Alpine Cat Jamboree 2024

[GMoose]

Updates:

Weather:
They have gotten lots of snow over in the Wallowa Mountains and the Joseph, Oregon area over the past week or so. So snow depths we should be in good shape. There are hints that there may be a little warming that is going to happen so down in the lowest elevations of town could get a little mushy during the day and freeze up at night. So as of right now, we will be doing the higher elevation events like we did last year. Salt Creek Summit and Mount Howard. To keep us in the freezing zone.

Event Days Details:

One day we will be doing Salt Creek Summit loop which is a several mile adventure. Roughly 10 miles of fairly easy terrain that normally provides a scenic (if clear) views of Hells Canyon, The Seven Devil Range in Idaho, the Wallowa Mountains and valleys below. Also have several different meadows and play areas along the way. This seems to be a group favorite.

Another day we will be unloading our cats near the Ferguson Ridge Ski area at an elevation of about 4,500 ft to make the climb to the summit of Mt. Howard of about 8,500 ft. If weather cooperates this will provide stunning views of the Wallowa Mountain Range and Wallowa Lake below. This trip is a little more challenging, steeper, and a fairly narrow road in spots.

The order the events we try to plan around weather.

The third day we like to leave open as far as what we will be doing for our adventure/location. Just in case we have a breakdown from previous days and have to use that time for recovery (has happened before). If recovery is not needed, third day adventure will be determined at the event.

For pictures and videos of last year's event which includes Salt Creek Summit and Mt. Howard check out this forum thread. Will give you a pretty good idea of what we do. Many people shared pictures etc.
https://www.forumsforums.com/threads/alpine-cat-jamboree-2023.93891/

Reminder!
Get the Oregon Snow Park permits for parking! If you live in Oregon, grab one now. If you are traveling to Oregon, and happen to stop somewhere that sells them, grab one. If for some reason you cannot find one on your way in, there is a store in Joseph called The Sports Corral that usually sells them but they only carry so many. One year, they ran out. Just a heads up.

Feel free to reach out with any questions!

If you are from Idaho or California and have a park and ski or sno-park permit for that state you do not need an Oregon sno-park pass.

Oregon Department of Transportation : Sno-Park Parking Permits : Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services : State of Oregon

Information on sno-park permits

www.oregon.gov

 

[GMoose]

Yeah it should be a pretty big turnout. Lots of Tuckers for sure. Lodge is pretty much booked but we do have lodging options for people. Details about that listed above in a previous post with "Lodging Update" info.

I would respectfully like to point out that there will be several other VERY interesting and capable non- Tucker snowcats (notice the "w" was left in) at this event with proud owners! Now if my Frandee won't make it to the top of Mt. Howard, like may or may not have happened in the past, I am asking in advance now for a ride to the top in, must I say it, a Tucker.

 

[GMoose]

If you need some motivation here are some highlights from 2022s Jamboree.

 

[GMoose]

And last year's parade of cats leaving the salt creek summit parking lot for a day of FUN!

 

[Rock'n BK]

I would respectfully like to point out that there will be several other VERY interesting and capable non- Tucker snowcats (notice the "w" was left in) at this event with proud owners! Now if my Frandee won't make it to the top of Mt. Howard, like may or may not have happened in the past, I am asking in advance now for a ride to the top in, must I say it, a Tucker.

I have room for 2 and a tow strap cowboy!!

 

[mikemikelle]

Yup, these two!!

 

[mikemikelle]

V-4 Power Baby!

 

[DAVENET]

Looks like the weather cooperated

 

[Pontoon Princess]

Looks like the weather cooperated

the roads look clear and dry, travel safe and enjoy the greatest show on snow

 

[tucker]

Hey everyone, as being the host of the Alpine Cat Jamboree, me, my wife, and two daughters left this morning to be there a day early to hope to set up before the event. As most of you know this is our 5th Annual Jamboree and normally following the event somebody normally does a damage report. I think I will start that right now....

We had a truck fire on I-84. Thankfully we were able to get out safely and just enough time to disconnect the trailer. A very kind gentleman, Jason, stopped and helped me pull the trailer away from the truck just in time. It would have spread to the cat for sure had it not been for him stopping. We are going to try our best so this doesn't impact the Jamboree event but we did end up losing some things that were in the truck.

I have borrowed another truck from a good friend. So now we are back on the road heading to Joseph.

I hope everybody gets there safe with no troubles.

 

[Pontoon Princess]

absolutely sorry to hear of your very serious incident, thank god you and the family are okay, please take care and be safe

if you need anything, just ask

 

[GMoose]

Hey everyone, as being the host of the Alpine Cat Jamboree, me, my wife, and two daughters left this morning to be there a day early to hope to set up before the event. As most of you know this is our 5th Annual Jamboree and normally following the event somebody normally does a damage report. I think I will start that right now....

We had a truck fire on I-84. Thankfully we were able to get out safely and just enough time to disconnect the trailer. A very kind gentleman, Jason, stopped and helped me pull the trailer away from the truck just in time. It would have spread to the cat for sure had it not been for him stopping. We are going to try our best so this doesn't impact the Jamboree event but we did end up losing some things that were in the truck.

I have borrowed another truck from a good friend. So now we are back on the road heading to Joseph.

I hope everybody gets there safe with no troubles.

Unfortunately I think you have won the damage report award this year, and the event hasn't even started. Glad you and the family are all safe!

 

[Sno-Surfer]

Whoa! Real sorry to hear this but sure glad you're all ok. Heck of a fire and looks like not much left of the truck. Just glad you all are ok. Hope you guys still have a great time out there. I know the feeling of an accident on the way to a jamboree.

 

[JonasSmith]

Getting ready to head down from central Washington! Dang! Sorry to hear about the fire!

 

[JonasSmith]

Bringing a 2 track cat. And extra belting…

 

[sno-drifter]

Damn that's scary!! So wonderful that everyone got out of the truck. Looks like Cabbage Hill east of Pendelton. Pulling that hill is a grunt.
We all take driving for granted. We recently had an accident on the same interstate near Baker. It took a while before I wanted to drive again. Be careful everyone.

 

[redsqwrl]

it is the year of burning fords for me. My son cooked his on a good climb into state college PA during the summer clowder. He fought like hell to put the fire out multiple extinguishers and even sacrificed some precious yuengling in the process. Not a fun process. Travel safe. kudos for pressing on!

 

[1boringguy]

Goofball.

Where the party is at.

Two time winner

The man and his country. Thanks again.

 

[redsqwrl]

keep them coming!

 

[Mctucker]

Another great week of catting around the Wallowa's.
Thanks again to Alpine Cats for putting this event on and all the others who helped make it happen.

 

[JonasSmith]

Some pictures from the weekend.

 

[mikemikelle]

Another one for the books! Thanks to everybody for a great trip, and special thanks to the Cook clan; a big fire would have understandably turned most around for home. They persevered, and put on a great event again....Thank you so much!

Well.... we broke several, which brings me to a "Squirrel" quote (I think it was), relayed by the Boring Guy, "All cats have about 2 years left in em", to which the boring one answered "That's a bit optimistic, don't you think?" Never fails.... Amount of grease betwixt the nail lubricat-ith the volume of prophecy! Always learning from this group. Key take-aways so far...never own a cat, and if you didn't listen, never buy a second....or 3rd...or 8th!

All jokes aside, really happy to see our old friends, and to make some new ones. The lodge is great, the after hours hang-out sessions are great, the food was great, and we always get some great catting in!

Starteth the photo dump...

 

[Pontoon Princess]

great photos, oh so many red squirrel quotes, problem is, which one to quote, like, " 2 hours of useable life left" wisdom, maybe that was only 30 minutes left

 

[YamaDooPolCat]

Looks like the weather was reasonable and enough snow for the trail.

 

[mikemikelle]

Moreth.....

 

[mikemikelle]

still moreth...

First atop the 8,216ft Mt. Howard...... just sayin GO TEAM THIOKOL!!!!!!!!

Driven by these Three...

....and a special thanks to everybody for putting up with the event Malscot....Scout the Belgian Wafflehead

 

[snobike]

envious, thanks a bunch for the photos!

 

[Rock'n BK]

The Cook family are amazing. I heard that story and was so thankful everyone was ok
Then they show up and put on a ride that is top notch.
Thanks to Jesse for another fantastic ride!!!
Can’t wait for next year !!!!

 

[Rock'n BK]

Doc
This site is an inspiration.
Keep on doing you. If it was not for this site I wouldn’t ever know how cool cats were!!

Thanks so much!!
Mark
Aka the Rock’n BK

 

[YamaDooPolCat]

Looking forward to making the trip down there from Prince George BC next year.
How many miles is the trail or trips at the weekend jamboree?