My son and I are planning to do the OBCDR in June of 08. We are also planning to do the Modoc and Lassen Back country routes either on the way there or back.
We are looking for clubs or individuals to hook up with on the way and perhaps see some of the sights and places and side trips on the way. Right now the plan is to leave Tracy CA on the 7th of June and do the MBCDR then hit the LBCDR . Then go on to Lake View and begin the OBCDR from south to north on the eastern portion to Washington. On the way back we plan to do the western route which I think is route 5. If some one can show us the way through Washington we may take some time to explore parts of Washington.
We don't have a schedule to be at any particular place at any particular time.
We are also open to attending different events along the way. Any feed back would also be very helpful. We will be driving 2, 1989 Toyota's both sas with dual cases. This is perhaps over kill for this route but this is what we have.
Really looking forward to meeting some folks who can show us parts of the route and introduce us to some kool side trips and point out some of the interesting history etc.
Thanks
Dick Wentworth

I did route 5 I think it was, from Dorris, CA to Hoodoo. It can be done in a 2wd Ford Ranger (just a random vehicle example). Scenic and fun = yes. Challenging = not in the least. I was driving my wife's DD, a 98 Grand Cherokee with 31"s and never put it in 4 wheel drive. And we did all of the "blue/moderate" sections. I guess I did you 4wd for a couple sections of snow we ran into (around 4th of July), but that was it. Gravel roads 99.99% of the way.

It took us like 3 or 4 days (sorry I can't remember), and I felt rushed. (My buddies had to be back for work). Other than half a day fixing an overheating issue on an EB, we were driving and pitching tents in the dark almost every night. I wish we would have had 5 days.

Don't know your schedule, but if you could get a bit more north to the Naches in Washington, I've heard that is great.

Right now we dont have a set schedual. It is just a trip that I want to do. Maby fish a little and see some scenery. We are not in to being in a rush. When we get to Washington we may decide to go all the way to Canada.
Would just like to meet up with some folks along the way.
Thanks

I live in John Day (E. Oregon). The OBDR goes right through here, get ahold of me on your way through if you want. I may run a little bit of it with you.
PM me for my #.

Tim

The IH club I am currently President of has had 2 trips on Route 5 and did Route 4 last year. Like said before, for crawling they aren't that challenging, on Route 5 N or Christmas valley there is one section where you need 4 low and have to pick your way through some very rocky. The most challenging portion of it is finding you way, I think I've seen 2 sign post in the 2 years I have run it. Get GOOD maps, get the Route 5 maps, then get a Gazetteer if you don't already have one and a good GPS.

The sites I really like is spending time up at the fire lookouts. Many times they will be manned and you'll be able to go up top and look around. The people in the lookouts are always happy to see visitors, and if you sign there guest book, be sure to note you're running OBDR. Let the Forest Service know their hard work wasn't in vain. Last year while on Route 4 we actually met one of the ladies involved with planning the original trail. She was ecstatic to hear we were on it.

If you're interested, here are some threads from our forum

2005 Trip
OBDR 2005 (http://www.binderbulletin.org/forums/showthread.php?t=29404&highlight=OBDR)

2004 Trip
2004 Trip (http://www.binderbulletin.org/forums/showthread.php?t=6507&highlight=OBDR)

We've always met great people on the trail and traveling with a big group of Cornbinders always get some looks when we pull into town to fuel up. Doing the trips has honestly been one of my favorite traveling I've ever done. Good luck and feel free to PM with any specific questions.

Thanks for the input everyone. We are not looking for a challenge just a fun father son trip with our two rigs, both 89 toyota, sas with Marlin dualcases and 37mtr with 5.29 front locker and rear spool. We have added one goal and that is to be in Ellensburg, Washington For W.E.Rock on June 20-22 so we can enter the RC comp.
I will have USGS paper maps of the route as well as the OOHVA maps with us.
I have a couple of questions though. What is a GAZETTEER , what GPS and topo program would be suggested for this kind of trip.
Thanks
Dick Wentworth

Thanks for the input everyone. We are not looking for a challenge just a fun father son trip with our two rigs, both 89 toyota, sas with Marlin dualcases and 37mtr with 5.29 front locker and rear spool. We have added one goal and that is to be in Ellensburg, Washington For W.E.Rock on June 20-22 so we can enter the RC comp.
I will have USGS paper maps of the route as well as the OOHVA maps with us.
I have a couple of questions though. What is a GAZETTEER , what GPS and topo program would be suggested for this kind of trip.
Thanks
Dick Wentworth

Gazetteer is a map, I spelled it wrong initially. You can find them at most sporting goods store. I know for a fact GI Joes, Sportsmen's and Fishermen's Marine supply carry them, it's just another source for information, because as you will quickly find no one map is going to be correct.

Link to Amazon--Oregon Gazetteer (http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Atlas-Gazetteer-Delorme/dp/0899333478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197666132&sr=1-1)

As for the GPS, we didn't use a topo program, but if you search the threads I posted up there is some talk about what other's have used. While I am navigating the GPS is used for Lat/Long and to keep milage. Other then that it's good to see where we have been. We also use it some to figure out where camp may be, if water is close by and where we think a good place for lunch might be. Be aware, it isn't quite a simple as getting simply following the maps, sometimes roads are closed or otherwise blocked and sometimes the numbering from one map to another isn't even close, so you've got to spend a fair amount of time navigating.

Be sure to have at least one good chain saw, with how early you are planning the trip it almost a sure bet you'll be the first ones on some of those roads and there will be trees down. Be sure your saw is in tip top shape and you know how to adust it for elevation. When your up on Winter Ridge above Summer lake out of Lakeview you'll be over 7000 feet. Bring plenty of two cycle oil and bar oil, you'll need it.

just noticed this post. i have ran the obcdr from lakeview, ca to walla walla, wa over a period of 4 years. absolutely amazing. hardcore crawlin it isn't but a must do trip. here is a link to some of my pics.
http://www.comancheclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6126
nate

I live in Sisters, looks like the OBCDR goes right through here, too. Something to put on my "To Do" list once I get my Scrambler going. If you happen to need to do any repairs while in my area, feel free to stop by- pm for my # if you want.

now im going to have to take a week long camping trip this summer! i live in milton-freewater so im right by the northern end of it.

Jeep ZJ Great pictures. Thanks everyone for the input. I just ordered the route 5 maps yesterday. The rest in a couple of weeks. Any of you that live along any of the OBCDR that would like to chime in with snow reports , the info would be appreciated. I am thinking that with all the snow this year we may have to put the trip off a few weeks.
Thanks again
Dick Wentworth

Any one have an up date on the snow conditions on the OBCDR right now ? I was looking at a web cam for crater lake and it loks like there is still quite a bit of snow. We were planning to leave next week but we dont want to go if we have to spend all of our time on pavement. I was in Klamath Falls this past weekend and had to drive over to Ashland , there was still some snow on some of the side roads and 4x4 vehicles parked. It didnt look like there had been much travel if any beyond a 1/4 mile off the hwy. Any up dates would be greately appreciated.

Thanks
Dick Wentworth

Any one have an up date on the snow conditions on the OBCDR right now ?





There was still some pretty heavy drifts, in places but it's melting fast. I wouldn't bet that it would be passable in a week though. It really depends on what your driving, and how prepared you are.

Thanks everyone for all the input. We have decided to put the "expedition" off till August.
thanks
Dick Wentworth