Well, once again, the high desert of central Oregon did not disappoint. The weather was beyond amazing, the participants were eager to explore and the terrain was timelessly captured for our enjoyment and we essentially lived in a three dimensional geology lesson for three days. Absolutely stunning.
Most of our participants gathered at Tumalo State Campground, North of Bend, OR. Due to some work obligations, I was unable to depart for Bend until Friday AM. So I suggested we all met at Fort Rock. I finally arrived around 4:30 PM. The weary travelers, spending most of the afternoon exploring Bend and Sun Valley, were eager to get on the trail and make camp. So, that's what we did. We departed Fort Rock and headed North on Cabin Lake Road. A road that parallels Fort Rock that goes North-South. We drove about 5-6 miles before we reached the dispersed camping area.
Home for the night...
We had to divert North and around some private property in order to access the cave. Even though this is mainly BLM and DNR public land, property owners have the right to keep their gates closed and locked unless you contact the property owners in advance to allow access the passage. Why do you even want to cross the private property? Well, it is a shorter route. So if you have other destinations or waypoints you want to hit in the area, it does make sense to call ahead. Calling ahead? good question. I will research that one.
All in All, we had an AMAZING commute from Cabin Lake Campground to Derrick Cave.
Stay Tuned for Episode 2, Where we dismount the vehicles and make our way into the cave!
Until then, thanks to all of our participants on this trip. Everyone was amazing.
Great attitudes and a very spirited crew!!
Dan
@Dan Cronin any chance you can post the
This trip was a blast! Thanks Dan!
I had a great time meeting up with the overlanders. This was my first trip since joining and have met some great folks on this adventure. I know how hard it is to plan group events and Dan did a outstanding job of it. I am looking forward to more good trips in the future.
Oregon Outback Geological Discoveries Expedition Part 2
Here, we are making our way down the last few miles to Derrick Cave.
Nathan & Bobbee eager to get to the cave.
The entrance to the cave.
A spirit among us?
Into the deep we go! Derrick Cave is a lave tube located in the remote northwest corner of Lake County, Oregon. The cave is approximately 1,200 feet (370 m) long. It is up to 80 feet (24 m) wide and 46 feet (14 m) high in places. It was named in honor of H.E. Derrick, a pioneer rancher with a homestead 3 miles (4.8 km) southeast of the cave.
Most ventured to the end of the cave to touch the last rock before turning around and heading back out to the entrance.
After we exited the cave, we headed back to the parking lot for a well deserved lunch.
As we were heading into the parking area of Derrick Cave, we ran into our good friend, Kevin Rowland. The owner of Wagon Gear, a Toyota Land Cruiser, aftermarket product supplier. What are the chances?!?
Stay tuned for Part III, where we make our way to camp for the evening at Green Mountain Lookout!
Dan