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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Case on July 26, 2015, 07:32:24 PM

Title: timberline trail
Post by: Case on July 26, 2015, 07:32:24 PM
Several weeks ago I posted asking about recommendations of things to do while in Portland (OR).

Our trip is now a week and a half away, and we have our events planned out for the most part.
However, I am slightly concerned about the first item on our list:
My wife and I are going to start by backpacking the Timberline Trail.  What I am curious about from you, is whether this is too much for us to handle.

Our tentative plans are to attempt to complete the full trail in 3 days and 2 nights.  We are reading up on the various river/creek fordings and know to turn back if the water is raging too hard.  We have also read up on the Eliot creek crossing and what that entails (despite being officially closed).   We have adequate gear and will take plenty of food and maps.  However, we are both new to backpacking and so we don't know exactly what our limits are. 

Otherwise, we are both in pretty good shape physically.  We can handle a 15 mile hike with our packs on, in our relatively flat mid-western state, without much trouble.  We have only gone on a few backpacking trips before, and so we lack experience in this sense.  Our previous trips have only been overnighters.  We figured that if we start out on the trail and realize we cannot yet handle the elevation change, we can either turn around early, or slow down our pace and take additional days/nights to finish the journey.  We will bring extra food of course, and can always arrive late to our AirBnB as needed.

Anyways, that's our plan; what do you think?
We are hoping to make this happen, as this seems like a truly epic trail.

Title: Re: timberline trail
Post by: PawPrint3520 on July 26, 2015, 07:57:02 PM
My DH and I did it in the time you mention the first year we were married. We'd both backpacked and hiked in the Pacific Northwest before. I can't say we were in great shape, however, when we hiked around Mt. hood so if you're in good shape, I think you'll be fine. Have fun! It was a memorable experience for us and, in fact, we want our ashes scattered there. Probably TMI, but that's how much we enjoyed our trip.
Title: Re: timberline trail
Post by: Case on July 26, 2015, 09:20:49 PM
My DH and I did it in the time you mention the first year we were married. We'd both backpacked and hiked in the Pacific Northwest before. I can't say we were in great shape, however, when we hiked around Mt. hood so if you're in good shape, I think you'll be fine. Have fun! It was a memorable experience for us and, in fact, we want our ashes scattered there. Probably TMI, but that's how much we enjoyed our trip.

Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Title: Re: timberline trail
Post by: Taran Wanderer on July 26, 2015, 09:33:37 PM
You shouldn't have any trouble with creek crossings.  Most of Oregon is in drought, and water levels are exceptionally low.  But with snowmelt, you will not have to worry about finding water to drink. In fact, I doubt you could find better water anywhere. :-)

You are in for a real treat. Enjoy your trip!