Road Trip to find a new place to live and work

[nctacoma]

Greetings,

We, Misa and Colin, have just begun a multi-month road trip with the goal of finding a new home in the mountains where we can live, work, and recreate.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TXPBRimhkEI/AAAAAAAAB1c/rtcWmgipW08/s400/PC310075.JPG

We would love to find a small town with a community feel, where people know each other, there is lots of snow in the winter and warm weather in the summer, and affordable land to stretch out on. We plan to buy property wherever we end up and build a small house.
Colin has a background in outdoor education and carpentry, but is not stuck in either of these fields. (I can't ever see myself working inside all of the time, but I am always open to new opportunities.)
Misa has a background in ESL & elementary education, writing children's literature, and Japanese-English translation.

We left our home in early March and have been traveling for the past few weeks. We stopped in North Carolina, Arkansas, New Mexico, and are currently in Arizona.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TYEBV1ewALI/AAAAAAAAB8c/1JWOrlUNyDk/s400/P3130044.JPG

Our next stop is Baja for some surfing and beach time. We are waiting out the cold until we can head into the Rockies and the Northwest to begin our search in earnest.
We are traveling in our 2008 Toyota Tundra with our dog Tucker. The truck has all the necessary travel goodies and is carrying many of our recreational toys.https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TYEBoY2IZKI/AAAAAAAAB8w/QuNyLLTfzgY/s400/P3130057.JPG

We would love to use this forum as a source for travel information, networking, and meeting new people. It seems so many members live in great places and have traveled to so many amazing places. We are very open to suggestions of places to check out and explore.
We will post updates as we go along, if there is interest, and hopefully solicit information as we travel.
So, Expo community, please give us suggestions for where we should ultimately end up! We are both very excited with this journey and have been having a blast so far on our trip. We look forward to finding out what happens next!

[1leglance]

If you can hang in Arizona till the Overland Expo it would be well worth your time.
Not only will you get fresh info on Baja, but you will meet a ton of people who either live in areas you want to or share your desires and have thoughts.
Welcome and keep us updated with pics & stories.

[Johnston]

You need to check out Hood River.
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=hood+river+oregon&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=BhKBTdaMHJDUtQPM8bGMBg&ved=0CFwQsAQ&biw=1440&bih=733
It's probably on you list to check out already. I'll be at Expo if you want more info. If not PM me when you're in the northwest and I'll show you around.

[shortbus4x4]

I am partial to the NW-OR, WA, ID. I really like CDA in the ID panhandle. But there is lots of pretty country to choose from up there.

[bowzer]

Just starting construction in central Id. Leaving Chicago. Cant wait.

[greentruck]

I attended a conference in Boise, Idaho a couple of years back. The wife came along and saw more of the town. We both really enjoyed our visit. It's a small city, but cozy enough it didn't turn me off -- and I hate anonymous, oppressive cities.

Grand Junction, Colorado is really just a big town, at least the way I see it. Smaller than Boise, it has the same access to almost unlimited countryside, mountains, and deserts.

Good luck in your travels.

[Home Skillet]

You need to check out Hood River.
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=hood+river+oregon&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=BhKBTdaMHJDUtQPM8bGMBg&ved=0CFwQsAQ&biw=1440&bih=733
It's probably on you list to check out already. I'll be at Expo if you want more info. If not PM me when you're in the northwest and I'll show you around.

Tad? I can't believe I found you on expedition portal! It's Eric Davis. Are you an overlander too? I will have to PM you and we can talk.

As far as places for you guys to check out, I agree that Hood River is one to see. On your way you should also stop by Bend, Oregon. Sounds like we have all that your looking for and more.

Home Skillet

[mph]

Don't visit Park City, Utah. We have only gotten 400 inches of snow thus far and mtn. biking is epic in some regards. SLC is right down the road from us. Plus, you are a few hours to the southern Utah desert. Outstanding country!!!!

Just teasing though...If you come this way; let me know. BTW; I have been an elementary school teacher here the past 10 years. Great district!!! I have spent many days in other mountain towns as well...aspen, sun valley, jhole, steamboat, creste butte, snowmass, vail, breckenridge, etc. PC has many advantages! But, no place is perfect.

[pattro]

You need to check out Hood River.
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=hood+river+oregon&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X&ei=BhKBTdaMHJDUtQPM8bGMBg&ved=0CFwQsAQ&biw=1440&bih=733
It's probably on you list to check out already. I'll be at Expo if you want more info. If not PM me when you're in the northwest and I'll show you around.

