My wife and I are hiking the Oregon section of the PCT beginning July 3rd. We’ll be starting in Ashland and hiking north to the Columbia. Being a little early in the season, and it being an above average snowfall year, what are this groups thoughts on how much post holing or otherwise deep snow travel can we expect at the higher elevations?
Razor
Snow should not be much of a problem. You will have some spots around Diamond Peak Wilderness, because of the location of the trail. Watch your map closely,the PCT does not quite make the crest out of Willamette Pass,or on your hike before, which should be easier to tranverse northbound. Pct easy to follow around lakes but be alert at junctions. Main concern would be BUGS,BUGS,BUGS, especially south of Willamette Pass.Many weekenders and section hikers. The days are long and usually dry. Take a fishing rod or two if inclined, world class fishing abounds. Many distance hikers miss out on this great exper. available at arms reach. AYCE vegetarian buffet at Crater Lake one of best eating exper. on whole PCT. Also, Timberline Lodge,though spendy,has great food. Sometimes offers a good sunday brunch with loaves of homemade bread. Cascade Locks in northern Or. real hospitable to hikers,free camping at Park Marina. If I can be of any more help, contact me. I thruhiked in 1985 and have sectioned hiked both OR and WA 3 times. We are working on having more trail angels up north here on the PCT. Happy Trails, 2 Spirits. Oh almost forgot, you may have some snow at Wickitup Pass, if you do, just go by your compass bearings. In any case, it is doubtful that you will posthole much this year. Snow melts fast and except for theDiamond Peaks area,is really not a problem. Enjoy the lakes. You may find that your pace quickens due to the bug population but this can be made more bearable by enjoying fish 3 or 4 times a week. Also, it is real easy to resupply along the way in Or. If you make it to Cascade Locks, I am often there(live in Portland) at the marina. Great smoked salmon chowder at Salmon Row Pub(open 4-10 PM daily) Also, great smoked fish at the end of town at gas station(last one before entering i-84 exit. Happy Trails,2 Spirits If your hike ends at Cascade Locks, it is worth hiking the connecting trail(2.2mi) to Eagle Creek Trail for great swimming and trail. It is real crowded on weekends though. Just west of Cascade Locks, is Willamette Falls, the highest falls in the state at about 300feet and worth stopping to check out. Peace, 2 Spirits
2 spirits
Thank you for such a timely and valuable response. This is the types of responses that, in my opinion, give forums such as these their maximum utility and effectivness. Great in depth information born from experience!
Regarding the insect issue. We will be treating our tarp and clothing with permithrin, and using 100% deet on our head nets and net mittens. We are also presently sewing a Jardine style bug net to use at night under the tarp. Between all of this we should manage the bugs OK.
I’m seeking the dillution for treating gear with permithrin. I think I remember it from other posts as soaking for two hours in a 1% concentration mixed with water. After that let the item air dry for two days before using. Does anybody out there know if this is correct?
Razor