Benson Plateau vs. Herman Creek

[lovehannahe]

Hi all! I'm a new member to OregonHikers but I've been using it as a resource for years. Thanks for being so fabulous!

I'm hoping all you experts could help me decide what overnighter to do this weekend. My group of 4 is trying to decide between the Benson Plateau Loop Hike (http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide ... _Loop_Hike) or the Herman Creek Trail (http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide ... Creek_Hike). We are all experienced PNW hikers who exercise regularly and are in good shape, but haven't backpacked seriously before.

We are hoping to get some great views, and also hopefully some fun water features. Any advice? We are totally torn and can't decide which hike would be better! Any and all opinions welcome.

Thanks in advance!

[BigBear]

There are three options to reach Wahtum Lake:

1) Eagle Creek - crowded unless you start early, and the waterfalls in the first half are great. The second half is in forest and crosses several shallow streams.

2) Herman Creek - forested walk with a few creek crossings, a bit more of a grade than Eagle Creek

3) Benson Plateau - all forest, one spring, a view at 3,000 feet, then forest for quite a ways until reacing an open ridge before Chinidere Mtn. Steep in the beginning and then flat.

[drm]

I vote for Wahtum Lake over Senate Bill 886 (your first link).

Really though, do the Herman Creek / Wahtum Lake / Benson Plateau loop on the PCT. But if camping at Wahtum Lake on a sunny weekend, campsites will be scarce.

I see that loop is not written up in the Field Guide yet. Jerry - you're falling behind!

[retired jerry]

ha, ha, ha,... I did Benson Plateau a few months ago so I could do that

I'd probably do Herman Creek over Benson Plateau

Herman Creek - waterfalls and streams

Benson Plateau - nice views in the first few miles, looking over the gorge

[lovehannahe]

I vote for Wahtum Lake over Senate Bill 886 (your first link).

Ha! Oops! Didn't even notice that! I'll fix it Thanks for the advice though! Much appreciated. I think we will camp somewhere along Herman Creek instead of at the lake.

[lovehannahe]

Thanks for the tips, everyone! I'll post a trip report whatever we decide!

[RobinB]

Why not do both? You could go Herman Creek to Wahtum Lake, then head back via the PCT over the Benson Plateau, and back to your car on the Herman Creek Bridge Trail. I did that a few weeks ago (trip report), and it was fantastic.