little "research": The Wikipedia entry for Clear Lake says "largest natural freshwater lake entirely in California" -- so maybe "freshwater" is why Mono doesn't make the cut by some people's reckoning.
Smokecreek1
Smokecreek1
Windy here too. Ordered maps. Looked at the maps I do have. More confused than ever on what route to take. Not worried, routes have a tendency to work themselves out. They're all good. Can't find any info on whether or not the Nobles Emigrant road would be wise this time of year. Love to take that and avoid Reno.
Okay, came back early from Rocky Point! Nice and sunny yesterday, was even almost warm up there, the night was okay too, today overcast! Which part Craig333, if you mean what we call the Smoke Creek Ranch Road from 395 to Sand pass Road (where Mark BC is)-forget it. The parts from Susanville west probably have snow on them, but if you want to go via Susanville, Smoke Creek Desert and head NE thoward Gerlach, you should be Okay, put a map on here and we can tell you!-it's cold, weather is supposed to change on Wednesday, but put on a map and we can go from there!
Smoke
Okay, came back early from Rocky Point! Nice and sunny yesterday, was even almost warm up there, the night was okay too, today overcast! Which part Craig333, if you mean what we call the Smoke Creek Ranch Road from 395 to Sand pass Road (where Mark BC is)-forget it. The parts from Susanville west probably have snow on them, but if you want to go via Susanville, Smoke Creek Desert and head NE thoward Gerlach, you should be Okay, put a map on here and we can tell you!-it's cold, weather is supposed to change on Wednesday, but put on a map and we can go from there!
Smoke
OP
OP
I am here: 40 52.524 N 118 44.143 W http://maps.google.com/maps?q=loc:40.87541,-118.73573
At Sulfur...heading north up the east side of the east arm of the Black Rock. Destination: McGill Canyon, at the base of the Jackson Mts, below King Lear Peak.
Spent last night camped on a bench above the Smoke Creek Desert, just north of Smoke Creek.
So...there IS cell phone coverage here after all...
At Sulfur...heading north up the east side of the east arm of the Black Rock. Destination: McGill Canyon, at the base of the Jackson Mts, below King Lear Peak.
Spent last night camped on a bench above the Smoke Creek Desert, just north of Smoke Creek.
So...there IS cell phone coverage here after all...
Smokecreek1
Smokecreek1
I am here: 40 52.524 N 118 44.143 W http://maps.google.c...?q=loc:40.87541,-118.73573
At Sulfur...heading north up the east side of the east arm of the Black Rock. Destination: McGill Canyon, at the base of the Jackson Mts, below King Lear Peak.
Spent last night camped on a bench above the Smoke Creek Desert, just north of Smoke Creek.
So...there IS cell phone coverage here after all...
You made it! Did you try sc ranch road like on the map you sent instead of going through Wendel or was the road okay and you were lucky and cell phone too, anyway bet you had a good view of the sc desert and enjoy the rest of the trip!
Smoke
At Sulfur...heading north up the east side of the east arm of the Black Rock. Destination: McGill Canyon, at the base of the Jackson Mts, below King Lear Peak.
Spent last night camped on a bench above the Smoke Creek Desert, just north of Smoke Creek.
So...there IS cell phone coverage here after all...
You made it! Did you try sc ranch road like on the map you sent instead of going through Wendel or was the road okay and you were lucky and cell phone too, anyway bet you had a good view of the sc desert and enjoy the rest of the trip!
Smoke
OP
OP
You made it! Did you try sc ranch road like on the map you sent instead of going through Wendel or was the road okay and you were lucky and cell phone too, anyway bet you had a good view of the sc desert and enjoy the rest of the trip!
Smoke
I went via Wendel/Sand Pass. Don't know about the S.C. Ranch Rd....but I saw a couple of vehicles come down it...so maybe OK...??
Smoke
I went via Wendel/Sand Pass. Don't know about the S.C. Ranch Rd....but I saw a couple of vehicles come down it...so maybe OK...??
Smokecreek1
Smokecreek1
I went via Wendel/Sand Pass. Don't know about the S.C. Ranch Rd....but I saw a couple of vehicles come down it...so maybe OK...??
