I spent the weekend exploring two rail trails. Both, I have done more than once each. The super popular Lower Deschutes River Trail and the lesser loved, more rugged, Klickitat River Trail.

Back in January I started booking campsites with the idea of a once-a-month trip. Mia and I are not planning any sort of big road trips this year so instead I made the promise to myself (and Mia) that we’re getting out/going away at least once a month. It doesn’t necessarily have to be #vanlife, but I do want to make a very conscious decision to set aside time for fun and exploring.

I opted for a site with electric hookups. They’re a bit more expensive than camping in the B-Loop, which is just a field, but the weather could be iffy this time of year. If it was going to be cold then I wanted to be able to plug in the space heater. Turns out the things were just fine. High 60’s during the day with temps dropping down into the upper 30’s overnight. I never needed the space heater and didn’t even bother with the electric blanket (I’m getting soft as I get older).

Mia and Codi opted to stay home this weekend. That meant I was solo, so it was a weekend of bike riding, reading my book and chilling out. I had debated giving the Oregon Stampede a shot, but the wind forecast for the afternoon made the decision for me (way too windy to be out there solo!)

With an early(ish) start I was back to the campsite before 12:30pm. So after some food and a shower I spent time meandering around the campground, reading, power napping and hanging out by the fire.

On Sunday I got up early, made breakfast and packed up for the quick drive over to Lyle, WA and the parking lot for the southern end of the Klickitat Trail. The wind was whipping out of the west. Gusts close to 30mph at the trailhead! I didn’t see a single other rider until I was 1 mile outside the parking lot on my return trip. One woman running with her dog started just before I did otherwise, I had the trail to myself for most of the day.

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It is always a pleasure to stay out at the Deschutes River Campground. April and May tend to be pleasant enough before the hot temperatures of the summer start. I’m keen to get out here for a winter excursion some year. We shall see.

Thanks for reading,

-Pete