Oregon/Washington

[auwesman]

Anyone here done any Backpacking in Oregon or Washington State?  I've got a chance to go out to that area for free late July and am trying to put together a 3 or 4 night trip.  Not planning on summiting any of the several mountains because I'll be packing with a buddy who hasn't done any crampon climbing.  Seems like the whole area is beautiful, I just want to see the MOST beautiful parts

[Nalgene Ninja]

Never done it, but if I did in July I'd be most tempted to do a PCT loop in North Casades NP.

http://www.nps.gov/noca/p...rvisit/loop-backpacks.htm

[Pointman]

I am not sure how much time you will have but consider Timberline Trail. I used to train my dogsled team at Mt Hood and the views are great.

Up and down and around you go during 41 miles of hiking and nearly 18,000 feet of vertical gain and loss on one of the most famous hikes in the Northwest. The Timberline Trail encircles Oregon's highest peak, 11,239-foot Mt. Hood, and each of the mountain's four compass points offers a distinct perspective. On weekends, the trail is populated with dayhikers who gain access via numerous side trails. Stream crossings can be difficult in warm-weather melt-off.

Contact: Mt. Hood National Forest, (503) 622-7674; http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood.

Consider also doing this it you have time. Everytime I went I had a great time:

Ape Cave Lava Tube 

Explore the furthest reaches of a lava tube formed from an eruption of Mount St. Helens 1,900 years ago. Explore Ape Cave, a lava tube formed when the surface of a lava flow cooled and hardened, but the molten lava beneath the surface continued to flow. The cave opening can be entered with natural light, but for extended exploration, bring three sources of light, sturdy shoes and warm clothing, as the cave averages 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Lantern rentals, travel directions, and Forest Interpreter talks are available daily during the summer season. Ape's Headquarters is located by Ape Cave on Forest Road 8303. Ape Cave was named by members of an outdoor group called the Mount St. Helens Apes. This cave is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States. Two different routes of exploration exist inside the cave and an above-ground trail (Ape Cave #239) connects the main and upper entrances. The lower cave is a relatively easy 0.75 mile hike that takes 1 hour round trip. The challenging upper cave is 1.5 miles long, requires climbing over large piles of rocks and takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Nope, never been, wish I could. 

Personally, I would stick to the Cascades or Olympics, but I have a preference towards wetness. Some parts of western Oregon and Washington are actually really darned dry, and I probably wouldn't like them.

 

[auwesman]

Hey Guys, thanks for the reccomendations.  I've now pretty much narrowed it down to cascaseds or paradise park, which were both your reccomendations so thanks for the help!

I'm looking to do a 4 night trip.  Pointman, I know you've said you've spent some time in Paradise park on the Timberline trail, any ideas of how many nights one would expect to spend on that trail?  Seems like there are quite a few trails that spur off that could help extend the trip but I was curious if we hiked it straight how quickly we'd finish the loop.

Thanks!

[Pointman]

I have never hiked the 40 miles of that trail but I have spent many days training dogsled teams on the forest service roads near Government Camp and the Timberline trail. I found this Blog that outlines some ideas about the trail and the time it takes.

http://http://home.comcas...eHike/TimberlineHike.html

The pictures do give you an idea of how beautiful the area is and I am sure your pictures will be fantastic. Based on what the writer says and my experience in that area, I think this would be a fun and challenging 4 day trip. They did it in 3 but had help of wifes bringing gear in. The writer also commented that another day would have allowed for more time for pictures and views. I assume you both to be in solid physical shape and the elevation changes would be within your capabilities.

I have always enjoyed going to Timberline Lodge and I think it would be an excellent place to start and finish the trek. My only problem is thinking about your trip makes me want to go back to Oregon- at least for a visit.

[auwesman]

For some reason that link doesn't seem to be working for me. I'd like to check it out if possible

[jaybird]

I took out one of the http's and it worked:

http://home.comcast.net/~...eHike/TimberlineHike.html

[Pointman]

Sorry I screwed the first link up. Thanks for fixing it Jaybird!

[MobileBackpacker]

Have you hammered down a trip yet? I am from the Olympic Peninsula, Ive also done some extensive hiking in the North Cascades as well.

a few trips worth checking into:

High Divide - Seven Lakes Basin (ONP) a ridge hike with great views of Mt Olympus, overnight camps at one of the several lakes in the basin. a good 2-3 day trip

Pyramid Peak/Indian Henry's Hunting Ground (MRNP) a trip into a beautiful park with small tarns and wildflowers galore, a side jaunt to pyramid peak for on of the best up close vies of The Mountain. 2-3 day

Hannegan Pass/Copper Ridge/Chiliwack loop in the NCNP. That is a solid 3-4 day, one that ive always wanted to do

Cascade Pass, pelton basin, sahale pk (NCNP) - very popular but it is spectacular 1-2 day

Cape Alava to Shi Shi Beach (ONP) - beach hike with headland passes, seals, otters, possible whale sightings, wet! 2-3 day

[auwesman]

Thanks for the replies! Haven't nailed down a spot yet....just to many to choose from.  We were going to go to NCNP but my hiking partner would like to take his dog so we ruled that out for now.  Still looking at the Timberline trail.

Anyone ever hiked the Image Lake/Lyman Lake loop?  http://www.trailsnw.com/i...playTrail&hike_num=68

Problem is there's WAY to many hikes to choose from!!!

[MobileBackpacker]

There are tons of good spots outside NCNP that are within the national forest (you can take your dog). One that is really awesome, the Mt Baker Railroad grade/Park Butte trail. It is west of Baker Lake on the south side of Mt Baker. It is a good one nighter i think it may be around 7-8 miles round trip.

Oregon/Washington

Oregon/Washington

Another good day hike that you could do with a dog is the Sauk Mtn trail, this is very close to Baker Lake as well. Its short trip but tough (2-3 miles) that gives you a good view to east of the interior cascades, great views of the Skagit valley

Oregon/Washington

Oregon/Washington

Oregon/Washington

[MobileBackpacker]

I havent done the backpack you mentioned, sounds quite brutal, 9,500 ft elevation gain, that is spread out over 50+ miles so it may not be too bad. You'll be surpised in the cascades how quickly you climb that elevation too, alot of trails are unforgiving and its not uncommon to gain 1000-1500 ft/mile. Thats also in the forest/wilderness area so you should be able to take fido. Looks like a great trek. Ive got one coming up in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to the south in August.

Have fun and ................ ..........

Oregon/Washington