Defiance - February Fatburner

I know I know, you've been sitting around on your couch eating cookies and drinking eggnogg for the last few months. But it's time to shape up. Just in time for your spring summit attempts, a spirited saunter up our favorite local training loop: Mount Defiance/Starvation Ridge.

Details

• Start point: Starvation Ridge Trail #414
• Hike type: Out and back
• Distance: 12.5 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 5,177 feet
• High point: 4,955 feet
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Parking permit: None
• Target pace: ~2.5 mph, with minimal stops (moderate-high fitness).

Hike overview:

This is a real loin burner. The real challenge is upfront, if you can get past the first two hours of high-grade climb, the rest is very manageable.

More info here.

Carpooling:

We will meet at Gateway Transit Center parking garage at 7:00 am for carpooling. Or people may chose to drive by themselves and meet outside the Starvation Ridge trail head parking at 7:30 am. If carpooling, we recommended $5-10 to be paid the driver to share the cost of gas/car.

Essential Packing:

• Sturdy hiking boots/shoes.
• Clothing layers for the weather of the day.
• Hiking poles (very recommended).
• Sun-protection on a sunny day (for the top section).
• Lunch, snacks, 4 liters of water (and a life straw or similar).
• Positive attitude and a sense of adventure!

Always a good practice to be equipped with the 10 essentials during hikes. Here is the link.

Canceling after 6 PM on the day prior to the hike will result in a no-show on your record.

On long hikes like this I tend to pack lighter on food and end with a high calorie dinner. All welcome to join, most likely something like bbq or pizza in E Portland. Please be ready to maintain a steady and consistent pace, >2 mph in motion, ideally >2 mph average as well.

Disclaimer: Hike leaders are volunteers to do their best to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone, but assume no liability for any loss, damage, or injury, during the event or getting to or back from an event. Each member is required to read and approve the waiver when agreeing to become a member and is completely responsible for their own safety and well-being.

Link to liability waiver below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e9K3R6KkepF8BFHmLdcTnPzou42_x2DEu38XqzlGfJ8/edit?usp=sharing