South Molalla River Loop

Late Post for Thursday - Anyone climbing Mount Everest and/or Wy’West with us on Wednesday should enjoy this easy hair of the dog recovery hike on Thursday in the Molalla Recreation Area. And of course, everyone else is welcome as well!

Difficulty: Easy (Minimal exposure, nothing incredibly steep)

Hiking distance: 10 miles

Elevation gain: 1375 feet

Total hiking time: 3-5 hours

Total driving distance: 96 miles RT; $9-10 to driver(s)

Thursday looks like our only "dry" day after today. I have a Maundy Thursday service in the P.M., so we can expect to be back in Portland by mid-afternoon.

No hurry, though... unless we get a fast group that is game for some hustle. Only if.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/f/8/4/600_435816740.jpeg

Photo credit: Bobcat, Oregon Hikers

Hardy Creek Trailhead is the starting point for this exploratory hike. We’ll wind through mixed forests until the Hardy Creek trail meets the Rim Trail, just off of Huckleberry Road. Climbing the ridge above Hardy Creek will bring us back into the forest, past a Christmas tree farm, across a footbridge, through some clearings, and down into a few gullies. The Red Vole trail will take us to some junctions that will drop us onto the Huckleberry Trail and eventually lead to Annie’s Cabin.

Annie’s Cabin is reportedly open to visitors! Fingers crossed.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/5/6/b/600_435818251.jpeg

Photo Credit: Bobcat, Oregon Hikers

After a snack/lunch break at the cabin, we’ll continue on (now heading north, back in the direction of the trailhead) to the Fern Creek Trail. Some tiny creek crossings, ascending, and descending will be encountered before we merge back onto the Rim Trail and retrace our remaining steps to the trailhead.

Here is a detailed description of the South Molalla loop hike:
http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/South_Molalla_River_Trails_Loop_Hike

My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3 mph when not running), but I welcome trekkers of all reasonable hiking speeds. This particular hike is a casual one. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks and photos.

Gas: 96 miles total driving; $9-10 to driver(s)

Bring: 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing including rain gear, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful.

It is also recommended that hikers always carry the Ten Essentials:

1. Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)

2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)

3. Insulation (extra clothing)

4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)

5. First-aid supplies

6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)

7. Knife/tools

8. Nutrition (extra food)

9. Hydration (extra water)

10. Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.

PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.