Hello,
I saw a few previous posts about great backpacking route suggestions with kids, but most recommendations are at higher elevations, so I wanted to see if anyone had any spring / early summer recommendations.
I am heading out on a backpacking trip with two kids next weekend for an overnighter. Both are capable hikers and doing 6 miles and 1400ft in one day. I was thinking of doing Siouxon and camping near Chinook Falls. Any other recommendations? Particularly interested if anyone has any ideas on the dry side of the cascade range.
Thanks much!
Spring backpacking route with kids
Re: Spring backpacking route with kids
I think the kids would enjoy Macks Canyon. Just go downstream as far as you feel like. There are places to stop and camp along the way. The scenery is spectacular and the hiking is easy( on an old railbed).
Here is a blurb from my trip 2 years ago. The elevation gain on this hike was from side scrambles.
Here is a blurb from my trip 2 years ago. The elevation gain on this hike was from side scrambles.
- retired jerry
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Re: Spring backpacking route with kids
or https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guid ... anyon_Hike
the first 4 miles is pretty rough at places, not your typical Columbia Gorge trail
the first 4 miles is pretty rough at places, not your typical Columbia Gorge trail
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Re: Spring backpacking route with kids
The Salmon River Trail is worth considering: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guid ... river_hike
Some good suggestions here: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guid ... ackpacking
Some good suggestions here: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guid ... ackpacking
Re: Spring backpacking route with kids
Thank you so much, everyone! This is perfect.
Really enjoy the site, community, and all the information provided.
Really enjoy the site, community, and all the information provided.
Re: Spring backpacking route with kids
Did you end up going? We’ve canceled two weekends in a row due to weather. I would highly recommend Badger Creek. We’ve done it around Memorial Day several times and it’s a great spot for kids with a lot of established sites within 4 miles of the trailhead.
- retired jerry
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- Joined: May 28th, 2008, 10:03 pm
Re: Spring backpacking route with kids
yeah, Badger Creek, good idea
plus it's a little on the east side of the cascades so a bit drier
plus it's a little on the east side of the cascades so a bit drier
Re: Spring backpacking route with kids
Badger Creek had a real lot of blowdown when I was there in April. Not sure if they have cleared it yet.
Re: Spring backpacking route with kids
We did. We did Siouxon Creek and it was perfect. We parked at the lower trailhead and hiked to campsites that are near the upper trailhead. In hindsight, I would have parked at the upper trailhead and hiked to some of the sites further up closer to Chinook Falls.
It was wet and soggy, but we had a great time. Packed in enough kindling to get some wet wood going. Kids had a great time.
Re: Spring backpacking route with kids
How did the area look? I was there just before it was badly burned a few years ago, but haven’t been there since to see what survived.