If I could live in any small town Hood River IS IT! It's nice, small, in Oregon, great fresh produce if your into that, kite boarding/wind surfing... CANT BEAT IT!

[nctacoma]

Hi everyone,

We just are heading out of Baja. We had a really good time, although we didn't spend as much time as we had planned upon there. We seemed to hit a patch of poor weather. It dumped rain on us for a day and a half and turned all of the roads we were on into a mess. I couldn't believe we had to use 4wd to get up the road out of Punta Baja. In the valleys, all the silt got washed down into the road and had the consistency of snot. Traction would be great one minute and then we would be going up the hill sideways the next. It was a fun adventure to say the least. We spent some time in Punta Baja, Punta Cabra, and the wine region south of Tecate. Some highlights were camping in the Bibayoff winery and their shower(see picture) The
water was 68 degrees coming out of the ground so it was like a lukewarm shower to us. The waves and wind weren't cooperating so I didn't find the great surfing that I was expecting but that is ok.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TYu3iJ7zPEI/AAAAAAAACA4/7b-0I78W0V0/s640/P3180028.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TYu3L70cD_I/AAAAAAAACAk/hepbsn20u7A/s400/P3160018.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TYu4G0qvAlI/AAAAAAAACBE/27GyVGSEArA/s640/P3210037.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TYu4Z8VBBJI/AAAAAAAACBY/Hqv0yk2qJHI/s400/P3230045.JPG

We have hood river, Bend, Cda/Spokane, and Park city area on our list. Park city might be out of our price range as we would love to find about 15+ acres to eventually start a small hobby farm upon.

Our next plan is to head through California with an exploratory mission to the area around Mammoth lakes and then poke a bit around Yosemite on our xc-ski's and continue north.
Any suggestions of small towns or areas around Mammoth lakes?


Thanks for any suggestions.

[outinthewoods]

My vote is for Durango Colorado :victory:

I'm rather fond of it here...

[ibex101]

With your wifes education you guys should look at a school called Wasatch academy. Its located in mt.pleasant Utah. They have a ton of international kids so her ESL would be great. They pay for your housing and the people there are very cool. The worlds best kite boarding is very close as well. Pm for me a place to stay if you ever get in this way.

[JCMatthews]

With your wifes education you guys should look at a school called Wasatch academy. Its located in mt.pleasant Utah. They have a ton of international kids so her ESL would be great. They pay for your housing and the people there are very cool. The worlds best kite boarding is very close as well. Pm for me a place to stay if you ever get in this way.

X2 Mt. Pleasant is a beatuiful small town with a lot to offer close to Utah Valley and the Wasatch front, at the base of the Manti La Sals, it would be a great place.

[High Center]

My vote is for Durango Colorado :victory:

I'm rather fond of it here...

Second that. Was there this fall- very cool place.

[mph]

Many places on the outskirts of PC that might fit your bill.





Hi everyone,

We just are heading out of Baja. We had a really good time, although we didn't spend as much time as we had planned upon there. We seemed to hit a patch of poor weather. It dumped rain on us for a day and a half and turned all of the roads we were on into a mess. I couldn't believe we had to use 4wd to get up the road out of Punta Baja. In the valleys, all the silt got washed down into the road and had the consistency of snot. Traction would be great one minute and then we would be going up the hill sideways the next. It was a fun adventure to say the least. We spent some time in Punta Baja, Punta Cabra, and the wine region south of Tecate. Some highlights were camping in the Bibayoff winery and their shower(see picture) The
water was 68 degrees coming out of the ground so it was like a lukewarm shower to us. The waves and wind weren't cooperating so I didn't find the great surfing that I was expecting but that is ok.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TYu3iJ7zPEI/AAAAAAAACA4/7b-0I78W0V0/s640/P3180028.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TYu3L70cD_I/AAAAAAAACAk/hepbsn20u7A/s400/P3160018.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TYu4G0qvAlI/AAAAAAAACBE/27GyVGSEArA/s640/P3210037.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TYu4Z8VBBJI/AAAAAAAACBY/Hqv0yk2qJHI/s400/P3230045.JPG

We have hood river, Bend, Cda/Spokane, and Park city area on our list. Park city might be out of our price range as we would love to find about 15+ acres to eventually start a small hobby farm upon.