Your cell phone worked too, but I would not drive that road by myself this time of the year----remember my two "getting stuck this time of the year at Willow Spring on that SC ranch rd "stories! Maybe that what started my sciatic nerve problems so many years ago! Pictures just added some dog pictures on the gallery page-more adventures too-didn't stop at Bruno's for lunch?
Smoke
Your cell phone worked too, but I would not drive that road by myself this time of the year----remember my two "getting stuck this time of the year at Willow Spring on that SC ranch rd "stories! Maybe that what started my sciatic nerve problems so many years ago! Pictures just added some dog pictures on the gallery page-more adventures too-didn't stop at Bruno's for lunch?
Smoke
craig333
Riley's Human
I had a feeling that might be a better route with the Jeep, later in the year. I had a feeling the weather might improve for me. I still have bacon left over from Roundmans too. I have a feeling I'll gain a few pound on this trip. I think I'll bring all the gear. Nothing like a nice fresh trip report too.
Question for ya. I'm thinking of hitting the road after work on thursday if I'm not too wiped out. Probably make it about to Susanville before it gets dark. Any camp spots near there? I'm figuring most campgrounds are still closed.
Question for ya. I'm thinking of hitting the road after work on thursday if I'm not too wiped out. Probably make it about to Susanville before it gets dark. Any camp spots near there? I'm figuring most campgrounds are still closed.
Smokecreek1
Smokecreek1
I had a feeling that might be a better route with the Jeep, later in the year. I had a feeling the weather might improve for me. I still have bacon left over from Roundmans too. I have a feeling I'll gain a few pound on this trip. I think I'll bring all the gear. Nothing like a nice fresh trip report too.
Question for ya. I'm thinking of hitting the road after work on thursday if I'm not too wiped out. Probably make it about to Susanville before it gets dark. Any camp spots near there? I'm figuring most campgrounds are still closed.
Craig-witch way are you coming from Sac, 80 and over or down I-5 and east, for starters-lots of other ways too and witch way are you going after words? It takes about 3 hours from Sac, so maybe even up Feather River may give you an chance to find an open FS CG on the way. You know you can always go to Eagle Lake- it's about 30 min from Susanville, it's open, free and you can wait and see what the weather will be like and head out from there-look at the map. It's supposed to rain here on Wednesday/Thursday, so let me know where you are heading and I'll watch the weather and depending on how you come, try and check on what's open-remember once you are here there are lot's off options for camping on BLM.
Smoke
Question for ya. I'm thinking of hitting the road after work on thursday if I'm not too wiped out. Probably make it about to Susanville before it gets dark. Any camp spots near there? I'm figuring most campgrounds are still closed.
Craig-witch way are you coming from Sac, 80 and over or down I-5 and east, for starters-lots of other ways too and witch way are you going after words? It takes about 3 hours from Sac, so maybe even up Feather River may give you an chance to find an open FS CG on the way. You know you can always go to Eagle Lake- it's about 30 min from Susanville, it's open, free and you can wait and see what the weather will be like and head out from there-look at the map. It's supposed to rain here on Wednesday/Thursday, so let me know where you are heading and I'll watch the weather and depending on how you come, try and check on what's open-remember once you are here there are lot's off options for camping on BLM.
Smoke
craig333
Riley's Human
Eagle Lake might be nice. Haven't been there since we poured a driveway at the fire station. I figured on 80 to 395. If I leave friday though I'll probably push on for NV. I figure at least starting on the route Mark laid out, going clockwise. Who knows though, I have a tendency to make last second changes. Hmmm, that road looks interesting
Smokecreek1
Smokecreek1
Craig
If you are running late and it's getting dark, check Lauflan FS CG just this side of Milford- turn left at the store before you hit Milford-it may/may not be open; it's 4 miles up the county road-it may be cold and wet. There is also a private CG just before you get to Lauflan cut-off-never been there, could be an emergency stop if you need it. On 395 between the rest stop north of Secret Valley and the Ravendale Fire station is the BLM CG at Rams Horn-you will see a CG sign on the rt side, CG is I think about 2 miles up a gravel road-it was closed because of the fire last year and it usually is open year round, but I still like Eagle Lake if you have the time, either on the south shoreline line or over at Rocky Point. If you head into BLM Ca/ Nevada/Or from 395 just follow the routes we have been suggesting-lot's of places to camp, read your maps and try not to camp on private land! Have a good trip, I'll keep checking to see when and where your adventure will take you-just remember most of those "how I got stuck on a back road " threads happened this time of the year. Ah so much to see and so little time!
