Boise, ID

Although summer and thus the traditional camping season were both officially and unofficially over several weeks ago, we wanted to squeeze in an outdoors excursion before it got really cold. For a variety of reasons, our family did not get in our usual assortment of weekend camping trips during the summer, so when my husband had to attend classes all weekend and my parents invited the kids and me to camp with them, we jumped at the chance. Back in September their church had enjoyed a weekend campout in the group site at Farewell Bend State Park and they wanted to go back, which was perfect because it’s not too far (just 20 miles west of Ontario, Oregon), it isn’t in the mountains (good for this time of year), and I had never been there, despite having lived in this area for 12 years. So the plan was on.

Along about Thursday, I looked at the forecast and called my parents to see if their trailer was equipped with a parachute, considering that 30-40 mph winds were being predicted. My mom didn’t really like the sound of that, so carried the phone outside to inform my dad, who was getting the trailer ready. The response I heard in the background was basically, “Yeah, so what?” Obviously, he was planning to go come what may, while I, the overly-cautious one, was imagining myself blown into the Snake River on the drive up, or lying like a marshmallow ready for roasting when a tree limb came impaling through the trailer roof. My husband, who can never stay warm in cold weather and was still trying to thaw out from working outside on one of our unusually cold evenings just shook his head and said dubiously that he hoped we had fun.

Since I had responsibilities Saturday morning, my parents took my daughter on Friday and my son and I drove up about noon on Saturday. (This was the Saturday a week ago when the headline on the Idaho Statesman blasted the news that Boise had had its earliest measurable snowfall and showed a picture of a bicyclist riding downtown in a snowstorm). The wind was blowing pretty good by the time we left, but I tried to convince myself it was worse than it sounded, loaded up the amazing amount of stuff we needed for one night of cold weather camping, and headed out.

Obviously since I’m still here to write about our adventures, we didn’t land up in the bottom of the Snake or meet any other calamities. In fact, we had a very nice time. Saturday was too windy to spend much time outside, although it didn’t phase the kids much and they were able to work off some energy by running around the campsite.
We also managed a walk down to the river for a favorite activity: rock throwing. Grandma entertained us all with stories of miniature children one-inch tall who lived in the burr forest and had all sorts of adventures. The burr forest was hundreds of little plants growing prickly, oblong burrs that stick to your clothes. These were mostly green still so not very sticker-y. Normally they would have been at the water’s edge or even under the water, but the river was exceptionally low. The stories had begun that morning before I arrived as a distraction tactic for my daughter, who was sure that she and Grandma were going to fall off a cliff (imagination of dire events must be hereditary!) In reality, there was no danger—hardly even a cliff.

We also checked out the two cabins that are available for rent. Although we couldn’t get inside, one of the drapes was open enough we could see a set of bunks as well as another full or queen-sized bed, and a table with chairs. The front porch sported a nice bench and looked right out over the river. An RV site is connected next to each of the cabins as well.

Back at the trailer, we entertained ourselves with puzzles, coloring books, and silly times with Grandpa. That evening we made s’mores in the oven, since it was still a bit breezy for a fire. The guys camped next door brought over a steak they had bbq’d. While we were walking they had come looking for toothpicks which my dad supplied. The steak was a “thank-you” gift, and really tasty.

These guys were very nice and were on their annual trip over from the Oregon Coast to go Chukar hunting. We gathered that Chukars were birds, and a quick look at Wikipedia when I got home revealed that it is a game bird similar to a pheasant. Another man we met on Sunday had been blown in from Eugene (in his words, the wind was brutal on the trip over). He put his boat in the water to fish and anticipated catching some good-sized Catfish. He told us there are all kinds of fish in the river at various times of the year, including Crappie, Trout, Salmon, etc. Not only did we find it interesting to learn about wildlife in the area, it was comforting to know we weren’t the only ones crazy enough to camp in a mid-October windstorm.

Sunday morning broke chilly, but with much less breeze. My dad built a big fire that we enjoyed, even roasting a few marshmallows for an after-breakfast treat. We decided since they were acceptable for garnishing hot chocolate, what’s the problem with roasting them for breakfast? The kids wanted to walk to the river again, so my mom and I took off with them to some paths that go down to the boat ramp and docks, and to a lookout equipped with mounted binoculars. At the docks we sat on the end and listened to more adventures of the miniature little girls, and my son almost dove literally head first into the water trying to poke a stick down as far as he could. Luckily, I had a feeling this might happen and had a firm hold on the back of his zipped-up coat. Still it was a little disconcerting to suddenly realize he was hanging upside off the end of the dock.

Finally heading back to camp, I decided it was time for us to pack up and head home. My parents decided that since they are retired, they could choose to stay another night if they wanted to, and that they did want to as the weather was finally getting decent. The kids and I got our stuff and headed out, stopping at the entrance to take pictures of the covered wagons and to roll down the grassy hill, which was tons of fun for the kids to do and me to watch!

I was completely impressed with this Oregon State Park that is right in our backyard, and wondered why we have never explored it before. In the middle of the summer heat, I think it would be a bit uncomfortable simply because it isn’t at any elevation. There are quite a few trees around the park, and you could always cool off in the river, but I would probably recommend it as an early summer or late summer/early fall camping destination. There are lots of campsites, including everything from tent sites to RV hookups with electricity. The restrooms I visited were very nice and had showers.

From Caldwell it took us just exactly an hour to get there and it’s all freeway so an easy drive. The park is also open to day-users for picnics. Of course being a state park there are fees but that is to be expected. I believe it also closes in the winter, although I’m not sure of the dates. For more information, check out this website.