The day started out nice enough. A little cold but sunny and a little windy. We were getting a late start as I often do when it’s cold out, We headed out about noon from my place in Madras, Oregon.

The Roads we were planning to travel on the first leg of the route were extremely muddy due to the recent rain and snow, so we decided to take the paved road to Ashwood, Oregon instead. We would still see plenty of mud on this trip.

As we headed out of town on HWY 97 we were enjoying the beautiful views of the high dessert, but soon the skies had turned gray and the wind had picked up reminding us that it is still winter in Oregon.

When we pulled into Ashwood it was starting to hail and as we left the pavement that hail was covering the road. The road was not frozen and so still muddy under the hail. As we continued up the valley heading south the mud was slick but no deep. That all changed when we passed the last ranch on the north end, at once the mud was slick and deep, and in spots sticky clay based mud. Now it’s time to engage the 4WD.

I don’t have many pictures of the mud as I needed both hands on the wheel to stay on the road, so you will have to trust me that it was fun.

After several miles of mud we got to the canyon along the creek which is a little rockier and with a few creek crossings.

After that we were in the Ochoco National Forest, and snow. The snow started out only a couple of inches, but as we climbed toward the McKay summit it quickly tuned to a couple feet deep. Ofcourse with three jeeps (two YJ’s and a TJ) we knew we would be able to make it over even if we had to fight for it.

Fortunately, that didn’t happen as the snow was not yet melted and refrozen, We drove right through it and up to and over the summit. Once on the south side of the summit we encountered other vehicles. Up to this point we had the whole place to ourselves. Maybe the others knew better or had more sense then us. Either way it was a great adventure in beautiful country with good friends.

Click on the link below for the highlights video.

As always, thanks for checking in and have a great day!