Scroll To The Top
YOUR Window to the Wild
An Epic Start to an Epic Trip
“I could have just started in Portland,” Drew recalls. “But I figured, if I’m gonna drive across most of Oregon, why not drive across all of it?” So, before starting the long drive eastward, he headed for the dunes and beaches north of Cape Kiwanda for a proper off-road shake-down in the Trailhunter.
Protect Our Stars
A Dark Sky Place (DSP) is an area that restricts light pollution in an effort to protect and preserve the stunning beauty of the night sky — and allows you to catch your fill of shooting stars. You can find all international locations at
darksky.org.
Rooftop Tent
Packing List
Portable Power Bank
Cargo Organizers
Camp Table
Camp Chairs (2)
Camp Kitchen Kit
Espresso Maker
Recovery Kit
Camera Bag
DC-POwered Fridge/Freezer
"Honestly, I never even went camping until I was 21 years old. And then I never stopped."
DATE:
April 19th, 2025
08:00:24 AM
WEATHER:
61°F Partly Cloudy
APRIL 2025
Route Map
Presented By
Drew Simms drives across Oregon to camp under a meteor shower
OREGON COAST
Tillamook
STate Forest
DATE:
APRIL 20TH, 2025
04:35:06 PM
WEATHER:
56°F CLEAR SKIES
Campsite Carbonara
Drew’s secret to all-time camp carbonara is simple: “You gotta use pancetta.” Although bacon is commonly substituted for this savory dish, Drew swears by pancetta. Here’s his recipe:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
In a large frying pan add oil, pancetta, garlic and hot pepper flakes. Cook on medium heat until the pancetta is cooked (but not too crispy). Stir often so the pancetta doesn't burn.
While the pancetta is cooking, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, in a small bowl beat the eggs and yolks, then add the cheese and mix very well. When the pasta is done, turn the heat back on the pancetta (to medium-high), add the drained pasta, toss together to combine well for about 20-30 seconds, then remove the pan from the heat and add the egg mixture, constantly tossing together. Add a tablespoon or two of pasta water to make sure it is very creamy and continue to toss until well blended. Top with additional grated cheese and parsley if desired. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
CENTRAL OREGON
SISTERS
SAHALIE FALLs
DATE:
APRIL 21ST, 2025
01:22:49 AM
WEATHER:
37°F CLEAR SKIES
EASTERN OREGON
LESLIE GULCH
CHAPTER 03
CHAPTER 02
CHAPTER 01
"When we arrived, the road to our camp was closed for logging. We had to adjust quickly on the fly. That's what makes it fun though."
Ready to Plan Your Own Trip?
If you’re into shooting stars and inspired by our trip, mark your calendar and plan your own adventure for this August. Every year, the Perseid Meteor Shower lights up the sky between August 11 and 13. For 2025, peak activity is expected on the night of August 12.
Cape Kiwanda
Sand Just Met Its Match
With Trailhunter’s on-board air compressor, you can safely air down — and back up — when traversing rough and loose terrain.
CHAPTER 01
Did someone say rooftop tent?
Trailhunter’s factory-installed ARB® Roof Rack makes it easy to expand your vehicle’s overlanding capabilities. Add a cargo box, rooftop tent or additional accessories with ease.
Tillamook STate Forest
2 tablespoons olive oil
⅓ cup Pecorino + ⅓ cup Parmesan reggiano, grated
2 whole eggs plus 2 egg yolks (room temperature)
⅔ cup cubed pancetta
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 cups cooked pasta (long or short whichever you prefer) 1-2 pinches hot pepper flakes to taste if desired 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Let The OUTSIDE in
Whether it’s airflow, fitting your surfboards or bringing the dogs along for an adventure, 4Runner’s Power Rear Window is as functional as it is iconic.
Video Hed
Tk Tk
Volcanic Splendor
Farther east, dense coastal forest gave way to the rolling ponderosa forests and towering volcanoes of central Oregon. With miles of forest roads to explore, Drew set out in search of a campsite with a view. By all accounts, he succeeded.
Off-Road Ready, Right Off the Lot
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter is equipped to take you farther over rocky roads and trails with Old Man Emu® suspension and rugged steel underbody protection.
Shine Bright
No matter the time of day or night, never lose sight of the trail thanks to high-powered Rigid Industries® LED fog lights.
Drive the Road Less Traveled
The combo of 18-inch bronze-finished wheels with 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T III tires doesn’t just look rugged — it’s tuned to deliver impressive off-road performance over just about every kind of terrain.
3 OF 3
2 OF 3
1 OF 3
Photos
Read more
Read more
Three awe-inspiring adventures. One iconic vehicle.
Behind the wheel of a 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter, commercial photographer and YouTube creator Drew Simms traverses the entire state of Oregon in search of dark skies, uncrowded campsites, and a rare celestial event.
WATCH THE FILM
WATCH THE FILM
Meet Drew Simms
A YouTuber and filmmaker known for his cinematic travel vlogs and solo overlanding adventures across the U.S. and beyond.
