Backpacking

[gjohnson]

Anyone know of some good spots to go backpacking overnight in oregon (Mt hood area)?

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[kenr74]

There are tons of spots. What kind of hiking are we talking about? Flat and easy or straight up?

This site has some good info but really only hits on the well know hikes.

http://www.nwhiker.com/mthoodNF.html

 

[timbernet]

That is a good site --- like Ken said, we need some more details to recommend a good hike... distances you willing to hike, terrain, this time of year or later in the season, etc. Keep in mind that a lot of trails are still snow covered right now....

 

[gjohnson]

Well this will be my first time backpacking in oregon, My friend and I were born and raised in Alaska so we are not new to the outdoors. I figure we should start out the summer easy on relatively flat, but still "out there" enough that we can setup a cmap for a night and not be bothered.

 

[gjohnson]

Distance, ~5 each way so ~10 miles total preferably with a place to setup camp at the end then hike back the next day. Terrain for the beginning of the summer flat maybe do some mountain hikes later in the summer... Thanks for the resource i will look into it

 

[gjohnson]

http://www.nwhiker.com/MHNFHike13.html

Looks like a fun one to start the summer off.

 

[kenr74]

I've done that one in the winter on snow shoes and it is fun. Great views. If you have a chance you should park your car up the road in Government Camp and walk or hitch to the trailhead. The parking is right on the highway and looks like a great spot to get broken into at night.

You should also look into some of the hikes that come up out of the gorge. I like the Eagle Creek to Watum lake but it might be a little more that you are looking for right now.


Keep in mind that any stream on the mountain is going to be cold and fast right now so plan your crossings early.

 

[johnboy]

Herman creek trail is uphill starting in the Gorge and passes several waterfalls....just remember....up hill but not bad......

 

[gjohnson]

I've done that one in the winter on snow shoes and it is fun. Great views. If you have a chance you should park your car up the road in Government Camp and walk or hitch to the trailhead. The parking is right on the highway and looks like a great spot to get broken into at night.

You should also look into some of the hikes that come up out of the gorge. I like the Eagle Creek to Watum lake but it might be a little more that you are looking for right now.


Keep in mind that any stream on the mountain is going to be cold and fast right now so plan your crossings early.

Good advice.

 

[gjohnson]

Found this too... very cool resource.

http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide...ame=Pacific_Crest-Herman_Creek_Trail_Junction

 

[timbernet]

Timberline Lodge to Paradise Park and back is a good hike. About 5 miles each way... very pretty when the wildflowers are in bloom...

 

[Muddman]

Nothing against the Mt Hood area, but another area that deserves a look at is the Santiam Pass area I was there last year on 4x4 ATV's and could have spent days there and would have only seem a portion of it.
http://www.hoodoo.com/santiam_pass.htm

 

[gjohnson]

I used to drive the Santiam Pass 2 times a week to Bend, OR beautiful drive. Great Idea, I will look around that area as well.

 

[Mainsail]

The Summit of Mt Colonel Bob in the Brother’s Wilderness:



Lake 3995 in the Wonder Mountain Wilderness; eight hour hike mostly off-trail and up steep terrain:




Watson Lakes, about a six hour hike but on a well established trail: