backpacking Oregon

All that you mentioned is doable, the views when you are up high are great. Another place nearby slightly north in WA that is awesome is Indian Heaven, with views of Mt. Adams and you can drive to a horse camp on the south end and register and hike north into it and do the trail south to north on the PCT there in two days. The road at the top of Indian Heaven goes to Trout Lake. Trout Lake is above White Salmon which is just across the Columbia from Hood River. Hood River is fun, a little touristy in the main drag but it's fun to visit and eat there. The USFS in Hood River is very helpful and has all the maps you need.

Trail around Mount Hood is 40 miles. Lots of steep canyons with difficult streams to cross. Except by September the flow gets pretty low. Trail across Eliot is closed, but there are ways across but you should read field guide at oregonhikers.org for specifics, a little complicated.

Eagle Creek is sort of a mob scene, especially first few miles. Go up Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake, then down PCT. Maybe 30 miles. I'de rather do alpine areas if they're open. You could do Eagle Creek to Timberline Lodge – 50 miles?

PCT along Mount Jefferson is pretty nice.

Have you been between South and Middle Sister? Maybe go from Pole Creek TH, Camp Lake, between South and Middle, around South, around Broken Top.

yeah, better have several plans in case of forest fire.

Goat Lake loop with side trips to Cispus Basin and Old Snowy.

To be honest, I haven't done much in "Mosquito Heaven" but it's not real alpine. Too many tress. Not enough views. Relative to some of those other places at least. (Actually, it would be pretty nice : )

Have you considered this one ~60 mile trip? http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/2917322 It is not a loop but there are only 24 miles on Hwy 84 between the start and the finish. More infomration can be found here: http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Mark_O._Hatfield_Trail_Hike
I understand it is not hiked very often and there is some trail making/maintenance which needs doing but for the adventuresome could be just the right trip.

Sorry I am not conversant on how to directly contact someone and this sort of belongs here.

Jerry did you write up this report about the Strawberry Mtns? http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Strawberry_Mountain_Loop_Hike If so may I pick your brain a little about this area? My Venture Crew is thinking about backpacking this. I have never been there nor do I know anyone else who has. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
-monique
moniquews at gmail dot com

that would be me : )

I had a bit of a negative review of that area. That didn't turn you off?

It would be quite hot there now. Better start hiking at 5 AM to avoid the heat.

Actually, my memory of the heat is fading a bit so I'm not so down on it now

Ask away any questions…

is an awesome and alpine place to hike. Beautiful! Some small bit of congestion around Mirror Lake but lots of camping spots available.

Well you do sound a little less than enthusiastic but the lack of crowds sounds good. The kids pick and plan. One of the families has hunted over in this area and suggested it. I did a little looking around myself (and found your review).

The kids are looking to put together a 50-75 miler. We will be hiking in late August after a San Juans kayak in early August. Sounds like fewer bugs and less water and more heat. Starting earlier would be good for them. Hike early, rest and eat in the heat of the day, hike again later. I don't think the mileage will work out for them.

I started to put together an ~50 mile trip from Odell Lake down to Windigo Pass then back to Odell Lake. About half would be on the PCT (some of my Venture Crew kids are long the PCT and its hikers). We could start out across Hwy 58 and add the Rosary Lakes out and back on either end to definitely make it 50+ miles.

http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/2973292

The often forgotten Wallowas range in NE Oregon will offer you the most spectacular 40-50 mile loop hikes to be found in Oregon.

Sorry, posted to wrong thread.