Winter camping in Oregon, good or bad?

[Small but Sweet]

Originally Posted by KirkB

I have camped in Oregon in March while returning from winter trips from farther south.

I need a bit of sun to make it an enjoyable stay, especially after a snowbird vacation. I think my favourite park is Carl Washburne, between Yachats and Florence. Most sites are in the trees, across the highway from the beach.

If it is wet and cold, I would rather be at home. But a sunny winter beach hike is hard to beat.

If it's just a days drive for you, and sites are not fully booked, then just wait for the weather and go.

Very good point about the sun. At least a bit of sun for some of the time, would make a difference. I think precipitation is a big deal too. Cold and wind, I personally can handle to a point.

I looked at next week's weather and we'll be as low as the low 20’s °F which does not fit the vision of jolly winter camping Yeah, I’m thinking we will leave the Escape all winterized and prepped for the cold and stay home. No need to drag ourselves out just to prove ourselves dedicated campers.

[Rossue]

We met a couple from Oregon in a Scamp 13 in Pinnacles NM about 6-7 years ago. They got stuck in snow in Coastal Oregon for a week. Didn't sound like any fun.

[sherminator]

I've camped at the Oregon Coast in every month of the year and loved it every time. Winter trips are often wet & windy, but not always - there is historically at least a couple of weeks of bluebird weather every winter on the coast. I recall eating a Valentine's Day lunch on the outside deck of a restraurant in Nehalem wearing only a T-shirt and an open front light flannel shirt. There was no wind and plenty of sun that day. However, I have also done plenty of beach walks in the rain with my hood pulled tight against the wind. I prefer being in the trailer rather than home because it breaks the routine, and a cup of hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps, a book, and rain pattering on the roof of the trailer is soothing to my soul.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by sherminator

I prefer being in the trailer rather than home because it breaks the routine, and a cup of hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps, a book, and rain pattering on the roof of the trailer is soothing to my soul.

sounds peaceful.....

[Small but Sweet]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

sounds peaceful.....

Yes, sherminator's description is what it’s all about! I will keep watching the weather for the coast, after Christmas.

[Mike G]

Originally Posted by sherminator

... I recall eating a Valentine's Day lunch on the outside deck of a restraurant in Nehalem wearing only a T-shirt and an open front light flannel shirt...

Surprised they did not require pants, or at least shoes...

[Small but Sweet]

Originally Posted by Mike G

Surprised they did not require pants, or at least shoes...

Laughing out loud for real

[Tosh]

Nehalem is a pretty easy-going town ;-}



right now it's warmer on the coast than in the valley. I think in general, the weather on the Oregon coast is milder than inland, during the winter months.


This I write as I sit at home by the fire....

[Small but Sweet]

I'm picturing the nice wood-fired pizza place in Wheeler just South of Nehalem Bay. We've enjoyed dinner there out on the deck over the river, although we were fully clad.

[sherminator]

For the record, I was also wearing skivvies, jeans, a belt, two socks and two shoes, and probably a baseball cap But I sometimes have dreams where I'm out in public buck naked and nobody in the dream seems to notice

[Small but Sweet]

Originally Posted by sherminator

For the record, I was also wearing skivvies, jeans, a belt, two socks and two shoes, and probably a baseball cap But I sometimes have dreams where I'm out in public buck naked and nobody in the dream seems to notice

I do like the idea of winter sun at the beach, and can enjoy the storms in the cozy camper too. Going to watch the forecasts in Jan/Feb. Fortunately we have the freedom to pick up and go any time.

[Tosh]

Feb 6 2022 Coos Bay: high of 70F, low 38


https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/co...5297?year=2022

[Bob in Bend]

If you are nimble and keep an eye on weather predictions there is usually a break in rainy winter weather in Oregon. Often a week or so of early Spring shows up in late January or February. Also, watch for east winds which might mean chilly but clear weather (bright blue days). Traditionally, the warmest spot in Oregon during the winter is Brookings. Stub Stewart is just south of some of the wettest weather in Oregon, so not the best winter choice. The mildest weather is along the Willamette Valley and the coast. With a trailer, it is possible to get trapped anywhere east of the Cascades. Right now (11/30/2022) both the Santiam and Government Camp passes are treacherous.

[dfandrews]

N to S on US-101 is beautiful, and, you'll become a fan of:
-a variety of seacoast vistas
-elegantly constructed bridges (read up on their history as well).
-lighthouses
-sea critters
-small towns with stores and stories of their own.


And then, cross the CA border and visit 5 Redwood SP's and NP's.

[Tam2004]

Frankly - unless you can do what others suggest and look for a window of decent weather - HWY 101 its winding and slow - and a bit dangerous due to the lunatics passing on blind corners. Much of the trip on the road you can't see the ocean and need to take time to pull off to walk. I love it over there - but am reaching the point that a trailer full of cold wet clothes gets old. (We live in Oregon - but the mountain passes restrict how much trailer use we get in the winters.)

[Small but Sweet]

Tam2004, I agree with all you said. And the thought of the soggy, wet gear dripping in the Escape bathroom, never really drying out, ugh…

Our camping style is usually 3 night trips, that’s how long we are OK leaving the 3 cats at home with a helper checking on them. I don’t even ~love~ the Oregon coast because I prefer the sheltered bays of Massachusetts (home) to our wild, open coastline. Don’t like 101 very much.

In January I will be looking out for breaks in the weather and camping spots within 2 hrs drive. I’ve decided from this discussion that precipitation is the most important thing to avoid to make it a worthwhile trip in winter. For us part of of the pleasure is just using the camper and as long as we can walk and bike a bit I think we’ll be happy. A nice campfire and the dark night skies!