Our next plan is to head through California with an exploratory mission to the area around Mammoth lakes and then poke a bit around Yosemite on our xc-ski's and continue north.
Any suggestions of small towns or areas around Mammoth lakes?


Thanks for any suggestions.

[Nipple Twister]

....June Lake

[nctacoma]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the information, we are adding it to our list of towns and places to check out.

While we haven't found anywhere we want to live yet, we have been having some great adventures in the past few days.

We stopped at a friends' house in Santa Monica, borrowed their beach cruisers and found ourselves at Muscle Beach. We had a blast playing on all the gymnastic equipment on the beach.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZDvHrShoxI/AAAAAAAACEg/CiYLpSSz50k/s400/019.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZDvGygoJxI/AAAAAAAACEc/l-1GmlsfU3M/s400/018.JPG

Then we beat it as fast as possible out of the city and ended up in Death Valley for a few days. The night before we got into the park we camped in the desert somewhere. This seems to be a common past time here.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZDvI958CRI/AAAAAAAACEo/Mxefrz6WnXw/s400/024.JPG

We did a great run up Mosaic Canyon

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZDvAZPXlnI/AAAAAAAACEY/sDjyOgG8eyM/s400/034.JPG

Then we did the 60 miles of washboard hell road to the Saline Valley Hot Springs. This is supposedly one of the remotest places in California. We had fun going over South Pass after the storms a few days ago. The Tundra was bouncing around in the snow and mud ruts down the pass. I literally didn't need to steer, the ruts did it for us. We got to the hot springs a bit after dark and set up camp. We were in for a treat once the sun came back up.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZDuXLyLBGI/AAAAAAAACEI/SANySmDuAMY/s400/084.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZDu85fBedI/AAAAAAAACEU/bqWPGA55wBU/s400/058.JPG

2 days at the hot springs and we decided to head out of Death Valley, South Pass was completely snow free now,

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZDuNPFtnGI/AAAAAAAACEA/ISFTxMM0_Ps/s400/102.JPG

Misa is working today at a coffee shop with Wifi and I decided to venture up to Mount Whitney to see if I could do some backcountry snowboarding, but I only had 3 hours of time and by the time I found a good place to start hiking I had already used up one of my hours. So the dog and I went hiking and back into Lone Pine.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZDuB83F4JI/AAAAAAAACD8/NoEUP5FRziE/s400/106.JPG

This afternoon we are heading to Manzanar. After this we will head down and northwest towards Kings Canyon and Yosemite.

[MrBeast]

You definately want to check out western montana.

[grahamfitter]

Don't discount New England. We have four real seasons, mountains, snow, ice, rivers, ocean, surf, accessible major cities and airports and we don't need to drive very far before the scenery changes. The people are a bit reserved but friendly enough when you get to know them.

[nctacoma]

You definately want to check out western montana.

Any towns in particular that you would recommend? All I really know of Montana is Missoula and Bozeman.

We are leaning towards towns smaller than both of those, but wouldn't be opposed to being in the area of towns like that.

[nctacoma]

We spent the past few days in the Sierras. As usual having an absolutely fantastic time.

We camped a bit south of the base of Mount Whitney for 2 nights and did some hiking and some backcountry snowboarding.

Then we headed around to the western side of the Sierras to Sequoia National Park. We were astonished at the beauty this time of the year in the park.
oh yeah, the trees are pretty big as well. Did some XC-Skiing around the trees with nary another soul in sight. Perfect.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZYDFRjv-qI/AAAAAAAACFk/S4cf1HXJPPc/s400/054.JPG


Did I mention there was some snow at higher elevations?
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZYDMsIcrrI/AAAAAAAACFw/mH-GzIO30-8/s400/059.JPG

And a different kind of beauty a lower elevations. It is nice to be in a lush green place again after a few weeks in desert climates.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZYDPTJrVOI/AAAAAAAACF0/A_1FTuLJEbg/s400/061.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZYP3SW-E2I/AAAAAAAACGg/LrFgq5DGrto/s144/064.JPG

Heading north to Yosemite today and tomorrow, will probably spend a few days in the park and then north to Oregon

[keezer37]

...and then north to Oregon

Anxious to hear your opinion on Bend if you still intend to stop there. Everything I've read/heard about the place sounds good. No crazy amounts of rain or severe temps and housing costs look good. I do wonder about the number of timeshares there. My assumption is it's beautiful there in the summer but offers little in the way of employment.

