Herman Creek/Benson Plateau backpack

I did this loop last year during a heat wave. It should be easier this time!

This will be a three day trip.
Mileage: about 24mi
Elevation gain: 4120'-4550' ( with short side trip up Chinidere Mt)

This is a great hike through some old growth forest, leading up to higher views of Green Point Mtn, Tomlike Mtn, Mt Adams, Mt Hood, Wahtum Lake.

Day one: 7mi,
2650'
We'll start from Herman Camp ( Forest Pass required) The first mile is rather steep, but then it's an easy consistent grade, on a soft trail. Well hike in about seven miles to Cedar Swamp Camp. This is a great camp site with a small creek right next to it, room for several tents, and Huge old growth trees all around. Several owls live in the neighborhood too.

Day two: 7-9mi,
1450'-1900'
We'll follow the trail toward Wahtum Lake, then turn off toward Chinidere Mtn and the Pacific Crest Trail and the Benson Plateau. There's a short side trail up to the summit of Chinidere Mtn, adding about .5 mi and a few hundred feet. We'll drop our packs and hike up with cameras and snacks and take in the view! Then we'll continue downhill on the PCT to one of the camps on Benson Plateau.

Day three: 8-9mi, depending on where we camped.
All downhill on the PCT!

We'll hike out on the PCT to the Herman Bridge cutoff, and back to Herman Camp.

Please mention in your RSVP if you have gear to share, or need to share ( water filter, stove, etc)

What to bring:

- Misc. - the usual backpacking necessities ( if you have questions about what to bring, email me)
- Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat
- Food- 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches
- Stove/cook stuff
- Water filter
- Appropriate clothes and rain gear
- Headlamp
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
-Sunscreen and mosquito repellent!
- Gas money for the drivers

REMINDER: If you need to change your RSVP to no, please do it by 7/17to allow time for others to fill the spot.