Shakedown Day Hike - Riverbend to Hidden Lake - 10 miles total

Did you get a bunch of new backpacking gear and want to test it out on the trail before the season starts? Want to get some tips on packing your pack, camp setups, and trail food? Well, then this hike is for you.

In preparation for the upcoming backpacking season, this hike is a combination of trail time, Q&A, and low stakes practice.

We will hike with FULL Packs (packed just like you plan to stay out for an overnight or multi-day trip) from Riverbend Park eastward to have lunch at Hidden Lake campsite and then back to Riverbend Park. While we are at the Hidden Lake site, you will have the opportunity (and it is the overall point of the trip) to setup your tent, try out your new stove, filter some water, etc.

The hike is about 5 miles each way, so please plan to carry at least 2 liters of water to start out the hike. There is a lake to filter water, but plan to start out with all you need.

While we are having our lunch/snack, we will have a Q&A session on the trail and any gear questions you might have. There is a pavilion with picnic tables that we can meet under if it is raining or to get out of the sun.

This is an opportunity to have a personal shakedown and go over any and all gear you plan to carry on the trail. This is NOT intended as a general day hike and is focused on helping new hikers prepare for an upcoming trip such as the multi-day experience of the OTLHT.

We will meet at Riverbend Park in the covered area outside the bathrooms at 9:00AM with a expected departure time of 9:15AM.
The hike to Hidden Lake is approximately 5 miles and will be following the OTLHT. This should take a little under 3 hours and is not a race. We will spend around 1-2 hours, if not more at Hidden Lake. We do not want to rush anyone with their practice and lunch preparation. We will all return as a single group.