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab323/Yoderandhisbuggy/Sequoias.jpg

[jgolden]

You might want to checkout Southern Oregon as well.
My sister just moved to Ashland, it's a neat (more expensive) town about 30 mins from Medford.
Some of the other small towns around Medford might suit your needs?

[nctacoma]

You might want to checkout Southern Oregon as well.
My sister just moved to Ashland, it's a neat (more expensive) town about 30 mins from Medford.
Some of the other small towns around Medford might suit your needs?

Well this is appropriate.

We just pulled into Oregon and are sitting in a bookstore in ASHLAND, Oregon.
We bought a gazetteer for the state and we are going to explore this area a bit. We are on our way to the local forest service office for the Rogue Valley to see about places to stay while we are exploring.
Yes, Ashland is a little bigger than we are looking for, but the area looks great and there are a bunch of smaller towns that might suit our needs. We will spend about 1 month poking around Oregon and then another month poking around Washington, then off to Idaho.
I might see if I can pick up some on-call work with a wildland fire-fighting crew or something along those lines while we are in a state for a longer period of time. It will be so nice not to spend the majority of our days in the truck for a while.
We both feel that the search has finally begun.
And to the other poster, we will be in Bend in a little while as we are having some mail forwarded there and many people have recommended the area to us.
We spent the past few days in Yosemite(I think it should be called Yosemite National highway) It was so crowded even for early spring and the valley was still snow covered. We got away from the crowds and realized how special the place is. I don't think I could handle it in the height of tourist season though.
I will post some pictures of that soon.

[nctacoma]

here are some pictures of our time in Yosemite

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZzOJDyxGMI/AAAAAAAACG0/cgLB92-uT4E/s400/P4020025.JPG
A little XC ski to Dewey Point

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZzOgTeULxI/AAAAAAAACG8/WgXv2svZ-xU/s400/P4020039.JPG
The waterfalls were raging because of spring snowmelt

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZzUYE6SIjI/AAAAAAAACIg/u6D5zu0F4ZQ/s400/P4020033.JPG
I believe this is a fairly photographed spot

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TZzUe8TnOmI/AAAAAAAACIs/z4N0a1p1_A0/s400/P4030063.JPG
Half Dome

[jgolden]

My sister and her husband have a cute house close to town(walking distance). They would probably let you stay in their pop-up tent trailer in the backyard for a couple nights.
Let me know if you want me to ask.
Either way, have fun!!!

The whole area is really neat and i'm sure you could find some reasonable land in the smaller other towns.

[nctacoma]

Anxious to hear your opinion on Bend if you still intend to stop there. Everything I've read/heard about the place sounds good. No crazy amounts of rain or severe temps and housing costs look good. I do wonder about the number of timeshares there. My assumption is it's beautiful there in the summer but offers little in the way of employment.

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab323/Yoderandhisbuggy/Sequoias.jpg

We are in Bend right now, yes the weather is good, people are all super friendly so far, it is on the dry side of the mountains so not a lot of rain. We drove from downtown Bend today to Mt. Bachelor to do some snowboarding and the drive was only 30 minutes. Tons of people on bicycles all over the place.
I think the housing prices are a bit inflated, I read somewhere that Bend had the most overpriced real estate market in the country a few years ago. It seems like a great outdoorsy place, but for us I don't think it is what we are looking for, I haven't been able to find any small farms around, probably due to the lack of rain and 300 days of sunshine a year. There is definitely a lot of new development around the area, lots of subdivisions and condos, not my cup of tea, but I guess it means that people want to be here.
We are looking for an area much smaller and quieter than this. We wouldn't mind being around an area like this, just not downtown.

We did manage to find a travelers secret gem, good showers, at Mcmenamins St. Francis School. If anyone is traveling in this area and needs a shower, you can go to their turkish bath for $5 per person and you have to shower before getting into the baths. A great deal indeed.

Tomorrow we are heading to some hot springs in the forest and then to Sisters, Oregon to check out the [/U]My Own Two Hands Festival[/U]

After that, we are not sure where we will head, possibly up to the Hood River Area or maybe west to check out the Eugene area.

[nctacoma]

My sister and her husband have a cute house close to town(walking distance). They would probably let you stay in their pop-up tent trailer in the backyard for a couple nights.
Let me know if you want me to ask.
Either way, have fun!!!

