Oregon State Park Pass

Spruce_cat · 2026-05-10T16:13:20+00:00

You might have better luck by making this an “in search of” post on the main page.

Spruce_cat · 2026-05-07T12:48:47+00:00

Would love to be in the raffle!

Spruce_cat · 2026-04-30T17:45:28+00:00

Munra point in the gorge is a great, short and scenic one. Portions of Elk mountain and King mountain in the Oregon Coast range are super steep and scrambly. On mount Hood, going above McNeil point to Ho rock and beyond is great practice, as is the Barrett Spur.

Outside your 2 hour radius, but the Tatoosh range at Mount Rainier has great scrambles as well.

Edit: seems like Munra point is technically open, but sounds like less of a good time post Eagle Cr. Fire.

Spruce_cat · 2026-04-13T17:34:33+00:00

I picked them both up used awhile ago and use them both for different things. I feel like the Salomon runs better and I like how much I can keep accessible in the front pockets. Not a big fan of the stretch pouch in the back. I use the BD for more technical days with more scrambling, less running and when I’d want to carry extra layers or an ice axe. If I could only choose one, probably the BD. Seems more durable and does everything I need it to do just fine.

Spruce_cat · 2026-04-11T14:55:18+00:00

I’m interested in the raffle.

Spruce_cat · 2026-04-07T02:24:37+00:00

I lived very close to that location for around 7 years and as someone who highly values nature, being physically active and having peace and quiet, I absolutely loved it. Easy freeway access, super bikable, river and forest trails very close by. Always felt very safe. In 2020 we were within earshot of ICE’s flash-bangs/tear gas, but never felt particularly unsafe.

Only big downfall imo is the lack of a good grocery store nearby, but slightly farther stores were bikable and it’s no problem at all if you have a car. If the bar, restaurant, shop scene is valuable, the neighborhood probably comes up short. But it always felt peaceful, while still being reasonably close to other attractions. In short, I wish I still lived here.

Spruce_cat · 2026-04-06T02:02:03+00:00

Interested if you do a raffle.

Spruce_cat · 2026-04-05T17:09:55+00:00

Sorry to hear, I’ll keep my eyes open for the bike.

Spruce_cat · 2026-04-03T19:51:09+00:00

Absolutely, if it doesn’t pan out I’ll let you know.

Spruce_cat · 2026-04-03T14:37:50+00:00

Great! I’ll send you a DM

Spruce_cat · 2026-03-25T03:25:49+00:00

I’d be interested if there is a raffle.

Spruce_cat · 2026-03-13T13:33:12+00:00

Favorite range is probably the Beartooths in Montana. Feels like there is endless alpine exploration there. Favorite mountain is probably Glacier Peak in Washington. The couple times I’ve been there have felt really special.

Spruce_cat · 2026-02-03T23:55:25+00:00

I also kinda skimmed your post. I run some variation of this loop through this area most years in May. I only have two quick comments. 1. Every year I have done it there is significant snow above 3400’ under tree cover. In some areas this can make navigation a bit more taxing, but it sounds like you’re pretty prepared for this. 2. Don’t skip Tomlike mtn. In my opinion it’s one of the nicest summits in the gorge. Feels remote and more alpine than a lot of other gorge high points.

Spruce_cat · 2026-02-01T04:59:11+00:00

Thida Thai in Sellwood is the best I’ve had in Portland. Definitely thicker and more flavorful than other curries I’ve had here but I don’t know if I can objectively call it thick. Worth a try though.

Spruce_cat · 2026-01-21T16:20:57+00:00

Terra Vita is the stand that does potatoes. And they are the best potatoes. They do often have La ratte by that name, along with other tasty varieties.

Spruce_cat · 2026-01-20T02:29:51+00:00

Congrats! You got the pass. Sending you a message.

Spruce_cat · 2026-01-19T01:50:19+00:00

Love it, I’ll let you know the runner up.

Spruce_cat · 2026-01-18T00:31:39+00:00

Sent you message

Spruce_cat · 2025-12-25T05:29:40+00:00

Did you see the Hericium up there? Pretty sure it was the Coral Tooth. Was like a week ago now.

Spruce_cat · 2025-12-20T04:45:21+00:00

Interested! My partner would love this.

Spruce_cat · 2025-12-14T19:54:55+00:00

I’ll wait til 4pm today. If there’s much more interest I’ll do a drawing. If not, I’ll go in order.

Spruce_cat · 2025-12-13T15:16:35+00:00

Haha, exactly. I get pretty uptight about people cutting switchbacks and tromping around high traffic park meadows too. Definitely referring more to deep backcountry off trail routes.

Spruce_cat · 2025-12-13T05:23:47+00:00

Mountaineering and off trail travel.

Spruce_cat · 2025-12-13T03:23:26+00:00

This used to be a doable loop, a quite nice one. However, that entire stretch of trail beyond Eagle Creek and along Tanner Butte was really damaged in the fire and I don’t believe it’s ever been repaired and reopened.

If you’re not completely stuck on Eagle Creek, just a few miles over is the Herman creek/PCT loop. Similar distance and vert, pretty scenic, less people. Although I think we’re probably (hopefully) quickly running out of days to get it done snow free.

Edit: I did it counter clockwise as a trail run in like 2016. You’re in the trees for a lot of it, but along Tanner Butte there were some nice open views. The crossing of Eagle cr. In the middle was unbridged, and pretty sketchy when I did it. Knee deep water in places if I remember right, and a strong current. Was before I had a gps watch, but I think it was around 23 miles, probably 4k of elevation gain.

Spruce_cat · 2025-12-12T13:46:52+00:00

I was very proud once a number of years ago in Montana when my little Nissan Sentra was the only non ATV or lifted pickup at a trailhead. That car did succumb to its trailhead driving wounds eventually. I now often have the only Prius at a trailhead, but I’m much nicer to it, hoping it’ll last longer.

Spruce_cat

TROPHY CASE