Current Adventure: Oregon Cascades Volcanic Arc (OCVA) & The Oregon Outback (TOO).

Daily Posts…

Day 1. TOO. Klamath Falls to Bush Camping.

I enjoyed the convenience of the terminus for both routes being one and the same just outside the Maverick Motel. There are also great dining options in the vicinity and I was able to enjoy a fabulous pizza for lunch and a smash burger for dinner. I also was able to walk about a little and get a feel for Klamath Falls.

This morning came easy and soon I was out on the road heading for the trail I would essentially be on all day, the OC&E Woods Line State Trail. It did not take me long to find it and after a quick stop at a convenience store, I was heading on down the line.

Klamath Falls Views.
The trail.
Morning Views.

The trail was primarily pavement while still in the surrounding area of Klamath Falls. It then turned into an assortment of conditions throughout the day. There were some nice gravel spots, jeep tracks, single track, severely overgrown areas, rocky areas, gofer hole areas, red lava rock areas and just your typical chunk areas. They have a little for everyone it seems.

Stand off.
How many do I have to open and shut? Around 40!
The trail.

The way to handle such variables is to simply take it easy and do not rush any of it. Take the necessary breaks, enjoy all the nature around and accept the fact that this will be an all day excursion. That is why I wanted to do this route, it has these unique and expected sections. I saw numerous bird species, flowers, horses, a coyote, deer and of course, cows. Lots of cows. And to top it all off, I smelt sage almost all day.

Morning Beauties.
Trail Friend.
Lovely.
Trail Beauty.
Trail Views.

I had two stops today once I left Klamath Falls. The places I stopped were not your typical roadside convenience store. You can get a long way apparently by simply saying hey as soon as you walk in the door of these types of establishments. Let them know you appreciate they are here for you.

Lunch stop.

It was definitely warm today as the temperature seemed to be turned up quite a lot after my initial lunch stop. I was also exposed for most of the remaining afternoon, so the last stop was vital in relaxing and getting the necessary replenishments before the last push to camp.

Just before the last stop, I successfully found a hidden gofer hole and over the handlebars I went. I rolled a little to lessen the blow and immediately checked my collarbone once I had come to a complete stop. All good. War Dog needed a little tapping for a shifter adjustment and he was ready to go. It was definitely time for a break.

Afternoon Views.
Five Mile Creek Busch Camping.

Due to a rather recent fire, the trail becomes impassable about a mile from where the suggested bush camping sites are located due to numerous fallen trees. The route creators did a good job recommending a beautiful camping area adjacent to an amazing stream. I am sure before the fire, it was something to behold.

Now it serves the purpose of some limited shade, a great water source and the remoteness I enjoy. No complaints here.

Day 1.

7 responses to “Day 1. TOO. Klamath Falls to Bush Camping.”

  1. Damn gofers and damn gravity. Glad the spill turned into a non issue. Beautiful sights today. Wondering what was stocked in the Squaw Plat’s Store…..my guess is ammo and beer. R

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    1. You name it, they had it! It was a mini grocery store on one side.

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  2. This was one of my favorite days to read about on your journey (except for the gopher hole tumble), We’ve driven through this part of Oregon so many times, but haven’t appreciated enough the beauty and feel of another era like your time on the OOT. The Squaw Flats Store was certainly one of a kind! Glad you found lunch there. Thank you, again, for your travel log. ❤️🧑🏻‍🦳

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  3. That gravity is no joke!!!

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  4. Your early dawn photos remind me to appreciate the morning more. Keep ’em coming!!

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  5. Ouch! I’m glad that tumble wasn’t more serious out there in the desert. I’m following along with the Bikepacking.com route. Is that the one you’re using?

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