The whole area is really neat and i'm sure you could find some reasonable land in the smaller other towns.

Thanks for this offer, this is really nice of you. We only ended up staying in Ashland for 2 nights though. The Applegate Valley was a beautiful place to spend some time in.

[keezer37]

We are in Bend right now, yes the weather is good, people are all super friendly so far, it is on the dry side of the mountains so not a lot of rain. We drove from downtown Bend today to Mt. Bachelor to do some snowboarding and the drive was only 30 minutes. Tons of people on bicycles all over the place.
I think the housing prices are a bit inflated, I read somewhere that Bend had the most overpriced real estate market in the country a few years ago. It seems like a great outdoorsy place, but for us I don't think it is what we are looking for, I haven't been able to find any small farms around, probably due to the lack of rain and 300 days of sunshine a year. There is definitely a lot of new development around the area, lots of subdivisions and condos, not my cup of tea, but I guess it means that people want to be here.
We are looking for an area much smaller and quieter than this. We wouldn't mind being around an area like this, just not downtown.

After that, we are not sure where we will head, possibly up to the Hood River Area or maybe west to check out the Eugene area.

Thank you for the info. It's good to get an opinion on a town from someone who doesn't live there. The biking is a big plus for me. I'd recommend http://www.realtor.com/ to get a feel for prices and availability of homes with acreage. They have good filters for lot size, etc. I haven't looked at Eugene much but I recall it is pricey (university's there I think). Eugene is twice the size by population with respect to Bend. Places with land are not what you would call abundant in OR.
City Data http://www.city-data.com/city/Oregon.html is another useful tool if you don't already use it. Weather, Home Value, Voting Trends, Crime, Male/Female Ratio, etc.

Here's a lovely little family oriented town: http://www.medinaoh.org/. I might even know someone with four acres of land for sale.:ylsmoke:

[scottgps]

You may want to try NE Oregon (maybe Joseph) since you are in the area.

Good Luck

Scott

[shortbus4x4]

Thanks for this offer, this is really nice of you. We only ended up staying in Ashland for 2 nights though. The Applegate Valley was a beautiful place to spend some time in.

You are right about the Applegate valley, its on my list of places I wouldn't mind living if I relocate to Medford area.

[theicecreampeople]

Tad? I can't believe I found you on expedition portal! It's Eric Davis. Are you an overlander too? I will have to PM you and we can talk.

As far as places for you guys to check out, I agree that Hood River is one to see. On your way you should also stop by Bend, Oregon. Sounds like we have all that your looking for and more.

Home Skillet

i second that ..bend is a great place ..lived there for 10 years ..but needed a change and in texas now ...miss it often so much to do there that you two would like ..i have a great realitor and other resourses if you are interested ...good luck ..jason

[Bikemobile]

Anywhere in Colorado!
I live in Gunnison, 80's in the summer, lots of snow in the winter. 30 minutes from world class skiing, mountain biking, and road biking.

[nctacoma]

You may want to try NE Oregon (maybe Joseph) since you are in the area.

Good Luck

Scott

Yes we are going to check out the Wallowas at some point on our trip. Not sure if we will do it now or after we spend some time in Washington and then head to Idaho and check out northeastern Oregon at the same time, it will be a bit warmer if we wait a while. I have heard great things about that area.

Does anyone know anything about Oakridge, Oregon? A guy told us last night it might fit our criteria? Also told us to check out Zigzag. That is the story of our trip!!

[BCHauler]

If you feel like coming to Canada, just across the border in the lower mainland area of BC has everything. It's safe, friendly, beautiful, and multicultural. However, if you don't eat sleep breathe hockey, we will eat you...:)

[Herbie]

If you feel like coming to Canada, just across the border in the lower mainland area of BC has everything. It's safe, friendly, beautiful, and multicultural. However, if you don't eat sleep breathe hockey, we will eat you...:)

Also, for safety's sake, practice suppressing your urge to giggle whenever someone mentions Curling.

j/k - former member of San Diego Curling Club, wished I'd had time to visit the Curling arena when I was in Vancouver a few months back

[nctacoma]

Well the past week has been spent in Sisters and Bend.

We liked Sisters a lot, but disliked the cookie cutter developments ringing the edge of downtown. It was a great jumping-off point into the national forest for recreation.

