HI all.
My trip is still on for apprx August 27 ( 4 days).
Do you know where or who I can borrow or rent a SPOT 4 device.
I do not want to rely on phone service ( Verizon), and I am hiking alone.
Timberline Trail in Mid August
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- Posts: 10
- Joined: May 28th, 2021, 5:57 pm
Re: Timberline Trail in Mid August
Question:
How are the trail markers on the Timberline Trail.
Which map app do you recommend that uses the least battery.
How are the trail markers on the Timberline Trail.
Which map app do you recommend that uses the least battery.
Re: Timberline Trail in Mid August
Knowing nothing much about your location or past hiking experience it is hard to know what standard of trail markers you are used to. I'd say they are better than the average Forest Service trail markers in the PNW and thousands of hikers successfully complete the Timberline each season. Chances are you'll be fine and in August, although you may be solo, you will rarely be alone for long. If you are unsure of the route the next hiker(s) to come along will probably be of assistance.
- retired jerry
- Posts: 14418
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Re: Timberline Trail in Mid August
What is a trail marker?
The trail is pretty obvious. Mostly, you just keep walking on the trail. Stay on the obvious trail that's highest on the mountain. The only place I've gotten "lost" is crossing streams. No trail across the wash, and it can be tricky finding where the trail continues.
There are trail junctions but there are signs. There are occasional unmarked small side trails to a campsite or whatever.
If there's snow covering the trail it can be difficult. Better have a GPS route to follow.
The trail is pretty obvious. Mostly, you just keep walking on the trail. Stay on the obvious trail that's highest on the mountain. The only place I've gotten "lost" is crossing streams. No trail across the wash, and it can be tricky finding where the trail continues.
There are trail junctions but there are signs. There are occasional unmarked small side trails to a campsite or whatever.
If there's snow covering the trail it can be difficult. Better have a GPS route to follow.
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- Posts: 10
- Joined: May 28th, 2021, 5:57 pm
Re: Timberline Trail in Mid August
Thanks for the confidence.
I am following the route that was done on a meetup group last year, using the following:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.0/- ... 2f6f0a8895
LEG 2
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.1/- ... 6338aa6682
LEG 3
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=11.5/- ... 6cc4456818
LEG 4
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.4/- ... 7c95303f00
I am following the route that was done on a meetup group last year, using the following:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.0/- ... 2f6f0a8895
LEG 2
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.1/- ... 6338aa6682
LEG 3
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=11.5/- ... 6cc4456818
LEG 4
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=12.4/- ... 7c95303f00
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- Posts: 10
- Joined: May 28th, 2021, 5:57 pm
Re: Timberline Trail in Mid August
HI all
How has the heat wave affected the trail and streams?
any updates on the blowdown section yet?
How has the heat wave affected the trail and streams?
any updates on the blowdown section yet?
- retired jerry
- Posts: 14418
- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Re: Timberline Trail in Mid August
there's a lot of snow melt and thus high stream flow right now
by mid August stream flow should be low. There are still some stream crossings a little difficult.
the only closed section is between Muddy Fork and Yocum Ridge, but there's a good detour using the PCT and signs directing you.
by mid August stream flow should be low. There are still some stream crossings a little difficult.
the only closed section is between Muddy Fork and Yocum Ridge, but there's a good detour using the PCT and signs directing you.
Re: Timberline Trail in Mid August
It looks you are taking the traditional four day CW loop from Timberline, and you are going on a weekend, so the directions are to just follow everybody else. You won't be alone. It's the local version of the the PCT thru-hiking herd. But note Jerry's change to leg two. Due to trail damage, you will need to take the PCT instead of the TT there, and get back on near Top Spur.
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- Posts: 10
- Joined: May 28th, 2021, 5:57 pm
Re: Timberline Trail in Mid August
I will be starting on Tuesday Aug 17.
I have plotted the trail on gaiigps, and have noted the detour on day 2. I can take either the PCT, or the Ramona Trails to reconnect on the top.
Is there Still portable water and toilet at Cloud Cap Campground.
This could be a good lunch spot coming from Elk Cove .
I have plotted the trail on gaiigps, and have noted the detour on day 2. I can take either the PCT, or the Ramona Trails to reconnect on the top.
Is there Still portable water and toilet at Cloud Cap Campground.
This could be a good lunch spot coming from Elk Cove .
Re: Timberline Trail in Mid August
There is a good stream about 0.5-1.0 mile past Cloud Cap when the trail starts getting sandy. Lasts through September.