Alrighty, friends! It appears I’m going to have about 36 hours between the end of a conference and departure for home back on the East Coast. I’m free roughly from noon on Thursday, 2/8 to late Friday night. I don’t know when I’ll get back to this area again, if at all, so given that, where could/should I go? And I have started looking at nwhiker.com so if there is a particular trail/link there let me know. Here are some parameters and thoughts, in no particular order:
- In between Cannon Beach and Portland preferred – less driving time the better; but if I can get within view of Mt. Hood easily and do some hiking there, that would be pretty cool; or, something along the Columbia River, perhaps?
- No snow-shoeing…don’t have them; also, would like to avoid needing spikes, too if possible – I know it’s winter and this limits me, but I’m just being realistic about what I can pack/bring
- Overnight is fine, either on the trail or from a base camp area; or, if there are 2 day hike in close proximity, I’m game
- Accessible – I’ll be in a rental car, not my truck
- Anything from moderate to challenging is fine, but I’d rather spend more time enjoying the trail and views than boulder climbing
- Want to join me? Awesome! Your knowledge and presence might save me hours of reading maps and second-guessing myself on the trail. I’ll be happy to buy you dinner and a beer Friday evening before we part ways
- Where, near Portland, can I get a shower and clean up before getting to airport? Trying to be kind to whoever sits near me
I’m sure there are a dozen other things I need to consider and such, but that should be enough to get the conversation started. Some of you know this area well, and I’m trusting in your guidance to help me maximize my time given the narrow window I have.
Thanks in advance for any and all help!
