Hi Everyone,
I think I will have enough time to hike the Oregon section of the PCT this Spring/Summer. Can anyone recommend the best time to hit the trail, how long you will think it will take to hike the state, food drops and anything I should look out for. I’ve hike the AT and did the beautiful John Muir trail last year.
Thanks,
Crockett
Crockett
Many PCT thru-hikers walk Oregon in about 3 weeks time. We should probably slow it down a bit in Oregon because it is really beautiful. But after the LONG state of California, and with the pull of Manning, we fly through Oregon.
Since you’ve hiked the AT, you might be interested in timing your Oregon hike to coincide with the PCT thru-hikers. If that is the case, beginning the first week of August would be good. You may or may not have HORRIBLE mosquito problems in Oregon. It depends upon the snowmelt. In 2003 I was about one week behind my 2002 time frame. 2002 had horrible Oregon mosquitos, and 2003 wasn’t so bad. Just make sure you take the DEET.
There are many opportunities for resupply/maildrops in Oregon. For all the detailed information on resupply, go to www.pcthandbook.com.
You’ve selected a great part of the PCT for your 2005 hike. There’s something mysterious about the Oregon volcanoes. I think you’ll really like your hike!
yogi
yogi
The mosquitoes are the generally the worst in July. Who is ‘we’? Anybody that is in a hurry to get to Manning should take a bus or car or fly. If cali seemed long, you went too fast and should have hitch hiked. It should only take you as long as it takes to enjoy it. The pct is an abstract concept the landscape is what is real.
dan
We = me and the thru-hikers I’ve met.
Hurry to get to Manning? That’s not what I said. I said we feel the pull of Manning, just like many AT hikers I know feel the pull of Katahdin. You must not have thru-hiked before; if you had, you would have understood my statement.
Compared to other sections of the PCT, Oregon is relatively easy. It’s flatter. Thru-hikers are used to hiking from sunup to sundown. With easier terrain, that translates into more miles covered each day. And yes we do enjoy it.
HYOH, if ya know what I mean. “We” know.
yogi
yogi
Typically spring & early summer would probably be too early due to snow. You might get lucky this year though as our snow pak is 50 - 60% of normal. If you’re schedule is flexible September is usually great as the mosquitos & people are gone.
David
we = we too. That’s Tha Wookie and Island Mama.
Enjoyed every second of it. Except when we ran into a closed pizza joint. Made Manning 2 days before the big snow.
Tha Wookie
On my thru hike in '77 we only averaged about 16 a day in Oregon. But, we swam virtually every day and had a great time. It took us about 4-1/2 weeks. We then picked up the pace in Washington.
Bill
On my thru hike in '77 we only averaged about 16 a day in Oregon. But, we swam virtually every day and had a great time. It took us about 4-1/2 weeks. We then picked up the pace in Washington.
Bill
I just wanted to think all of you for the information on a hike through Oregon. I’d like to take my time and go at a pace somewhat like Bill described. Hiking the AT I had the pull of the big mountain a almost ran through the state of Maine. Promised myself I would one day go back and totally take my time through the 100 mile wilderness.
It looks like I’ll take the time off the at the very end of July or the first part of August.
Yogi, I’ve got your book and know that I fully appreciate the time and effort the you put in to create such a nice, comprehensive guide for your fellow hikers.
Crockett
Oregon has great,easy terrain. Bugs can be bad in July and first part of August. I rehike sections of Oregon and Washington every year and think that September is choice.What many distance hikers miss, is the great fishing at all the lakes the trail passes. If you want to do some miles(like an easy 20 every day) catch your dinner and swim as well as hang out, Oregon is great! If you are not a purist, the old Skyline trail near Highway 140 is good. Happy Trails
mike
Mike,
Thanks for the info concerning fishing in Oregon. I hiked the John Muir Trail last year and one of the best aspects was being able to eat some fresh trout at the end of a beautiful day of hiking. I’m glad to hear that there is some nice fishing on the PCT in Oregon.
Crockett