YEARS living on the road
4
8
52
years as a photographer and filmmaker
Outdoor Adventure Films Created
miles driven
200K
EXPLORE THE 4RUNNER LINEUP
EXPLORE THE 4RUNNER LINEUP
SAND LAKE OHV
MCKENZIE RIVER
Overlanding Paradise
Most famous for its towering rock formations and population of California bighorn sheep, Leslie Gulch also boasts countless two-tracks and backcountry campsites prime for overlanding. Oh, and thanks to its location in Oregon’s high desert, far from urban light pollution, it’s got the clear, dark skies Drew needed to score some stunning images of the meteor shower.
SISTERS
presented by
Chasing Light on the Colorado Plateau with Landscape Photographer Cody Conk
Coming soon
CHAPTER 03
CHAPTER 02
CHAPTER 01
presented by
Searching for Empty Lineups in Central California with Professional Surfer Hunter Jones
CHAPTER 03
CHAPTER 01
Coming soon
CHAPTER 02
LESLIE GULCH
04
SISTERS
03
Tillamook State Forest
02
Cape Kiwanda
01
Dramatic cliffs, huge sand dunes and epic views of the Pacific Ocean define this region. Just north of Cape Kiwanda, at Sand Lake Recreation Area, you can drive into the dunes and explore the coastline’s wild terrain.
You won’t find delicious Tillamook cheese here, but you can soothe that disappointment with over 250 miles of OHV trails, including Browns Camp, Jordan Creek, and Diamond Mill.
This artsy community is named for the three closely-spaced volcanic peaks on its western flank. The area offers opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation including hiking, biking and camping.
Named for a local rancher, Hiram E. Leslie, who was struck by lightning here in 1882, Leslie Gulch is now most famous for its towering rock formations, population of California bighorn sheep, and seemingly endless two-tracks prime for overlanding.
CLICK LOCATIONS TO EXPLORE MORE
FPO
SAHALIE FALLS
One of three major waterfalls on the McKenzie River, which runs through the Willamette National Forest, Sahalie Falls is renowned for its lush, natural beauty — and the 100-foot drop of its main waterfall.
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
Chasing Light
In the REDROCK DESERT with Landscape Photographer Cody Conk
COMING SOON
Searching for Empty Lineups in Central California with Professional Surfer Hunter Jones
The Toyota model or models shown are designed to meet most off-road driving requirements, but off-roading is inherently dangerous and may result in personal injury or vehicle damage. Toyota encourages responsible operation to help protect you, your vehicle and the environment. Do not overload vehicle and properly secure roof load. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. Vehicle shown may include accessories not designed, manufactured or evaluated by Toyota nor covered by vehicle warranty. Options shown.
Off-roading is inherently dangerous and may result in personal injury or vehicle damage. Abusive use may result in personal injury or vehicle damage. Do not overload vehicle and properly secure roof load. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. Vehicle shown may include accessories not designed, manufactured or evaluated by Toyota nor covered by vehicle warranty. Options shown.
Do not overload vehicle and properly secure roof load. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. Vehicle shown may include accessories not designed, manufactured or evaluated by Toyota nor covered by vehicle warranty. Options shown.
Off-roading is inherently dangerous and may result in personal injury or vehicle damage. Abusive use may result in personal injury or vehicle damage. Do not overload vehicle and properly secure roof load. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. Vehicle shown may include accessories not designed, manufactured or evaluated by Toyota nor covered by vehicle warranty. Options shown.
Off-roading is inherently dangerous. Abusive use may result in personal injury or vehicle damage.
Options shown.
Off-roading is inherently dangerous and may result in personal injury or vehicle damage. Abusive use may result in personal injury or vehicle damage. Do not overload vehicle and properly secure roof load. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. Vehicle shown may include accessories not designed, manufactured or evaluated by Toyota nor covered by vehicle warranty. Options shown.
Do not overload vehicle and properly secure roof load. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. Vehicle shown may include accessories not designed, manufactured or evaluated by Toyota nor covered by vehicle warranty. Options shown.
Do not overload vehicle and properly secure roof load. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. Vehicle shown may include accessories not designed, manufactured or evaluated by Toyota nor covered by vehicle warranty. Options shown.
Do not overload vehicle and properly secure roof load. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. Vehicle shown may include accessories not designed, manufactured or evaluated by Toyota nor covered by vehicle warranty. Options shown.
Options shown.
Options shown.
The Toyota model or models shown are designed to meet most off-road driving requirements, but off-roading is inherently dangerous and may result in personal injury or vehicle damage. Toyota encourages responsible operation to help protect you, your vehicle and the environment. Do not overload vehicle and properly secure roof load. See Owner’s Manual for weight limits and restrictions. Vehicle shown may include accessories not designed, manufactured or evaluated by Toyota nor covered by vehicle warranty. Options shown.
Photo: Drew Simms
Photo: Drew Simms
Photo: Drew Simms
Photo: Drew Simms
Photo: Drew Simms
Photo: Drew Simms
Photo: Drew Simms
Timelapse: Drew Simms
Photo: Drew Simms
Presented By
COMING SOON
Chasing Light
In the REDROCK DESERT with Landscape Photographer Cody Conk
COMING SOON
Chasing Light In the REDROCK DESERT with Landscape Photographer Cody Conk
