About us
This group is for anyone interested in our main focus--backpacking, along with camping, hiking, and wilderness adventures (snowshoeing, and snow camping). All skill levels are welcome, from the true day-hiker beginner ready to make the very first leap into backpacking on a beginner-friendly overnight trip, to individuals wanting to do nice 1 or 2-night trips with moderate mileages, to the well-seasoned and traveled backpacker wanting to crush 10+ mile days on a multi-day trip.
That said, not every trip will be suited for beginners. Any specific considerations for a given trip will be clearly disclosed in each and every trip write-up. In this group, we will definitely be seeking out the roads less traveled - wilderness over development. That simply means that we will be focusing on getting into areas that aren’t always the most traveled. This is good because we get to see things that others typically will not. This can be frustrating as well because there is not always a way to know trail conditions (blow-downs, snow, overgrowth, etc.) in advance. While it is my belief that there is a certain beauty in not knowing everything ahead of time, I do pride myself in trying to assemble as much information for a given trip ahead of time.
****PLEASE NOTE**** Backpacking and associated outdoor activities are not without risk. While every single attempt will be made to keep the safety of our members a top priority while drawing on a breadth of experience, I cannot guarantee your safety. The fact is, it is ‘safer’ to stay at home on the couch in the comfort of your own home without ever, ever leaving the house--that’s if you discount the health risks of an inactive and sedentary lifestyle. It has been my experience that there are far, far, far more ways to be injured or worse in a city situation (including something as mundane as crossing the street while walking to a store) than there are in the wild; the truth is that people can be injured in the wild. Again, this is not intended to scare anyone. This is simply fact.
BY ATTENDING CO TRAILHEADS GROUP EVENTS, YOU AGREE TO HOLD CO TRAILHEADS AND ITS ORGANIZERS, HARMLESS FROM ANY LIABILITY RESULTING IN INJURY, ILLNESS, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
PROFILE PICTURES: It is mandatory that all members post their real name (last names are optional), a "mug shot" of themselves (not a logo, or picture of a mountain vista or your dog or cat). There are a few reasons: it allows the event hosts to seek you out and recognize you (taking role call), #2 allows fellow attendees to recognize you (as they may wish to resume a conversation). #3 In the event of a mishap on the trail, having your name and a recognizable picture of yourself would aid Search and Rescue in finding you.
Thanks again for joining.
Tom Cappy | Organizer
Upcoming events
7
Snowshoe to Todd Lake, 4-6 mi.* RT
The Pourhouse Grill, 61276 S Hwy 97, Bend, OR, USAs this hike has minimal amount of elevation gain--it's more rolly than anything, this jaunt is fine for all levels.
So! Hear tell the white stuff has arrived. I really like this hike to Todd Lake as it ducks in and out of the trees, but largely the trail makes its away over a large expanse of open area. The views are incredible. Fingers crossed for a bluebird day!
Presently the conditions state that there is 8" of snow out there. It may improve as the days pass. It may recede as well. I'll monitor this and update.
.
We'll be leaving early from the Mt Bachelor parking lot, through the common area, and then on our way. As snowshoeing is an aerobic activity, and this hike may be the first real outing for many of you, the pace will be slow to moderate. Layer up folks!!What to bring? the 10 Essentials, an extra set of gloves or mittens, along with a pair of socks (placed in a baggie), hand or foot warmers, a rainshell, one-two liters of water, some snacks for fueling along the way, as well as your lunch. Perhaps a warm beverage? Poles with snow baskets are optional, but recommended for newbies.
I will need a couple of drivers to volunteer their vehicles. As we will be parking near Bachelor's nordic center, we do not need parking passes.
It takes approximately 40-45 minutes to arrive at Bachelor. Everyone chips in $5 for gas.
.
The plan is to do an out and back; it's 4 miles. *If we loop around the lake, it's 6 miles total.*There is a bathroom in the Bachelor Nordic Center, as well as one up at Todd Lake. We must acquire the (free) common area permits first, and then we traipse through, and over Century Drive, and onward across an expanse to arrive at Todd Lake. Soon, lunch. Perhaps a little exploring. After that, we backtrack to the Nordic Center.
Upon our return, we may wish to debrief at the Oblivion Pour House Grill. The end time is approximate.
2 attendees
Winter Camping Basics, group 1
Tom's home, 61335 Robin Hood Lane, Bend, OR, USNow, just because there is snow on the ground, don't assume it's going to be colder in your sleeping bag at night. One piece of gear can make all the difference--and we'll talk about that, as well as other hacks that'll ensure your warmth and enjoyment.
I would like everyone to click on the link I provided from REI. It'll serve as a refresher for the seasoned amongst us and crucial info for newbies.
Check this out: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-camping.html
Please don't sign up for both events. I wish to bring in more members.
Tom6 attendeesWinter Camping Basics, group 2
Tom's home, 61335 Robin Hood Lane, Bend, OR, USNow, just because there is snow on the ground, don't assume it's going to be colder in your sleeping bag at night. One piece of gear can make all the difference--and we'll talk about that, as well as other hacks that'll ensure your warmth and enjoyment.
I would like everyone to click on the link I provided from REI. It'll serve as a refresher for the seasoned amongst us and crucial info for newbies.
Check this out: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-camping.html
Please don't sign up for both events. I wish to bring in more members.
Tom3 attendees
Past events
201
