Lake Powell - last minute suggestion

Mike_J

New member
Monica and I are heading to Lake Powell - planning to launch at Bullfrog next Friday or so and spending about a week cruising the lake. If anyone has suggestions on places not to miss, things to look out for, warning etc, that would be much appreciated!
Mike
 
Rainbow National Bridge is always nice to see. And a stop at Dangling Rope marina for fuel or supplies is interesting... Otherwise, just lots of beauty to see. Colby
 
Mike, not sure what routing you are taking but from now through the weekend, the mountains are getting the June July ski season snow. I would not plan on going east on 90 out of Seattle. Maybe south to Portland and then up the Columbia River Gorge if you are heading east this far north. That might be the most direct way and that's the way I would probably go. May be better conditions going south first, as far as California, but they have tons of snow in Sierra's too.

Enjoy the warm if you find it.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Mike,
I am more familiar with the south portion of the lake, so my recommendations won't cover the section north of Bullfrog. There is so much to explore in Powell you could easily spend twice the amount of time you are planning and still leave lots for another trip. I have been boating Powell for many seasons averaging 6-8 trips each, though not yet in a C-dory.

South of Bullfrog:

Be sure to spend time in the Escalante arm. Lots of great canyons to explore by boat and hiking up. Good fishing too. Cathedral in the desert is a unique place to visit off of the Escalante.

At Hole in the rock if you are in good shape and up for a vertical challenge you can hike up the route used by Mormon pioneers to cross the then Colorado river. Nice views from the top.

Anasazi canyon usually has a small waterfall flowing into the lake. Probably has a sandy beach, but may be too cool to want to camp there.

The San Juan arm has good fishing and side canyon hikes.

Oak bay would be a nice place to camp if it is not windy. It is relatively open and will have lots of sunshine throughout the day.

Rainbow bridge is a great sight to experience and is an easy walk from the floating docks.

If you bring your kayak you will be better able to explore narrow canyons. This time of year you will find there are few other boats on the lake once you leave the marina area.

This is a wonderful time of year to explore the lake!

Although you should be self sufficient Dangling rope marina should have fuel and misc food stuff on the lake.

This time of year the water will be cold, about 50*, but the forecast for temps is good - highs around 70 lows around mid 40's. The narrow canyons will be cool unless they are south facing. But will offer lots of exploration opportunities. Bring water shoes and a dry bag if you want to hike far.

Enjoy your trip,
Ed
 
We decided to take I84 as the road conditions on I90 were not enticing. Rain is better than snow for driving!

hardee":2ytdpdky said:
Mike, not sure what routing you are taking but from now through the weekend, the mountains are getting the June July ski season snow. I would not plan on going east on 90 out of Seattle. Maybe south to Portland and then up the Columbia River Gorge if you are heading east this far north. That might be the most direct way and that's the way I would probably go. May be better conditions going south first, as far as California, but they have tons of snow in Sierra's too.

Enjoy the warm if you find it.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Report from noon Thursday: I-90 is closed due to avalanche conditions, and may be closed until Friday morning. Good choice Mike. Stay safe. I-84 should be good. Once you get to Pendleton, "Cabbage Hill" and the Blue Mountains, (LaGrande and Baker City),should be OK. If it sounds like they will be ugly go up over the "hill" at Portland to Bend and across Oregon on 26. Good road, mostly flat, a couple of "small hills" and your home free from the snow.

Travel safe, and enjoy.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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We have a friend who has lived in Hood River for over 20 years and she has said this has been the worst winter she's ever experienced in that area with snow on the ground since last fall. I suggest checking the road conditions on I-84 first. It's been a nasty winter...everywhere.
 
We made it to Boise ID, tonight. I84 was good the whole way from the coast to Boise. Much less traffic and better weather than I5! Glad we did not try I90...
 
Mike, glad you made it safe. Good run. As of the 11PM I-90 is open just now. Would have been a long wait. Take care and stay safe.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Tom, The InReach has to be powered on with a good sky view. He may not have it running during their road trip.

Mike, are you going down 84 to 15 through Salt Lake or down 93? I know, silly question, but just looking at towing conditions.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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I just posted a test inReach message from Green River. We decided to stop for the night and launch tomorrow morning. Roads were all fine, though it was a long drive! :)
 
Mike, The test shot came through fine. Say Hi to Green River for me. I've been through there a ton of times. I love that drive south into Moab and on south. Saw some news showing a bonus spring flowers in the SW deserts. Might be a bit soon for where you are going but they will be there soon.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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