One rainy day(yes one of many during our time in Oregon) we headed over to Cougar Hot Springs. What a nice place that was. http://surfing-pictures.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/cougar-hot-springs.jpg I stole that picture from a website since I didn't want to have my camera around with a bunch of naked people, they might have misconstrued my intentions.
While waiting for the post office to receive some general delivery mail we passed the time hiking, snowboarding, and doing some long trail runs.

Now we are in Hood River. We are very impressed with this town. This is the first area where both my wife and I would consider living in. We are going to spend a while exploring the small towns around the gorge and in the mountains. I will be curious to see what the employment situation around here is. Everywhere we go people tell us the employment situation is very grim, however neither of us has ever had too much trouble finding work. I think having jobs lined up in an area we really want to be in will help make our decision easier.
Any recommendations on things to do while in this area? We definitely have to get back up to Mount Hood to do some adventuring.

[Falkon]

Wow. Adventurous, brave and bold. I admire you both.

[nctacoma]

we've been poking around the Washington Cascades for the past week or so. We are liking what we have been finding.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TcsQHNlrIzI/AAAAAAAACRs/Rde_u2lx0Uo/s400/P5100035.JPG

Next week our friend is letting us stay at her family's home on Orcas Island, so that should be a nice break from our 40 square foot apartment in the back of our truck.


After that, we are going to head to the other side of the Cascades to spend some time in the Methow Valley!!! That is my number one choice of places to settle down in so far. Does anybody have any good advice on things to do in the Valley? Any input would be appreciated.

This was a large lumber mill in Darrington,

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TcsOr7Zn_bI/AAAAAAAACRc/jV0BWy4MAlA/s400/P5090019.JPG

[PirateMcGee]

Ashland, OR is pretty cool, a little hippyish but cool, also Jacksonville.

[washington taco]

we've been poking around the Washington Cascades for the past week or so. We are liking what we have been finding.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TcsQHNlrIzI/AAAAAAAACRs/Rde_u2lx0Uo/s400/P5100035.JPG

Next week our friend is letting us stay at her family's home on Orcas Island, so that should be a nice break from our 40 square foot apartment in the back of our truck.


After that, we are going to head to the other side of the Cascades to spend some time in the Methow Valley!!! That is my number one choice of places to settle down in so far. Does anybody have any good advice on things to do in the Valley? Any input would be appreciated.

This was a large lumber mill in Darrington,

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_wJLX1fgpkK0/TcsOr7Zn_bI/AAAAAAAACRc/jV0BWy4MAlA/s400/P5090019.JPG

The snow will still be DEEP over 3000'. Cross country, snowmobile, tons of FS roads to drive.

[shultzie]

Hey guys,

Hope the trip is going good. When you guys head to Idaho check out Sandpoint, ID its about 40 min north of CDA on 95. Small town of 7,000 people with local ski resort. Some summer traffic but not to bad. Love the town. Lived up in Priest Lake for a few years which is about a hour northwest of there. Great remote place to visit if you have time. Keep us updated and good luck with your search!

P.S. Whitefish is a great small place just north of Kalispell in Montana also. If you have any questions on what to check out or some great off the highway drives email me at daveshultz20@hotmail.com I would be glad to help out!

[Goochm]

Joseph, Oregon and Wallowa County is my idea of heaven: no stoplights in the entire county, only 7000 people in the county, only chain fast food is a Subway in Enterprise, nearest WallyWorld 70 miles away in LaGrande. Unbeleivable scenery, great recreation and super ranch people. I tried moving there 2x and faced the same problem each time: work in the summer, DEAD in the winter. Cheap great living but you have to make enough in five months to live twelve. An option: LaGrande/Union/Cove or Baker City. Small city/towns on the western and southern ends of the Wallowa/Eagle Cap range that may offer better opportunities for work while still getting all the advantages of a rural Eastern Oregon outdoor lifestyle.

[cnskate]

Methow Valley is one of my favorite spots. I would be there in a heartbeat if I could find a job there. We hope to get over there for camping as soon as the pass opens. It will be pretty quiet over there till highway 20 opens in a couple of weeks.

Tons of hiking and mountain bike trails, many of which should be clear by now. Lots of good dispersed camping west of Mazama (cool store/bakery there), north of Winthrop on the Chewuch river, and west of Twisp on the Twisp River. Great brew pub and bakery in Twisp.

