Mt. Hood National Park Timberline Trail
Portland, Oregon
September 7-14, 2019
Co-Trip Leaders: Steve Kinch and Leslie Green
Type of Trip: Backpacking
Trip Cost/Deposit: $575/$288 + Airfare
Cancellation Date and full payment: July 15, 2019
Wilderness Level: 4 Very high risk with EMS more than 1/2 day away
Trip Difficulty: Strenuous, Rugged terrain for 40 total miles– 10 miles per day with 9000 foot elevation gain overall.
Group Size: 8/7 Maximum/Minimum
Adults Only
The Timberline Trail in Oregon is one of America’s most iconic and scenic trails. This 40 mile loop circumnavigates monolithic Mt. Hood, which rises to over 11,000 feet. The trail is mostly above the timberline, hence the name, so it will afford us continual views of the surrounding beauty of the area and the peak at the center of our trek.
Hikers will need to be experienced and in good physical condition. The lowest elevation is at 3420 feet and the highest is at 7300 feet, so while it is not extremely high altitude, it will have physical effects on your breathing and stamina. The trail is considered rugged and in places difficult due to rocky terrain, river fording, but our efforts will be rewarded by views of pristine mountain streams and waterfalls, alpine meadows, craggy mountains and glaciers.
We will meet on Saturday morning, September 7th at the Portland Airport. After picking up our vehicles we will drive a short distance to hike to the top of Multnomah Falls. Then we will drive to Timberline Lodge where a shared bunkhouse with bath will be our base for two days while we hike in the lodge area. The lodge that became the face of The Shining shares its name with a trail that belongs on the bucket list of every backpacker.
On Monday the 9th, we will start out for our 4 day/4 night hike on the Timberline Trail. We will stay in backcountry camping areas, so you’ll need full backpacking gear. Breakfast and dinner will be provided by the leaders. You’ll bring your own lunches and snacks. Arriving back at the lodge on the 13th, we will stay there again and then head back to Portland on Saturday the 14th for our flights back. There appear to be several late afternoon flights back to Indianapolis, or you may choose to stay over until Sunday at your own cost. Perhaps exploring quirky Portland would be a fun adventure to add to your trip.
Your trip fee includes 3 nights in Timberline Lodge, car rental transportation, and eight trail meals. You are responsible for your flight to Portland, meals on the road and at the lodge, trail lunches and snacks, and an optional Saturday night stay in Portland.
All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.
