Experts: Give me your top 5

General discussions on hiking in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest
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Openminded2
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Experts: Give me your top 5

Post by Openminded2 » September 22nd, 2020, 11:29 am

For all you out there who really know trails, please give me your top 5 Moderate/Difficult hikes that you believe might still be possible in the next 30 days. I know that is a tough ask, we don't know about all the downed trees yet, and we don't know when the national forests will open but it is helpful and hopeful to plan for our feet in the duff after all that smoke has dwindled. I prefer those within 130 min from PDX but don't let that stop you. Go! (and thanks)
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retired jerry
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Re: Experts: Give me your top 5

Post by retired jerry » September 22nd, 2020, 12:05 pm

timberline trail around mt hood, if it opens

SCtoPDX
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Re: Experts: Give me your top 5

Post by SCtoPDX » September 22nd, 2020, 12:17 pm

Double Dog mtn is a good one, or Kings mtn to Elk Mtn traverse...

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adamschneider
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Re: Experts: Give me your top 5

Post by adamschneider » September 22nd, 2020, 12:26 pm

Table Mountain is definitely in the "Difficult" category ever since Bonneville Hot Springs closed.

Also, the Lakes Loop from Norway Pass is nice this time of year.
Last edited by adamschneider on September 22nd, 2020, 11:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Openminded2
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Re: Experts: Give me your top 5

Post by Openminded2 » September 22nd, 2020, 1:00 pm

National Forest service said no to Timberline trail for this wknd and the east side will open first when it happens. Ramona trailhead has a big tree down in front and that area is going to take some review and work.
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walrus
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Re: Experts: Give me your top 5

Post by walrus » September 22nd, 2020, 7:28 pm

Coldwater Peak - huckleberries AND goats, bonus. If you're looking for length vs. big climbs - you can head north to Arch Cape or South to Neahkahnie from Shortsand. The trail rolls enough that you get some decent EG. Wilson River. Coyote Wall from Catherine Creek.

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drm
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Re: Experts: Give me your top 5

Post by drm » September 23rd, 2020, 1:02 pm

Tilly Jane Trail from Cooper Spur ski area, connecting to Cooper Spur trail. I think it's a bit over 4000 feet EG. OF course not open now but I expect it will be soon.

For now, you might try the Quartz Creek trail off of the Lewis River. Net EG is a few thousand but there is lots of up and down, so total gain is probably a thousand more.

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teachpdx
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Re: Experts: Give me your top 5

Post by teachpdx » September 23rd, 2020, 1:25 pm

The St. Helens area is still relatively open and unscathed. The Loowit, and locations in the Mt. Margaret Backcountry, would make good hikes under these conditions.

Are you looking more at overnights or day hikes?
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