Moving to southern WA. What to expect?

[Fast Rider]

I posted a topic in the WA forum but becuase I'll be so close to OR I was told to keep an eye on things over here. I figured I'd post up here as well to say hey.

Hey guys (and gals),
I'll be making a move from NH to WA in late May. Taking a position in Trout Lake. I'm looking for any info you guys can provide on what I can expect for riding and conditions (for next winter). I typically like to stay off trail and ride backcountry, I know (or hope) I'll be putting my little 121" to the test. Are there any areas like this close by? What is the riding season usually like?

I've got a small jet boat I'll be bringing with me as well. Are there some small lakes or ponds closeby that aren't too crowded? What is the invasive situation like?

The position in Trout Lake lasts through Oct., so after that I will need to look for winter work and an apartment. Hood River seems to be the closest town. What is the typical winter work situation like? Ski areas?

Thanks for any info you can provide. Anything and everything is much appreciated!

 

[Pownar]

I live south of Hood River by 20min at the base of Mt. Hood. You are in one of the best snowmobiling areas with Mt. Adams at your fingertips. Last year the season started around Thanksgiving and went into May. This season might have less snow pack but with this big storm coming through, who knows. Hood River is your biggest town at only 35 min away. I went out last night around 6 and rode well into the dark because I couldn't get enough(some deep stuff). If you want to immerse yourself in winter and work at the resorts, Government Camp OR is the place to live. Hit me up when you get here. I'll see If I can't get a ride in with you.

Pretty soon you will be trading that 121 in for a 152"+

People with jet boats generally use them up rivers(Lewis, North Fork, Kalama, Wind, Little White, Klickitat, etc.....) off the Columbia out here. It's the ultimate way to chase Steelhead and Salmon but there are some lakes around Trout Lake to use them in as well.

Hit me up when you get here. I'll see If I can't get a ride in with you.

 

[Fast Rider]

I live south of Hood River by 20min at the base of Mt. Hood. You are in one of the best snowmobiling areas with Mt. Adams at your fingertips. Last year the season started around Thanksgiving and went into May. This season might have less snow pack but with this big storm coming through, who knows. Hood River is your biggest town at only 35 min away. I went out last night around 6 and rode well into the dark because I couldn't get enough(some deep stuff). If you want to immerse yourself in winter and work at the resorts, Government Camp OR is the place to live. Hit me up when you get here. I'll see If I can't get a ride in with you.

Pretty soon you will be trading that 121 in for a 152"+

People with jet boats generally use them up rivers(Lewis, North Fork, Kalama, Wind, Little White, Klickitat, etc.....) off the Columbia out here. It's the ultimate way to chase Steelhead and Salmon but there are some lakes around Trout Lake to use them in as well.

Hit me up when you get here. I'll see If I can't get a ride in with you.

Man you can't imagine how stoked I am to here that. A riding season that long would be killer. I should be arriving in Trout Lake right about June 1st or so, barring no issues on the drive out there. Work doesn't begin until the 15th, so I'll have quite a few days to learn the area and hopefully meet some locals.

What is the registration situation out there? Granted it's through hearsay, but I've been told that out west if you aren't riding trails (i.e. strictly backcountry) you don't need to register. Is this true? Regardless, I believe in supporting the sport and would be looking to join a club and register anyways. But what are the costs of registering? If there is still snow when I arrive, and registration isn't a huge wallet breaker (if it's needed) I would definately be up for a ride if the traveling is within reason.

Thanks for the info and I will be in touch!

 

[Jakepol800]

Hey dont stress the fee's and dont look pass Eastern Oregon but i have heard there is some good riding around Trout Lake but too many of them come this way to head any farther west

 

[shaneo11]

If I were you, I would sell my 121" sled before you come out here and just use that money to put towards a mountain sled. Living in Trout Lake you only have about a 15-20 minute drive to the snow parks.

 

[Fast Rider]

Thanks for the info guys. I would imagine what riding is left out there this time of year is pretty wet heavy snow with good body to it. I would think I can ride my 121 around in the general areas, I might not by highmarking, but the type of riding I like to do is more freeriding anyways. We'll see what happens and if need be I will longtrack it. I spent a weekend on an Assault, and granted I didn't have a lot of seat time, I felt myself wishing I had my sled time and time again. I could walk that assault on the back bumper for close to 100' though. Ive got a lot of time into my sled so I'd hate to sell it!

My jet boat is a fiberglass sea doo. So Id be using it more for general cruising and watersport type activities. Is the columbia good for this?

 

[Snocross 100]

The columbia is concidered one of the best water skiing rivers in the US. I have a 144 and i struggle to get lots of places. I am getting a 163 for next year!

 

[Fast Rider]

I didnt know that about the columbia. If thats the case that'll be a great place to use my boat. I'm getting pretty stoked to get out there. Should be a lot of fun.
Thanks for the info guys.

 

[dre]

the riding around trout lake is about as good as it gets in this part of the Northwest. I'd sell the 121 back in NH where people want short tracks. It'll be hard to sell in the NW because they aren't very useful in the deep snow you'll be riding near trout lake....or plan on converting it as you mentioned.

 

[Fast Rider]

Ill do a longtrack conversion before I sell the sled. Ive put some blood and sweat into this thing so far so Id like to keep it for a while. I made it out to trout lake this past monday. Good trip. Adams is absolutely covered! I'd love to get a ride in if anyone is interested..