Its the end of October.. time for... SNOW!

japerry · Oct 27, 2014

For the past 7 years I've put on a first snow run up-to Twin Lakes, near the Canadian Border. While its been a great run, I live now in Vancouver, WA which makes that drive a bit... long.

So that said, I'm curious where people would like to explore next? I have a few roads that look available, although not at the 5000ft like twin lakes... choose an area above...

RusM · Oct 27, 2014

I see some rad snow wheeling pics from guys around the castle rock/toutle areas. Probably worth checking out!

War-Jeeper · Oct 27, 2014

Im not sure I will make it this year :booo:

ain'tstuckjustresting · Oct 27, 2014

When I lived down there we used to go up the Spirit Lake Hwy (504) and turn left at the 1st road passed the runaway truck ramp.

WA-Wheeler · Oct 27, 2014

Been to Tonga many times. It is ok. Lots of locals though. Had to pull someone put every time I've been there.

jam session · Oct 31, 2014

I've wheeled at Tonga a lot too. Timing is way different than Twin Lakes due to lower elevation though it is higher than the poll shows. Tonga hiking trail head is 4300ft and the second pit is about 4500ft. Usually doesn't have snow until weeks after Twin Lakes. Another option that I have done the last few years is Fortune Creek. Gallagher Head Lake is at 5500 ft and you can get over 6000 on the short trail up Hawkins Mtn Mine. We didn't make it all the way up Hawkins last year but did the year before. This is at the top:

up

japerry · Nov 1, 2014

Oh! I'd be up for Gallagher lake again, that was a fun trip!

Looking at the lastest snow forcasts, its supposed to stay up in the 7000ft range this week, with lots of rain. The Nooksack snow indicators only show 2" on the ground, so Twin Lakes is still bare.

Judging from the long range forecasts, I don't think there will be any chance next week (the 8th), but things really vary after that.

YotaDude1997 · Nov 1, 2014

If you go to Gallagher head lake / Hawkins mine trails, I will be there.

1982cj7 · Nov 2, 2014

The NOAA long range forecast shows not a lot of snow until late in the season.

zukkev · Nov 4, 2014

The RRR's have a couple folks that are taking the reigns on continuing the Legendary :redneck: T.L. Run Jakob :awesomework: ...As things start to gain traction

for snow weatherwise, there WILL be a new thread started for this year's T.L. Run! IIRC this will be the 5th Annual...

japerry · Nov 4, 2014

:awesomework:

Actually this year would be the 7th! Here is last years thread:
http://www.nw-wheelers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74988

I'd love to get up there, but I'm liking the idea of Gallagher lake, although Jacob and I met over the weekend and also found a good trip up towards Mt. St. Helens for those who don't mind going south a bit.

zukkev · Nov 4, 2014

Ah, I wondered...Well then the 7th ANNUAL T.L. Run IT IS!!

Was looking over the Gallagher Lk stuff---looks like ALOT of fun!

jam session · Nov 4, 2014

Gallagher was fun but much like Twin Lakes you have to time it right. Hawkins is rated moderately difficult when dry due to a couple of steep climbs that become impassable with more than a foot or so of snow. Here's some pics from a trip Nov 2 last year.

This is at the top of the climb just before the lake. Was getting stuck at 6psi but 3 was magic. I love first tracks.

At the lake

Too much snow to follow the trail on the way to Hawkins. Decided to turn around here.

japerry · Nov 4, 2014

Yah, I think that'd be a great run to do! It looks like Gallagher is nearly 5500ft. Judging by photos from Moonrocks (5800ft), there is only a dusting of snow up there. Nooksack, up north at 5000ft also confirms there is only about 2-5" on the ground.

I'll keep my eye on the weather, but I think as long as I'm not in Charlotte, I'd love to do this.

nick c · Nov 4, 2014

I'd love to do anything further south, Twin Lakes was a blast but was a long haul.

Gallagher would be awesome. Keep me updated Jakob.

Donkeylips · Nov 4, 2014

zukkev said:
The RRR's have a couple folks that are taking the reigns on continuing the Legendary :redneck: T.L. Run Jakob :awesomework: ...As things start to gain traction for snow weatherwise, there WILL be a new thread started for this year's T.L. Run! IIRC this will be the 5th Annual...

Last year was kind of a flop. Hopefully we can get some decent snow and I can get my junk in one piece before the run.

zukkev · Nov 4, 2014

Donkeylips said:
Last year was kind of a flop. Hopefully we can get some decent snow and I can get my junk in one piece before the run.

Absolutely kinda was, but still a good time...:awesomework: But yeah, hopefully this yr will be better!
Git r Dun!!!

japerry · Nov 5, 2014

Donkeylips said:
Last year was kind of a flop. Hopefully we can get some decent snow and I can get my junk in one piece before the run.

Aww I think you missed our run, which we made it to the top and had a lot of snow to play in!

jam session · Nov 5, 2014

Great pic, I was wondering about that comment. Not quite as challenging as in years past but a lot of fun playing around at the lakes. I certainly enjoyed it! My JK is in the center of the row just to the right of the rock in the background and next to Clarence's tan CJ.

JPT · Nov 5, 2014

zukkev said:
The RRR's have a couple folks that are taking the reigns on continuing the Legendary :redneck: T.L. Run Jakob :awesomework: ...As things start to gain traction for snow weatherwise, there WILL be a new thread started for this year's T.L. Run! IIRC this will be the 5th Annual...

Definitely let me know when this is happening I would love to tag along with you RRRs if its OK. I recently moved to Bellingham so I'm in the area and also hoping to catch the next club meeting but for sure let me know anytime there is wheeling in the area.