The John Muir Trail (JMT) offers a long list of major passes to challenge the backpacker. Fortunately, the passes begin easy and gradually become more difficult as the backpacker gets... View Article
My Favorite John Muir Trail Pass
Categories for Hikes
Why I hate Red’s Meadow
I admit, I do not avoid Red’s Meadow completely. Red’s Meadow, located just east of Devil’s Postpile National Monument, is an essential stop for pre-mailed resupplies. Rather than carry a... View Article
Best & Worst Campsites on the John Muir Trail
Really? Are there best or worst campsites on the John Muir Trail (JMT)? All of the trail is spectacular, and would pass as a worst campsite on the JMT is... View Article
The Best Piece of Unnecessary Backpacking Equipment
Endless blogs of self-appointed backpacking authorities offer opinions and recommendations on how to shave weight off your basic weight. My favorite is to cut off excess pack straps. Weight savings?... View Article
Three Butt-Kicking Sections of the John Muir Trail
The John Muir Trail (JMT) is well known around the world for its unparalleled beauty and grandeur. What is not widely spoken about is the ability of this popular backpacking... View Article
Elk Cove Hike
If you have ever hiked the 40 mile long Timberline Trail that circumnavigates Mt. Hood then you are familiar with the beautiful meadows of Elk Cove on the north side of the mountain. Elk Cove is tucked away in a remote area of Mt. Hood far from any roads, ski areas or cabins and it is this seclusion that gives it its charm. There are several ways to get to Elk Cove but for this hike we approached it from the Elk Cove trailhead near Laurence Lake just outside of Parkdale.
Elk Meadows Hike
Elk Meadows on the southeast side of Mt. Hood is one of the most quintessential hikes in the northwest region. It is relatively easy to get to, has moderate crowds and delivers almost everything the average hiker could want including mountain streams, flowery meadows and glacial views. The 6.5 mile hike is easy to do for even novice hikers and there are many different options for those more advanced hikers looking to add on a little something extra.
Sahale Falls Hike
Sahale Falls is a lesser known waterfall on the SE side of Mt. Hood that plunges over 60 feet on the East Fork of the Hood River. The waterfall is often hiked to as part of a loop hike in conjunction with the nearby Umbrella Falls. Both waterfalls are easy to access during the summer from the Mt. Hood Meadows parking lots and on days in which the gates are open you can even drive to Sahale Falls. If you are reading this though, you are probably not interested in driving to a waterfall.
Camping on South Sister’s Summit
Everyone has climbed South Sister. Or at least, in Bend is seems that way. But how many people have camped on South Sister? Not many. And, how many have camped... View Article
17 Myths of the John Muir Trail
Part of the mystique of the John Muir Trail (JMT) is the plethora of enduring myths. Some are partially false, most are fully false. But all are fun and garner the attention of hikers and prospective hikers. Let’s address these myths, in no particular order.