Hi Everyone,

I'm not an S2000 owner, but I'm organizing a Portland area meet/drive for a Subaru Forester car club, which will take place on June 27. I know the S2ki Oregon Chapter is fairly active, so I'm looking for advice on a scenic/fun drive close to Portland. (I did take a look at the Suggested Drives thread)

More specifically, I'm looking for any reviews on a route between Carlton and Willamina, via Meadow Lake Rd, Nestucca River Rd, Bible Creek Rd, etc. This LINK depicts the proposed route. Needless to say, if it drives as good as it looks, that route will be a new favorite. Has anyone here driven this route? Are the roads in good shape? Any other words of wisdom? I'll probably scout this road out this coming weekend, if anyone wants to join.

Ian

 

Ah yes. I sent this email to some S2000 friends earlier this year.

"We drove Nestucca River Road today - mostly great road but there is a substantial section in the middle which is unpaved. It caught me by surprise and I hit it at about 65 miles per hour ... and then it curved. It was really scary for about two seconds until I slowed down and cruised through the unpaved bit at about 15 to 25 mph. It wasn't loose gravel but actually really well packed dirt so it wasn't terrible but it's still slippery and some loose rocks. Once you get back to the paved section again it's lots of fun all over again. There were only a handful cross and joining roads and not a lot of private drives either, though they were present. There were also a few state campgrounds not far off the road. Lots of shifting between 2nd and 3rd, no 1st gear. I found myself leaving it in 3rd a lot and had a good time with it. Few to none dashed passing lanes - though wasn't an issue for me as there were only a few work trucks going the other direction. There are a few blind corners (stay in your lane) and quite a few where you can take advantage of all the asphalt that God has given you. In addition to the unpaved portion there are some asphalt sections that are just kind of rough and made me uncomfortable at high speeds so I slowed down again to at-or-below the speed limit. Then out of the blue it goes to pavement that looks less than a year old and is still somewhat curvy - VTEC HOLLA! The scenery early on is pretty grand; Elizabeth said I should stop and take pictures. No thanks! Foot firmly planted on the accelerator and cackling with glee (: I would NOT drive this road if it was wet.

Nestucca River Road in Google Maps:
http://goo.gl/o5b0

"

So according to my past-self it's a good road. Probably better in a Forester actually. If you go, give us a report

 

Thanks for the reply!!! I didn't realize there was an unpaved section, but (honestly) it doesn't surprise me. It's strange that the quality of the pavement varies so much on some of Oregon's back roads. I drove Hwy 103 last Saturday, and the pavement was almost flawless.

I'll see about hooking up an in-car camera.

 

Subaru's concerned about road conditions!

 

hehe, only because I have brand new 18s and low(er) profile tires.

 

Car looks really clean man Would love to drive around with ya on some back road.

 

You're certainly welcome to join us. It'll probably be just me and a friend (Miata driver). If the weather holds, we'll go this Saturday. My only fear is that the unpaved section may be a little "gooey" due to the rain.

 

Wonder If I can get my friend who has a wrx to go..... He hasn't been really active in any club type stuff so this might be something fun for him to do. Btw smooth lookin forester

 

Just looked at the weather forecast and it's supposed to be 80* on Saturday. You and your friend are certainly welcome to come along.

 

If anyone is interested in going with us on this drive, we're meeting at Sonic (Cornell & Cornelius Pass Rd) at 9 AM on Saturday (6/12).

We'll probably stop a few times along the route to take pictures, stretch our legs, pee , and get food.

Depending on the time (and everyone's schedule), we can end the day with a kick-a$$ burger and fries at the Cruise-in Country Diner. My guess is that we'll be there by 1 PM.

Here's a link to the route: LINK TO MAP

Please RSVP so we know you're coming and don't take off without you.

Things to bring, if you have them:
***Camera/Camcorder
***2-way radio
***Money
***Full tank of gas