Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Bend, OR Area

Not hunting but looking to do a 4-5 day trailhead pack-in.

Mid to late August, moderate to excellent conditioned participants.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Circle the Three Sisters.

There's some beautiful country in there. Too bad the liberals control it.

Thanks Coot, have you done it?

You can start on Willamette pass and hike the PC to the other highway and get picked lots of lakes and decent fishing. This portion of the pct is probably the easiest I have talked to some long distance hikers and they can do 30 miles a day but take your time your rod and enjoy it.

Add,

Sure have. Born and raised in Eugene & worked winters on the Santiam Pass for many years.

There is an interesting hike through the Chambers Lakes Basin between the middle and the South that is worth doing if you have the time and inclination. Good to have some mountaineering experience and equipment in that area but real do-able.

+1 on hiking into/around/up any of the 3 sisters
Never could get used to paying to park and signing in and out for a backpack trip, but that is how it works there.

Would you need to make a loop or do you have someone who could pick you up on the other end? I could give you several suggestions where to start. I tend to avoid the PCT except for short portions just because there are too many people on it. If you havent picked one up yet, grab a three sisters wilderness map. then i could walk you through some good hikes over the phone

This section of the Cascade Crest, particularly the East side, lends itself to off-trail travel so don't feel limited to the trail system. Crossing lava flows can be a challenge and, in some areas, water can be scarce ... McKenzie to Santiam Pass for instance. Summer storms can be nasty (and deadly).

Mount Jefferson Wilderness Cascades,
but desert side best.