In about five weeks, we're going to launch the OAS trip. Starting in Walla Walla WA we will run Route 5 of the Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route from Walla Walla to Burns OR (about 500 trail miles) and then explore and camp in the Alvord-Steens region for several days.
The trip roster is 'FULL' at this point.
When: Friday August 14- Sunday August 23
Meeting: Friday August 14, 3PM at Dunham Cellars Winery in Walla Walla Washington
The GPX file with detailed route, way-points and points of interest is being finalized and will be emailed to each trip member.
A more detailed description, including the trip roster, of the trip can be found here
https://www.northwestoverland.com/events-1/trip-full-obdr-alvord-steens-oas-expedition-2020
Details about Route 5 of the OBDR can be found here
https://www.oohva.org/OBCDR/route5.html
More information about the Alvord-Steens area can be found on this excellent blog
https://adventuretaco.com/alvord-desert-we-return-to-explore-apr-2019/
The current trip roster is
Attendees
Scott Sattler - Trip Leader
Dan Cronin - Safety Observer
Nathan Poplawski - Security Manager
Chris Schenk
Brandon Schmitz
Kevin Queenan
Nick Parsons
Sean DeBruler
William Beers
Earl Pluard
Any HAM mobile transceivers in the $100 - $200 range worth recommending?
Updated trip roster is (driver's name listed only) as of 8/5/2020
Dan Cronin, Nathan Poplawski, Kevin Queenan, Kitt Pluard, Phil from @waypointoverlandtv, TJ Purdy, Brandon Schmitz, Chris Schenk, Sean DeBruler
Get ready !
Both Kit and I have a set of the paper maps from OOHA.
Does someone in the group have the OBDR maps from OOH A? It has been on my radar to get them anyway, maybe I should just go ahead and purchase.
@T.J. Purdy please email me Scott.sattlermd@gmail.com and I’ll send you the planning thread emails and GPX track file. Make sure you have an Oregon OHV permit. see you soon !
Ok, @Scott Sattler , I'm in! I'll either be bringing my 9-year-old, 7-year-old, or coming solo. I just completed registration so hopefully you can see that. I'm very excited and grateful for the opportunity!
TJ, hope you can make it. Us ground tenters need to stick together! ; )
TJ - you're welcome to start with us in Walla Walla and leave the trip when you'd like to. Ground tents and swags are always options. I've got my RTT mounted (finally...). An awning room would be a good option if you have it. As far as I know, there are at least three children under 10 years old on the trip, including my son, Hank (9)
I've got a spot on the OAS trip that has opened up - if you can commit to August 14-24ish starting in Walla Walla, WA - hit me up.
@waypointoverlandtv will be joining our group !
The GPX file for the OAS trip has been sent to each trip participant. Check your email and review the file. See you all in Walla Walla on Friday August 14th 3PM on Dunham Winery.
OAS trip members -
I'm still finalizing and double-checking our GPX route and will email this out next week.
To get your planning wheels turning, Ill disclose my proposed trip plan here -
Day 1 Walla Walla to Marcus Whitman Viewpoint at mile 90 on OBDR
Day 2 Camp at Desolation Butte Lookout at mile 209 roughly 6500ft
Day 3 fuel stop in Granite OR off route from mile 223
Top off fuel in Unity OR (last fuel for 100 miles) mile 308 to Table Mountain Lookout for camp
Day 4 Malheur River crossing at mile 352
Visit Frazier Lookout at mile 359
Gas and food in Seneca at mile 384, camp at Smith Meadows mile 401
Day 5 visit Lost Cabin at mile 412, Sugar Loaf Lookout mile 425, exit OBDR at mile 505 and take 20 East into Burns or find campsite near Crane Hot Springs for the night
Day 6-10 Burns area to Alvord Desert, hot springs, camping on playa and Steens Mountain Loop,Wildhorse Lake, ghost towns, camping on Steens mountain etc
Depending on how hot it is on the Alvord Playa, we can opt to camp at altitude up on Steens.
An update:
William Beers cannot join us, sadly. Sean DeBruler has stepped into his spot.
To date, I have heard from everyone that is planning on joining the trip, except Brandon Schmitz.