Anyone been up Jordan River (Diversion Damn and such) and/or up past Renfrew this new year yet? I assume the trench is still in place blocking access to Bear Creek Reservoir.
Wondering how the Pacific Marine Rd, Gordon River Rd, Edinburgh Main is (was going to hit Avatar grove and such), as well as head out to Red Creek Fir (Lens Main, Bear Creek Main, Red Creek Rd) and do some camping in the next couple of week.
Given the rain we got this past fall, and hell even the new year so far figured best to check before I head out.
I assume the San Juan River campground is still closed and a no go, but there are tons of spots up that way that I suspect will be zero or few people at given the time of year.
Replying very late, but here goes...
Avatar Grove is closed right now AFAIK -- trail rebuild. Hopefully opening up before the tourist season starts.
San Juan River is no more, I'm afraid!
When did the close Avatar?
I was up on the 18 and 19 of February and although not full open it was mostly open. A friend went up this past weekend (March 5) and did the lower loop.
Didn't manage to get out towards San Juan River - hopefully this month I will.
Road out to Big Lonely Doug was good. I went for about an hour past Eden Grove along the Edinburgh Main with no troubles. Lots of trees down but they had been cut - a few places might be tricky in a full size rig or a van.
Not 100% sure when Avatar closed -- we tried to go a few weeks ago, but luckily found out before we went it was closed. http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC202159&...
Yes, the lower loop is open. It's the upper that's closed -- sorry to not clarify that.
I may try Big Lonely Doug this weekend, then! How hard would it be to turn a 16ft van around if I can't go forward any more?
Thanks!
Big Lonely Doug isn't that bad.
After the bridge there is a bit of a pull off/turn around spot.
A few minutes past there is a "parking spot/lot" where you should be able to turn around if need be/park.
I aired down and went 4 low before tackling the hill after that lot. I suspect aired down with 2WD and dropped in 1st or 2nd gear and have ground clearance if you pick your line well you should have no problem getting up the short "knarly" hill. After that it's nice and easy. FYI I am only on 235/75R15 with stock ride height on my Jimmy.
If you park at the lower lot I'd say it is a 20-30 minute to Doug, if ya make it up the hill, there is a pull off spot that is about ten minute walk to the trail down to Doug.
Eden Grove is so worth pulling over to explore.
I'll post a few picks to give ya an idea.
The "knarly" hill.
Like I said, it's a short run. Not too steep, but some spots that could mess stuff up if one is not paying attention.
Pic doesn't do it any justice
the pull off spot by Lonely Doug
Pull off spot just after the bridge (pic was taken coming back and headed back towards the main road)
And here are the first batch of photos from said trip.
https://prints.scottfraserphotography.com/Projects/Pacific-Northwest-Tra...
Thank you so much for sharing all of that! I looked at your offsite photos --- do you mind me asking where you camped? Looks like a rec site? We may camp overnight rather than do there and back in a day.
Pacheedaht Campground
A great site, it supports locals. It has showers, washer/dryers on site if one so desire.
Pit toilets, on site drinkable water (by the office/general store)
You can beach camp (walk your stuff in) or if ya wanna drive in to a beach front site, I would call for reservations.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pacheedaht-Campgrounds/1543555765940951
If you need firewood, there is a local guy just as you get into Port Renfrew (heading into town) on the left that sells bundles for $20.xx
If you can take the time to spend the night, I would definitely recommend it. It is easy enough to drive up and back (have done it tones over the years), but after a day of back road driving, hiking, etc it's so nice to just stay up that way for the evening.
Cheers.
Staying at Pacheedaht on April 22nd on a beach site. :) Thanks for the tip! I read the reviews: it's a little "rough and ready" by the sounds of it? That's fine with us.
Thanks for the tips! It's appreciated. We're new to the Island, so trying to figure stuff out.