The Quilomene - Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures Forum

Jerry · #1 (**permalink**) 06-15-2007, 12:03 AM

Proposed

The Quilomene

Three Washington State Wildlife Areas, the Whiskey Dick, Quilomene and Colockum, consist of thousands of acres and are located between Ellensburg, Washington and the Columbia River. The area is mostly shrub-steppe or desert to folks from the wet side. Typical topography is rolling hills and deep valleys with abundant plant life including huge patches of spring flowers. Elevations from the breaks of the Columbia to the top of Colockum Pass run from around 700 feet to over 5,000 feet. At the higher elevations there are pine forests and snow melt feeds several creeks and streams. The wildlife areas protect large herds of elk, deer, bighorn sheep as well as other mammals, birds and reptiles and the area is a favorite during hunting season.

There are several unimproved roads throughout all three wildlife areas. Many roads have already been closed and there is talk of closing even more. Since much of the area is already inaccessible due to road closures it would be a good idea to take the earliest available opportunity to drive the remaining roads before they, too, are doomed to the same fate.

Most roads are dirt base and have been neglected for years. In some places wheel tracks on the lower side of two-track roads fill with runoff water and erode into 3 foot deep ruts allowing for unwary drivers to fall into the ruts causing paint scratches or body damage. But, other roads have a good gravel base, maybe some blown-in dust laying on top, but at least they are not eroded. There are still two roads that lead to peaceful sites on the river and both are well worth the drive. Other roads appear on the map to overlook the river from ridge tops. It would seem the prize is worth the drive.

I would like to propose a tour of all existing roads within the three wildlife areas, methodically driving each one to its end before going on to the next, and the next, and so on. It will be dusty this time of year, but it will also be dry. We do not want to deal with mud if we are to make any sort of time. I would propose we start in the Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area, the smallest of the three and closest to Ellensburg, laying adjacent to and north of the Old Vantage Highway. We would start early and drive until late afternoon picking up where we left off the next trip.

Anybody who is interested in accompanying me will need a capable 4-wheel drive vehicle with adequate ground clearance, some experience at off-road driving and an attitude that allows them to continue even with the chance of body damage. Mind you, I am not into body damage and chances are we can smoothly negotiate virtually any obstacle in the shrub-steppe, but there is always a chance. For every one's concern all vehicles must be equipped with a minimum of 6-ply tires, a full-sized spare, tow points front and rear and CB radios.

Please let me know if you are interested, throw in your comments and suggestions and we will come up with a date.
Jerry

smbisig · #2 (**permalink**) 06-15-2007, 09:44 AM

sounds fun, i would be interested.

Steve · #3 (**permalink**) 06-15-2007, 05:21 PM

If the dates work in my work, schedule, I'd be interested. Hopefully my Land Cruiser could make it without body damage.

Steve

Jerry · #4 (**permalink**) 06-16-2007, 11:05 AM

I have the weekends of Jul 21, Jul 28 and Aug 4 open. Would any of those weekends work for you? Wish I could say for sure, Steve, but I assume body damage could come in two forms. First are scratches and scrapes from encroaching sagebrush. Second is if you slid into a deep rut you were straddling it could possibly scratch or scrape the lower body. Maybe the roads are in better condition than I am making them out to be, but maybe not. My recent experience is with only one deep rut on the main road into Whiskey Dick. If there is one I assume there will be more.
Jerry

Jerry · #5 (**permalink**) 06-25-2007, 08:26 PM

July 21st is the firm date for the first Quilomene Trek. If anybody is interested in attending please PM me for the time and meeting place. Hope you can make the trip.
Jerry

Steve · #6 (**permalink**) 06-26-2007, 08:35 AM

Sounds like a great time. I plan on attending.

Jerry · #7 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 01:33 PM

There has been enough interest to make this a Saturday and Sunday event and you are welcome to attend either or both days. The time and meeting place will be the same each day. If you don't have this information please PM me and I will send it to you. Thanks.
Jerry
Backroad Drivers Northwest
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/BackroadDrivers/