Lakeshore Adventures in the Central Oregon Cascades

[@zekehooper]

the little river feeding the lake was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

I love these videos! Thank you for sharing. Such a chilled style.

[@tdi2xplore515]

Beautiful area! I love that campsite by the little river. And your "introspective moment" cracked me up -- too real!

[@danhohman]

Great prequel Donald! The slip slide nearly into the lake was perfect! I sure enjoyed some of the new camera angles/locations from your car. I felt like I was riding along! The variety of drive by's were awesome especially with the cool focus. The colors were so gorgeous and vivid! I want to go! Thanks so much for all of your hard work! Beautiful!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Dan!

[@jmsuitter5]

double awning setup is awesome

[@toxictabasco]

Excellent video and beautiful area.

[@vmoregon]

Your videos are killing it my man. Keep it up!

[@miketeters1267]

Love cascade lakes highway!!! Me and my 2001 Subaru Outback have explored almost the entire area.

[@tripinapod6697]

Hey mate, just recently started watching your channel and its awesome. Also noticed your awning and thought a 270 degree awning might be an easier way for ya😀

[@Rob81818]

Awesome trip!

[@logandraga5348]

Enjoyed your video as usual.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Not sure if you know this Donald, but I’m a Huuuuuuge Star Wars fan, so this episode really reaches down to my core. I also have an affinity to the Empire, and you sounded just like Darth Vader during the intro sequence. This looked like a fantastic getaway. I need to camp right next to a lake. I’ve only done that once!!! The area that we explored last weekend has plenty of them, so it was a missed opportunity. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, for all the many many lakeside campsites I have found over the past couple of years, I have never actually camped at any of them. I might try next weekend though!

[@zekehooper]

love the camera shots. I hope people realize the one's where you are driving up to or away from the camera, that you have to first set up the shot, do the shot, rhen go back and get the camera...Lot's of work. Thanks for your passion.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks! It's how I get my exercise! Okay, yes, sometimes I drive back to the camera...but I also end up doing plenty of running. :-)

[@GPosner8]

Firstly, I really enjoy all of your videos. They always showcase so well the beauty of Oregon. Secondly, as I watch I think 🤔hmmmm? How would my 2017 Tucson look lifted and with some beefy tires and wheels on it? 😀 thanks for the great videos and the possible expensive after market outfitting of my car💰💸 Adventure awaits

[@softroadingthewest]

Your 2017 Tucson would look FABULOUS lifted and on chunky beefy all-terrains!

[@foresterboy2011]

Definitely lift your Tucson. It will be a totally different animal. I have a 2016 sportage which is rubbish offroad but in 1 or 2 years I'm going to purchase a nearly new forester.

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Caught the awning at the beginning. I was going to make some snide comment, but you killed that so I have to just say great video! I am heading out this weekend to see some rocks! Should have video out around Christmas at the rate I am pumping out videos. See you on the trails, George.

[@softroadingthewest]

Hahaha, sorry about that, I'll see about leaving you some snide comment fodder in the next video, LOL. And...uggghh...I know where you're off to, I saw the trip plan on Facebook and seriously thought about trying to join you, it is RIGHT up my alley. It's a complicated year for a number of reasons and I just couldn't make it happen, but one day, I assure you...one day... In the meantime, I can't wait to see the video from that trip!

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

@@softroadingthewest Long way to drive for a short weekend. Although the areas are very cool. Just a heads up, I am planning a trip next year into Nevada. Roads should be easy for your Subaru. Should be about a 5 day trip.

[@jmsuitter5]

need that subway sponsership for sure

[@dvonehrlich]

I love the candid almost slip and slide into the lake mud. Better you than your Subaru

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, good point!

[@adamdean5881]

Great video!

[@kingofbaja5b]

If you were in Istanbul, we would have stick around. I need such a friend. like you.

[@bradrupp5589]

It's good to sit down after sitting all day. LMAO!

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, most people miss (or perhaps deliberately ignore) the dumb little jokes I insert. Thanks for laughing. :-)

[@jmsuitter5]

neat angle with go pro when cutting

[@GPosner8]

I fear that I have to join a 12 step program. I’ve been binging your channel. Which makes me either; A) an addictive personality B) some twisted stalker or C) sadly in need of a life😀 Whichever it is; thank you! I’ve told many friends to watch and subscribe.

[@softroadingthewest]

I get that way about some KZbin channels I discover as well. Thanks for watching--I mean, binging! 8^D

[@bruceyyyyy]

Yessss you finally remembered the chainsaw.

[@softroadingthewest]

I carry it everywhere with me now. Oh, I get a few strange looks from the other customers at the grocery store, but that's a small price to pay for being prepared.

[@macmurfy2jka]

Beautiful area man.

[@zccolby]

Thank you for sharing!!! I'm going up to signal peak in CA near fordyce lake later this month. If you are in the area by chance let us know!

[@softroadingthewest]

Won't be in California anytime soon (alas, I wish I could!!). Have a great trip and thanks for watching!

[@zccolby]

@@softroadingthewest well maybe one day we will cross paths. I have a 2015 fxt with ADF 2" lift. I really want to get into dispersed/dry camping as I dont like camping neighbors and want to see more California and our country has to offer. Happy adventuring!

[@kevinnorwood7355]

That’s the way it goes when you NEED a campsite they are all full but when you don’t they are everywhere lol. Is that a electric chainsaw? What’s the run time typically? Another awesome video! Keep em coming. Ever thought about installing a roof mounted tent? Or is your current setup more then enough?