Smoke
If you are running late and it's getting dark, check Lauflan FS CG just this side of Milford- turn left at the store before you hit Milford-it may/may not be open; it's 4 miles up the county road-it may be cold and wet. There is also a private CG just before you get to Lauflan cut-off-never been there, could be an emergency stop if you need it. On 395 between the rest stop north of Secret Valley and the Ravendale Fire station is the BLM CG at Rams Horn-you will see a CG sign on the rt side, CG is I think about 2 miles up a gravel road-it was closed because of the fire last year and it usually is open year round, but I still like Eagle Lake if you have the time, either on the south shoreline line or over at Rocky Point. If you head into BLM Ca/ Nevada/Or from 395 just follow the routes we have been suggesting-lot's of places to camp, read your maps and try not to camp on private land! Have a good trip, I'll keep checking to see when and where your adventure will take you-just remember most of those "how I got stuck on a back road " threads happened this time of the year. Ah so much to see and so little time!
Smoke
Smokecreek, I think the cg you are referring to is Laufman. Craig, when Donna and I head in that direction and leave after work it makes a good spot to stop. Open year round, always quiet, convenient to the highway yet mostly overlooked, even a decent vault toilet. Here is a link from Camping USA - Laufman
craig333
Riley's Human
Sounds like a good spot. I'd like to leave after work otherwise I may wind up puttering around and not leaving till ten. I don't know what happened to the summer weather I ordered. Long range forecast is looking pretty iffy. Thirty percent chance of scattered showers saturday and sunday. So far its not enough to make me cancel. It may make offroad travel on dirt roads a no go though.
If it does look like I should cancel it'll probably be the other way down to the alabama hills, DV.
If it does look like I should cancel it'll probably be the other way down to the alabama hills, DV.
OP
OP
...Long range forecast is looking pretty iffy. Thirty percent chance of scattered showers saturday and sunday. So far its not enough to make me cancel. It may make offroad travel on dirt roads a no go though.
Oh come on, Craig! What's the worst that can happen...? Wouldn't you like to be able to post your own "Incident..." report? (It's even in the same area as mine was...)
Speaking of "mine", I'm camped east of, on the other side of the east arm of the Black Rock from, where I had my "incident" in Dec, 2011. No, I'm not going back to give it another try this trip!
Oh come on, Craig! What's the worst that can happen...? Wouldn't you like to be able to post your own "Incident..." report? (It's even in the same area as mine was...)
Speaking of "mine", I'm camped east of, on the other side of the east arm of the Black Rock from, where I had my "incident" in Dec, 2011. No, I'm not going back to give it another try this trip!
OP
OP
......If it does look like I should cancel it'll probably be the other way down to the alabama hills, DV.
All kidding aside...as much as I love NW-NV and SE-OR, I'd never say it's a better destination than the east side of the Sierras...just different. Steens Mt at its best and some aspects of Hart Mt might give the eastern Sierra a good challenge...but mostly it's a subtle beauty/spectacularness. And it's a lot drier (despite occasional mud holes
) and so, until spring growth comes -- browner. But one advantage that "my area" has over the eastern Sierra: WAY fewer people!
I did a hike today that went through a mile-wide patch of dead-looking (but actually just winter-dormant) greasewood...not too attractive. Glad I wasn't introducing a newcomer to the area.
Still a good hike overall.
Ever since I've visited the Alabama Hills for the first time, a couple of times in the past couple of years, I've been amazed how I'm now noticing that it's the location for lots of westerns (movies).
All kidding aside...as much as I love NW-NV and SE-OR, I'd never say it's a better destination than the east side of the Sierras...just different. Steens Mt at its best and some aspects of Hart Mt might give the eastern Sierra a good challenge...but mostly it's a subtle beauty/spectacularness. And it's a lot drier (despite occasional mud holes
I did a hike today that went through a mile-wide patch of dead-looking (but actually just winter-dormant) greasewood...not too attractive. Glad I wasn't introducing a newcomer to the area.
Ever since I've visited the Alabama Hills for the first time, a couple of times in the past couple of years, I've been amazed how I'm now noticing that it's the location for lots of westerns (movies).
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