For one of the nicest drives or rides in the state head up Balky Hill Road NE of Twisp and work your way north to Pearygin Lake.

[nctacoma]

Hi guys,
Thanks for all the suggestions. We had a great time in the Methow Valley, what a great place.

We are heading into northern Idaho today and have about 3 weeks to explore. We will check out Sandpoint and Priest Lake in the north. We want to spend time in the Sawtooths. Any other suggestions, towns to check out, must do hikes, campsites, etc?

[mph]

Sun Valley area is sweet...

The mtn. biking is crazy nice...The fly fishing is fabulous (the runoff this year might delay the fishing)

Check out the road that goes west of Ketchum...Warm Springs to Featherville...Great camping, hiking, hot springs, etc.

Stanley area is nice. Redfish lake...

[shultzie]

If you go up to priest lake Hills and Elkin's resort which is straight up 57 is a nice place to get something to eat and have a drink out on the shore. On the East side of the lake is Cavanaugh Bay Resort & Marina Coolin, ID which is alitttle more chill and also on the lake. Go up toward Lions head and check out the natural slides up there. I agree with the last post about the Stanley area. I would check out McCall on 55 on the way to Ketchum and Stanley. Let me know what you guys think of Sandpoint area and have a great time.

[bobDog]

Joseph, Oregon and Wallowa County is my idea of heaven: no stoplights in the entire county, only 7000 people in the county, only chain fast food is a Subway in Enterprise, nearest WallyWorld 70 miles away in LaGrande. Unbeleivable scenery, great recreation and super ranch people. I tried moving there 2x and faced the same problem each time: work in the summer, DEAD in the winter. Cheap great living but you have to make enough in five months to live twelve. An option: LaGrande/Union/Cove or Baker City. Small city/towns on the western and southern ends of the Wallowa/Eagle Cap range that may offer better opportunities for work while still getting all the advantages of a rural Eastern Oregon outdoor lifestyle.Yes the Wallowas and the Steens (south) Heaven north and heaven south. If everyone visited these places half the country would be vacant.:coffeedrink:

[nctacoma]

I truly think that Idaho is such a gem in our country. Every time we come here we discover more and more beautiful places.
Sandpoint was a cool area. It is definitely touristy but the outskirts and surrounding areas are great. We went to the farmers market on Saturday and it was a very vibrant scene and it was nice to get some fresh green stuff from some of the folks who have greenhouses.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ibpC2v12S_4/Te2OHgeRu7I/AAAAAAAACVg/7oOkl0G7Hdo/s640/P6050001.JPG

We spent a day around Coeur d'Alene and quickly got out of there. It is amazing to see the growth in that place. In 1990 it had around 20,000 people and in the past 20 years it has added 1,000 people a year and the condo's and waterfront highrises attest to that.

We are making our way south along the western edge of the state towards Boise where we have to be on Saturday. Then we will spend some time in the middle, more rural and mountainous part of the state before heading into Montana. Can't wait to explore more of the Sawtooth's. Does anyone know anything about McCall, Challis, or Salmon? Worth checking out? Their location seems ideal but we haven't been to any of those towns.

I definitely have Whitefish/Kalispell/Glacier on my mind, just trying to figure out the best time to get there and be able to spend a decent amount of time there.

Suggestions and area advice is always appreciated and welcome. We really have been taking a lot of advice from people on expo in shaping our trip and places to go. So thanks and keep it coming.

[scottgps]

I know a little about McCall. It is a cool little town with three different ski hills in the area. Of course Tamarack is constantly having financial trouble and is closed some years. McCall is appx. 3 hours from Boise so services (ie medical, retail, etc).

Tamarack resort was built a few years ago and property prices went up significantly all around the area.

In the summer, McCall is crowded with campers and people on the lake. In the winter, it is crowded with skiers. I think I would love to live there mid-week and during the off-seasons.

Sumpter OR (near Baker OR) seems to be similar to McCall. One ski hill, a smaller lake nearby, a lot of vacation cabins but on a much less grand scale, crowded during summer but without the really expensive real estate.

Sumpter is lower (I think) then McCall so it may be hotter in the summer.

It does not look like you have explored Joseph and Wallowa OR. Not sure if there is a ski hill nearby but that is where I would look still.

Scott
(dripping with envy of your trip, perhaps when I retire)
I am not a skier and I spend very little time on lakes. Having said that I would look at Sumpter OR. It is still look at the