Recommendations for 3 night backpacking trip in Mid March

[Sensei_goes_hiking]

Hello Oregons Hikers!

I would be very interested to hear thoughts and recommendations for a 3 night backpacking trip in Mid March. Our group is not a hard core group who like to crush miles but prefer the 4-8 miles a day type of group. Also we are not trying to snow camp so a hike with lower elevation (sub 3000'ish?) would be preferable. So far we have been thinking of the coast and desert as likely places that might meet these requirements however I have been looking at caltopo maps and have yet to find a longer loop or out and back that looks good. Also hopefully within 5 hrs drive of Portland.

I would appreciate to hear from the wealth of collective experience that is this community.
TY

[leiavoia]

Most of the good stuff is under snow, so you have to go south or east to find longer backpackable routes.

Some things you can consider:
Rogue River Trail (40m+ traverse)
Wild Rogue River Loop (30m loop)
Umpqua River Trail (varies, some parts under snow)
Illinois River (Traverse and loop options)
Hell's Canyon / Snake River area (several options)

If you want something closer and are willing to curb your enthusiasm:
Horse Creek Trail / Drift Creek Wilderness (6m out and back, simple training hike).
Gales Creek (12m+ out and back. Training hike. Trail starts at campground, heads uphill.)

[retired jerry]

Those are good. Watch out for ticks - I just got one on the Rogue.

Another possibility would be along the coast of the Olympic Peninsula, like Third Beach to Toleak Point. It rains a lot so you have to look at weather reports. And you have to look at tide tables because there are places you can only do at low tide.

[teachpdx]

Duckabush River or Hoh River in the Olympics would probably be a good bet this time of year (not Elwha due to road washout). I'm sure it'll be muddy, but it's to be expected this time of year!

[drm]

An out and back on the Lewis River might be possible. I don't usually go till April but by then there is usually a lot of melted mileage, and it has been mild.

[leiavoia]

Salmon River would also work out. More of a two-day trip though.

[RobinB]

Duckabush River or Hoh River in the Olympics would probably be a good bet this time of year (not Elwha due to road washout). I'm sure it'll be muddy, but it's to be expected this time of year!

I like the Olympics idea. The Elwha road walk is actually kinda pleasant - particularly if you're willing to camp along the road (nice spots near the old dam) - but I would also add the East Fork Quinault. You could easily make it up to Enchanted Valley at that pace. Maybe go: TH to O'Neil day 1; O'Neil to Enchanted Valley day 2; back to O'Neil day 3; out on day 4.

[retired jerry]

yeah, you'll likely see a bear in the Enchanted Valley

[drm]

Note that bear canisters are required for East Fork Quinault / Enchanted Valley, and the NPS website says 21 trees are down in the first two miles of the trail, some not easy to get around. You can't just step over fallen trees in the Olympics. Some require climbing gear and rapelling.

[retired jerry]

they have bear wires at several camps

I assume if you use them you don't need a container