[@softroadingthewest]

Yes, 20V electric. I've never actually drained the battery, even doing storm cleanup around the house, so I don't know exactly how long it will go. I have a converter in the car so I can recharge the battery as I drive if I were to ever need to do so much clearing that the battery dies. The rooftop tents sure look like a nice way to camp. I'm not suuuuper happy sleeping in the small space I have in the Forester, but I have mixed feelings about having that huge thing on top of my car. In any case I can't afford a rooftop tent at the moment, and I prefer being inside the car to dealing with a ground tent, so that'll do for now. I do love how fast and nimble it is sleeping in the car...my sleeping space is ready when I leave home, zero setup to be able to go to bed. :-)

[@kevinnorwood7355]

softroadingthewest agreed as much as I want a rooftop tent they are expensive the cheapest one I’ve found new is $700-$800. Not everyone has that kind of money laying around.

[@ronman33]

Great vid! Do you have your route mapped out anywhere? I'm expecting to be unemployed in late spring/early summer and am tentatively planning a 1-2 week lake to lake adventure through the Cascades and eastern OR. Mostly soft roading, but hitting pavement every once in a while to resupply. So far I've got a start at Olallie Lake, then going to Timothy Lake and am looking for ideas from there.

[@softroadingthewest]

I don't have it mapped but it's pretty easy in this area (Cascade Lakes Hwy), there are tons of dirt roads webbing across the landscape out towards and along the multiple lakes. Pre-scouting on Google Earth is helpful, and I always run a satellite layer in Gaia because the road data isn't always accurate or complete. Have a great trip!

[@louisvan8252]

Ive been looking for a budget awning for my Forester but didn't want to build a DIY one. What's the name of that second awning that you use other than your $60 DIY Awning??

[@softroadingthewest]

It's a cheap no-name thing I got from a friend. I think he got it off eBay. Ultimately, for being a cheap, unbranded awning, I find that it works astonishingly well. I don't use it a ton, but when I do, it does the job and continues to work just fine.

[@louisvan8252]

@@softroadingthewest thanks for the reply that really helps actually. I was suspecting it was similar to this cheaper option I see on Amazon and seeing how well it holds up under snow in your videos I'm definitely going to pick it up for light use. Thanks again

[@hotrodvw]

What area is this?

[@viperbroncoalmasty]

Are you required to have an offroad tag to drive on those dirt forest roads?

[@softroadingthewest]

No, these are just National Forest roads that happen to be unpaved and/or unmaintained. In Oregon there are a handful of designated OHV areas on BLM or National Forest land where an ATV permit* is required, but for general backcountry exploring in the national forests as seen in this video, these are public roads like any other, just with no asphalt on them. *The ATV permit only costs $12 for two years so it's not prohibitive in the least. I have an Oregon ATV permit on my Forester so I can drive in any OHV area as well. In OHV areas you still have to respect the trail classifications - many trails are restricted to quads, side-by-sides, or motorcycles. But there are usually plenty of "Jeep" trails too.

[@arickauyang1632]

Amazing video! Let me know if you ever want some company exploring! Safety in numbers and I'm always looking for more people to go exploring with. In PDX area

[@softroadingthewest]

Awesome! I've never done any exploring north of about Mt. Jefferson and really need to get up there. Thanks for watching!

[@ShaneB666]

Are those forests natural or plantation.

[@softroadingthewest]

These are naturally occurring forests. I suppose some of these areas may have been logged generations ago, but have been replanted or grown back. For the most part, there isn't much active logging in this particular area. The trees don't grow very quickly in this somewhat harsh high elevation climate, which has a short growing season. There is more logging activity over in the western part of the state where I actually live - the elevation is lower, the climate is much more wet and temperate, and the trees grow much larger and faster. In 40-50 years, replanted Douglas Fir seedlings can grow to harvestable size. 50 years won't get you much on a tree up in the Cascades.

[@jmsuitter5]

love the style lol star wars theme

[@NamJi]

Hi, always enjoying your adventures. How would one find off road trails and dispersed camping locations out in the wild? Got any tips or recommendations? I live in Northern NJ area.

[@softroadingthewest]

I just pick an area of National Forest or BLM land and start driving up roads. Sometimes I pre-scout looking at satellite view to identify areas that seem potentially interesting. Obviously that is easier out here where 50%+ of the land is National Forest or BLM. I imagine it's trickier on the east coast. But finding tracts of public land is the key. Stopping in at ranger stations is always helpful too. Usually those people are familiar with their specific area and can advise and provide maps. You might enjoy checking out the Venture4WD channel. He roams full time all over North America in his Jeep, but is based in the northeast and has a lot of content from up around there. kzbin.info/door/zRkxmVeTP_29MMtEzPF4KQ You'll have to dig back through his considerable collection of videos but there's a lot of northeast US in there. Good luck!

[@NamJi]

softroadingthewest thank you for your quick reply!

[@ls2443]

7:53 me any time I ride my bike in a muddy area..

[@jmsuitter5]

when you dont need them you find them all

[@softroadingthewest]

Ha! That's for sure!

[@foresterboy2011]

Hey mister Does your wife ever go on excursions with you as I've not heard you speak about her? It would be nice to see the lady in your life make an appearance... UK fan

[@softroadingthewest]

I am not married. The Forester is the only lady in my life at the moment. :-)

[@foresterboy2011]

Sorry to hear that. Keep spending every moment on your adventures with your beautiful children so they can look back and think my dad was our Indiana Jones of Oregon. I hope they do the same with their children one day and you can share some amazing stories with your grandchildren. Life should be filled with great adventures and you sir are doing it right in my opinion. UK fan.

[@cn7449]

Hurt my soul to see someone go to a Starbucks in Oregon.........

[@berniebee88]

I have a bad feeling about this...

[@rogerhector8323]

dont like the music