This will be the 2nd of 3 "official" training runs for the Oct. 1st Timberline circumnav. We're going to stick to the Gorge (because why not?), and run a classic 18 mile loop with about 5,000 feet of elevation gain. It's pretty much a straight up and down loop, which will be good for working those sexy legs and glutes.
NOTE: If this is your first outing/rsvp with the group, I may send you a private message asking for a short introduction and running experience. Just a precaution to ensure that this description was properly read. Thank you.
We'll meet at the Horsetail Falls parking lot a bit before 8am (please try and get there a few minutes early). The new Scenic Hwy permit system does not go into effect until 9am, so no permit or pass is required at this location at this time. If driving, I would take the typical precautions with securing your possessions in your car, given the break-in history of PNW trailheads (although it should be safer with the new permits and check points). Carpooling will be available, and I'll post my offering in the comments below.
This will be a longer run, and I would plan for being out for 4 hours. Please make sure you have the necessary gear (water, food/fuel, bear repellent, etc.). There will be water (streams/creeks) along the way, in case refills are needed.
We will start by heading up Horsetail Falls trail, connecting with Oneonta and taking that all the way up Franklin Ridge to the summit of Larch Mtn (and Sherrard Pt), then head down, down, down Larch Mtn trail, turning on to the 400 trail on the last switch back near the base of Multnomah Falls. We'll turn off 400 at the Oneonta trailhead, run by the closed Oneonta Gorge, back to the parking area.
Here's the (unintentionally shaped, although I gave it a name which is probably not Meetup appropriate;-) Strava route...
https://www.strava.com/routes/2987119882618576426
The last of the 3 training outings will be on Sunday, September 11th. Right now we are looking at an epic 25 mile run in the Tillamook State Forest (trying to plan it where we run through the middle of a prison, but we'll see). This will give the legs 3 weeks to regenerate prior to the big outing on October 1st. Yay!
Uhhh, questions, comments? See you all on the 21st! Probably stop by Troutdale Station (https://www.troutdalestation.com/) on the way home, for those wanting refreshments and nibbles.
Take care, and hope everyone's summer is going well!