Need your Backpacking advice – Portland, Oregon

[Kyle Kim]

Hey guys, I'm new to this site and wanted to get your input on a trip that I'm planning with a couple of buddies in April.

We're all from California, and have been wanting to plan a backpacking trip for a while now. We'd be flying into Portland, so would like to start the trip from there for about 4-5 days. I've been told by friends that PCT is a must. I'm not familiar with the area at all, so any advice on where to start, where to end, must-see places along the way would all be greatly appreciated!

In essence, if we could get some tips, pointers, and a general plan, it would be a great place to start planning for this trip.

[Mary D]

http://www.portlandhikers.org

However, April is far too early for the PCT. Think July! You're going to be very limited to low altitude trips in April.

[John Smith]

http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Oregon_Coast_Hikes

john the xcar

[Dale Wambaugh]

+1 on watching the altitude for April hikes and snow.

There are lots of hikes in the Columbia Gorge and on up to the Mt. Hood area. There is a book, "60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Portland" that should give you plenty to work with. http://www.amazon.com/60-Hikes-Within-Miles-Including/dp/0897329759

Caveat: beware of campgrounds in the Gorge that are close to train tracks. The trains will keep you up all night, especially the incessant coal trains on the Washington side.

[Mary D]

You could also consider the wilderness coast of the Olympic Peninsula, although of course you'd fly into Seattle for that one. Look up Olympic National Park on the nps.gov site–they have excellent trail descriptions. For more detail call ONP's Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles, WA–they'll be happy to help you plan a trip. Be sure to check the tide tables, though, for the period you're going, as you can get around many points only at low tide. If high tide is mid-day, you'll be doing a lot of waiting!

Unless the present drought continues the rest of the winter, you'll need to stay below 3,000 feet elevation in April. In past years, the snow level has often been lower!

Another caveat in the Columbia River Gorge: leave absolutely nothing, of value or otherwise, in your car!

[Author]

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