- Hager Mountain Lookout via 160 Trail, 1981' e.g., 7.4 miles, 1 nightMidtown Yacht Club, Bend, OR
Hager Mtn Lookout Trail via the 160 Trail
Easily one of the best experiences in my life happened during a weekend in March, ten years ago, when I and three others had rented out the Hager Mountain Lookout. It took 7 hours on snowshoes to reach the summit. Two of us and a dog came up on a Friday, the other two the following day. So much fun. Mind you, it was an absolute slog getting up there.
You might imagine and you are correct, the sunrises and sunsets were spectacular! I'll tell you about it on trail--a lot of things happened over two days. Let's just say we ate and drank well.You should know that this is actually quite a steep, long hike. The view however, STUNNING 360 panorama view of Christmas Valley and beyond. Bu-lieve me, we'll take all the necessary breaks to get to the top without killing ourselves.
Reports from the field is that the wildflowers are abundant (and have been historically towards the end of June), and only little talk of mosquitos. The gentle breezes near the top keep them away. 80% of the hike is shaded.
The plan: leave early, arrive trailhead, hike to the summit/tower. Perhaps we'll meet Fire Ranger Evelyn! Have a tour, lunch, descend to an area .5 to 1.5 miles below the summit, make camp. The following morning, it's a steep 2.4 or 4 miles hike back to our vehicles (depending on our campsite location).
THERE ARE NO WATER SOURCES ALONG THE ENTIRE TRAIL. Recommend bringing at least 2-3 liters of water. Consider cold-soaking your evening meal. We...melted snow for water.
What to bring: the 10 Essentials, TWO days worth of water, a packable lunch, dinner meal. Hiking poles are highly advisable. The cell-phone coverage is excellent at the summit.
I'll need a couple of drivers with permits to volunteer their vehicles. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach the trailhead. We all pitch in $5 for gas.
We are driving south past the Cowboy Dinner Tree; the trailhead is on the left. When we come back down following day, the plan is to 'debrief' at the Ol' Watering Hole in Silver Lake before we head back to Bend.
- Scout Lake via Woodpecker Ridge Trail and PCT, 2329' eg, 20+ mi, 4 nts.Village Green City Park, Sisters, OR
Though much of the trek-in is in the burn scar, it DOES reveal sooo much more of the landscape views that otherwise would be blocked by the closed canopy of dense trees. Gorgeous views of the backside of Mt Jefferson, Russell Lake, and Jefferson Park, which somehow evaded the burn. I may bring my fly rod and license.
Here's the out and back trail to our base camp.
There are plenty of side hikes to other nearby areas like Triangulation Peak, Lake Pamelia, Breitenbush, and other trails along the PCT that we can choose to explore. 4 nights will give us plenty of opportunities to really soak in the area.
There are a few rocky sections, as well as creek crossings.
What to bring? The 10 Essentials, your gear, water filtration, hiking poles. There are lots of water sources. It may be buggy and I might try a Thermacell of Flextail mosquito repeller.
I'll monitor the weather and conditions, and report as needed.
- Three Fingered Jack Loop, 24 mi, 3641' e.g. 2 nightsSisters Coffee Company, Sisters, OR
This hike is one of my three most favorite hikes in the Oregon Cascades.
Three Fingered Jack LoopThis trip is aimed ideally at advanced beginners or intermediate backpackers ~ meaning you are fine with a 30 lb pack over at least 10 miles at elevation with possible rocky trail conditions and are in reasonably good shape. If you are unsure, please contact me.
Note: this is not a "balanced" hike, meaning the miles on each leg are not the same. I am very familiar with the hike around TFJ. It's a matter of water sources as well as 'flat' campsites that will hold multiple tents.
Day One: Depart Jack Lake TH, 6.3 miles to Koko Lake, Camp #1
Day Two: 11.4 miles to Square Lake, *no water source for 6.4 miles, Camp #2
Day Three: 6.3 miles back to Jack Lake TH/vehicles.Picture Postcard views! Just wait and see.
Somewhere along the hike, we may luck out and see the local herd of mountain goats. They've done well over the years, their numbers are now 20. They are amazing creatures as they nimbly scale the cliff edge. If you have a pair of lightweight binoculars, bring them. Last year we got as close as 30'. Sometimes we see them directly on the trail.
This backpacking trip does not include a scurry up to no name lake as a group. If you would like to, be my guest! I may or may not join you. However, a must-see-must do!
Water management is key here. Day one offers 5 viable water sources. Day two offers 3 sources for the first three miles, then there is a six-mile stretch along the PCT with nothing until we reach Summit Lake. Day three offers two water sources. Water filtration is key for this outing.
What to bring? All your gear, the 10 Essentials. Water filtration (Sawyer straw, tablets, Katahdin BeFree, Grayl, etc.). You'll probably consume at least liter a day (depending on weather conditions which I'll update as we get closer), and then you'll need enough water to hydrate your food and make coffee, tea, or cocoa. Hiking poles are mandatory.
Last year I managed with a smart water bottle and a Nalgene bottle along with a Sawyer straw. Note to self: fill up/top off at every chance.
I need a couple of drivers with NW Forest Passes to volunteer their vehicles. *I have an overnight wilderness permit for 6.
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After our adventure has ended, on the way back towards Sisters, we may elect to debrief at the Barn Food cart lot.