Fifteen Mile CG

Camp

Don't tell anyone, but Fifteen Mile CG is awesome. First off, its free! Secondly, its remote! Thirdly, 2 excellent camp sites!

Kerrie and I headed out to the East side of Mt Hood this past weekend to get a little R&R. Getting settled in my new job has been challenging and decent weather pushed us towards the mountains.

We got into 15Mile CG around 8pm Friday evening and had camp pretty much set before dark. We cooked a wonderful dinner of brats, boiled potatoes and salad, sipped or guzzled Mac's Full Bloom Lager, one of the best lagers Ive had in a while. We ended the night around the campfire, then passed out to the trickle of Fifteen Mile Creek.

Fifteen Mile Creek

Super Sweet Hammock Setup

The next day, I went for a trail run into the Badger Creek Wilderness Area up Fret Creek past Oval Lake to Palisade Point and onto Flag Point Fire Lookout. All in all, this was a great run. I'd say Palisade Point was more of a highlight than the lookout as I got to scramble around on some mini rock outcroppings.

Oval Lake

Palisade Point

Looking back towards the fire lookout

Okay another self portrait, this time with a view

Flag Point Fire Lookout, which was occupied, but the guy staying their for the month, let another couple and I up to take in the view.

Glorious Outhouse Shot

Montrail Bajadas with Drymax Sock. Plug for my unofficial sponsors

Hood from Flag

Yet another

My favorite kind of signs

That evening, Kerrie and I took the Green Machine 4x4ing up to High Prairie then hiked up to Lookout Mountain. I was slightly disappointed as it was really hazy and the sun was just about to set behind Mt. Hood so the views werent the best, but definitely worth the hike. I'm sure Ill be up there again.

Fields of Aster and Violets

More food and beer that evening, followed by a big thunder and lightning show in the middle of the night. Fun and slightly scary.

The next day we took time leisurely cleaning camp. Then proceeded down HWY 35 to hike into Tamanawas Falls. I'd made in halfway in once before before turning around. This time we made it, but it was hot. The mist coming off the falls felt really good.

Tamanawas Falls and random kid

We ended the day with stops at two new breweries, Solera in Parkdale and Pfriem in Hood River. I also took a wonderful dip in the Columbia to cool off.

Victory Beers

All in all it was a fantastic weekend.

UNT

Bryan