Oregon PCT conditions in mid Sept. to early Oct.?

[Brendan Lammers]

I am planning on hiking on the PCT at the end of this Summer, starting south of Lassen NP (near my grandma's house), and ending near Portland. The total distance is around 700 miles. My tentative plan is to start around September 15th, and I'm thinking it would take me around 30 days (based on 25 miles/day…I've heard PCT hikers go a little faster through this section).

Can any one clue me in on the conditions during this time frame (Sep 15 – Oct 15) in terms of bugs, weather, etc.? Will there still be some traffic on the PCT during this time or will I be a lone ranger out there? I can adjust the dates slightly if I need to. Thanks for the help!

[Kyle Meyer]

The bugs will be gone entirely in the northern half of the state, and perhaps also south. The weather will already have a chance to be really sour—last year I was planning to go from South Sister to Washington (200 miles) for my honeymoon September 1st, but the forecast from the trailhead was freezing rain for 5+ days.

Snow will probably be returning to Hood in small amounts as well.

[Jerry Adams]

+1 to Kyle

Several years ago someone was hiking around Mount Hood in September, 5 days of heavy rain, the person drowned in the Sandy River.

But, usually September through the middle or end of October is really nice. No bugs. A little cooler but that's a good thing. All the snow is melted. After Labor Day there are a lot fewer people but still some. Late October few backpackers, I don't know why, that's a great time.

[Elizabeth Tracy]

Hmmm, it most certainly won't be crowded, but you should plan on some early-winter storms.

Last time I hiked in the Cascades, I exited the Three Sisters area around Sept 10 and there was a massive snowstorm the next two days. Whiteout conditions. It happens.

I'm guessing you'll stay ahead of the winter better, by going north to south.

– Elizabeth

[Mary D]

The weather that time of year can be a crap shoot. It may be beautiful. It will probably freeze at night. It may rain or snow. It's unusual for snow to start sticking before late October, but it has happened. Be prepared.

At least this last winter/spring's snow should finally have melted by then! We hope, anyway!

Edited to correct header!

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