I have next Mon-Fri off and going to go camping in my 182. My brother and I leave the Puget Sound and head down to Portland to pick up a friend. From that point anything go's. My passengers have a fuel budget of approx $200 each. Mine a little more. I want to get out of the foggy Puget Sound and away from the many fires. I havent camped in Oregon. Does anyone have any suggestions for 3 guys, VFR in a 182. Moose Creek would be over running the budget but could be doable. Does any one know how smokey the route is from the gorge to Moose Creek?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Sam

It's not backcountry but I always liked camping at Cottage Grove, OR. There's a river to fish in and you can walk to dinner if you want.

I would have a list of places and stay flexible. The Wx is forecast to be nice both west side and east side Monday but the sw flow starting Tuesday brings a chance of thunderstorms again Tues thru Thurs. Eastern Oregon is full of TFRs. Northeastern Washington has Some TFRs and has been smokey but Southeastern not much smoke unless new fires start. Right now Tieton looks good for Monday then chance T storms starting Tues.

spent a day at Moose Ck a couple weeks ago when I was up there and I must say I was pretty disappointed with it... Been going to Idaho since 97 and Moose was always a good stop for fishing and day camping or a overnight... Fishing is still the same but the Forest service has pretty much done away with anything that resembles a campsite... no tables no nothing... only a pit outhouse at the intersection... Moose is a beautiful place but it is truly now a dry camping stop..and when they started blowing up the trees in the camp area it looks like the battle of the bulge...anyway just my opinion....