Kingsley Reservoir - 3/29

[TORX]

Some of you may have never heard of Kingsley Reservoir OHV before, and to be honest as of a few days ago neither had I. I've been wanting to get back out on the trails lately, so when I heard about the opportunity to see some new area I knew I had to check it out.

I met up with the Pistons Wild crew, and a few other guests for the day in Vancouver, 0700.

Our parade rolling up 84.

Kingsley Reservoir is located just outside Hood River, Oregon. After a slow and steep climb we arrived at the staging area to meet up with Adam our local trail guide for the day.

Rolling out.

We all took the first chance we got to do a bit of posing. LJ owners do it best.

Paparazzi.

Kevin can flat drive, and his one ton YJ is built for it. I had fun following him around for the day.

Tony brought out his diesel powered Toyota.


Continuing on we started to gain some elevation.

Beautiful day in the forest.

Starting up the 197 trail.

This trail is less than a year old and was roughed in straight through the forest. It's pretty neat being on such a new trail.

Kevin drove over literally every rock on the trail.

Making our way through the trees.

 

[TORX]

The 197 starts off snaking through the trees. There's a few tight spots for full bodied rigs. I know I used my quarter panel armor a few times, and add a nice new dent to the hatch. It reminded me a lot of Naches and Evans Creek.

As we made our way up the trail, Adam our trail guide lost a bead. Of course everyone was quick to supervise the pyro method of re-seating it.

With the recent rains and snow, the trail was super sloppy in some sections. This particular climb made it very challenging to hold a line. Wade gave it a few tries, and opted to winch.

Doug planted his front diff squarely on a stump, and also resorted to Warn for assistance.

Look at the rocky climb with Doug up top.

Darel's coil had come off the bucket and pinched his ARB line. Trail side repair in progress.

With everyone up we continued on.

The trail requires your full attention. There were plenty of times I found myself getting almost diff hung on stumps, or rubbing trees. Wade found himself hung up on this stump and rock and had to be winched back.

We took a lunch break at "the ledge" where Kevin was quick to get his tires on it. With the right gear combo he walked right up.

Tony trying the center line rolling some coal. He hit it a bit too hard and grenade his front diff. It would sound like a popcorn maker the rest of the day.

Adam's done this once or twice.

Once the snow began to fall we continued on down the trail.

Continuing on down the 197.

 

[TORX]

As we made our way towards the end of the trail, we came up on the first good sized rock garden. This is a "pick your line" obstacle, and make your way through slow and steady.

Then it was onto the 198 Rock Garden.

This one was much larger than the last. Definitely a fun area to play around in, and just crawl.

After those who chose to run the rock garden made it through we headed back to the staging area. I tossed some air in the tires and headed out.

I really enjoyed the Kingsley Reservoir trails, and will definitely head back to run them again. I think they're a great alternative to TSF, and have a lot of potential for the future.

 

[BoringDave]

I'm in! When you headed back?

 

[muddytrck18]

Im in also. I think ill take it on the trailer though. looks like it could take a beating there. Just about any sunday works for me, and most Saturdays if im not working

 

[NW99XJ]

IN for the next trip out to Kingsley.

 

[kenny811]

This place was pretty cool. It is very worth going back too. They also have some very cool camp spots.

 

[LJ dude]

Yes us LJ guys do pose with the best of them:rof:

The picture doesnt do it justice but Kenny slid most of the way down this spot

Tight and twisty with lots of stumps made it fun

Kenny making a run through the mud and rocks.

Dustin taking the smart line

Wade was so close to making it

Kenny in the log crawl

 

[LJ dude]

Kenny needing a quick winch after sliding off of the trail

New trail rash

Dustin in the mini rock garden

Had to pull some line in the big rock garden. Doug was stuck and so was I. So I winched off of him until we were both free.

Smooth sailing

Then this

We put a little weight on the opposite corner, slid the spring back in and Dustin drove on out without an issue

Good trails, good people, good times!!!