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Talus. 
Delsolation is my destination
Group: Members
Posts: 1892
Joined: Aug. 2006
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Posted on: Dec. 09 2012, 7:15 am |
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Hey all. My Wife and I are looking for a four night trip in southern Oregon in mid September. Any suggestions? Degree of difficulty is not a problem except for off trail, which we have little experience at.
We will need a loop or a point to point with an available shuttle. We're just starting the search here, so all suggestions are welcome.
Thanks.
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“Mountains are not Stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion.”
― Anatoli Boukreev
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Talus.
Delsolation is my destination
Group: Members
Posts: 1892
Joined: Aug. 2006
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Posted on: Dec. 09 2012, 4:46 pm |
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I'm thinking the circuit around the Sisters would be good. Anyone have thoughts?
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“Mountains are not Stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion.”
― Anatoli Boukreev
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Tigger
Woods Pouncer
Group: Members
Posts: 10475
Joined: Apr. 2005
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Posted on: Dec. 09 2012, 5:05 pm |
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It's not Southern Oregon. From Southern Oregon, you're several hours of driving (four or thereabouts). However, hike-wise, the trails around the Sisters have lots of variety in regards to views, terrain, plant and animal life so will make for a fun hike and not too difficult in my opinion. I off-trail hike in the area often and never tire of it. Crater Lake area is quite nice and you should look for trails there. Closer to Southern Oregon and very unique geography.
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If I'm going to be lost, in the woods is where I want to be...
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ol-zeke
me in the Tetons
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Joined: Sep. 2002
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Posted on: Dec. 09 2012, 5:30 pm |
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OK, so I am not familiar with Southern Oregon, as I live in Salem. I was thinking Crater Lake / Mt Thielsen as S. Or., but the Sisters loop is considered central Oregon, so I can offer some insight there. I last did that loop in '95, so some or most of my memories may be off. I consulted my map of the Three Sisters wilderness, and my best book on the hikes in the area, Pacific Northwest Hiking by Judd and Nelson.
First, let me make sure we are looking at the same loop. Pole Creek TH, or Wickiup Plains / S. Sister TH appears to be the shortest entry point, and both from the Eastern side of the loop. Using the PCT as it passes by on the Western side of the Sisters.
I found the trail to be in good shape, even if it is a bit dry and dusty. The Green Lakes region between S. Sister and Broken Top is heavily used, but very nice. Visually a 10 in anyone's book.
I think the loop is about 35 miles, give or take a few. The views of the Sisters and Broken Top are stunning. Water is plentiful most years, and by Sept the bugs should be down. Sept also might bring some cooler weather, but not normally for long or cold. I'd plan on dry days in the 80s as a norm.
I did not hammock camp at the time, but there are plenty of trees to do so if that is your choice. Douglas firs make great hammock stands, even if the tree straps need to be a bit longer sometimes. 
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Everything I know, I learned by doing it wrong at least twice.
The easiest way to ruin a Friday is to realize it is only Tuesday.
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llamapacker
Group: Members
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Joined: Feb. 2010
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Posted on: Dec. 09 2012, 8:53 pm |
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Southern Oregon covers a wide area and for a September trip I think your best options would be from the Cascades westward. The book [/I]101 Classic Hikes in Oregon[I] discusses several Cascade hikes that might interest you: Mountain Lakes Loop and Seven Lakes Basin/ Sky Lakes. Neither are described as exactly what you are looking for, but if you consult the full wilderness maps of those areas you should have no trouble putting together a splendid and varied journey. The trails include the PCT.
Mountain Lakes Wilderness and Sky Lakes Wilderness are in the Winema National Forest- Klamath Ranger District, 541-885-3400.
There is also the Rogue River Trail, but that could be very hot. Probably better done as a float trip.
The Red Buttes Wilderness Loop is described as a 3 day, very strenuous 25 mile hike. Although it is toward the Coast Range, September may be too hot here also. Access is more difficult than most other hikes in the region. It is in the Rogue River National Forest-Applegate Ranger District, 541-899-3800.
I have not hiked any of these trips.
Happy Googling. Be sure to post pics.
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big_load
Group: Members
Posts: 21817
Joined: Jun. 2004
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Posted on: Dec. 09 2012, 9:14 pm |
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PNW forum looks to be inactive
Wait, isn't there an awesome new community? 
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CampinCarl
Group: Members
Posts: 248
Joined: May 2003
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Posted on: Dec. 10 2012, 11:14 am |
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First, some hiking I have done -
Rogue River Trail- This will be on the hot side (80's-90's easily) but there is a lot of access to the river for swimming, and it really is a gorgeous canyon. There is also a shuttle available to take you back to the TH. Also, if you want to "luxury camp" a couple of nights you can stay in the lodges.
Illinois River Trail- More remote (solitude!) than the Rogue and a tougher hike, but shorter total length. I am not sure on shuttle options but I would inquire with the outfitters who do shuttles on the Rogue.
That being said, mid-September is the best time to head up to the Cascades as the temps are great and everything should be accessible. Any loops in the Three Sisters area would be spectacular. I have hiked some in the Sky Lakes Wilderness but not enough to know the best spots. You can make "skinny" loops there and tag Mt. McLoughlin while your at it. Definitely close to Medford if that is where you are flying into.
Best of luck!
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"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike." - John Muir
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Talus.
Delsolation is my destination
Group: Members
Posts: 1892
Joined: Aug. 2006
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Posted on: Dec. 10 2012, 2:44 pm |
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I probably should have just put "Oregon" in the title, because we are pretty flexible. Somewhere where the weather would be cooler would also be nice. I'll have to check out some of the places and books mentioned by you all. Thanks.
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“Mountains are not Stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion.”
― Anatoli Boukreev
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| Post Number: 9
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Tigger
Woods Pouncer
Group: Members
Posts: 10475
Joined: Apr. 2005
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Posted on: Dec. 10 2012, 4:52 pm |
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If we're talking "Oregon", you'd better make a trip up to see the Gorge out of Portland. There's nowhere in the world like it.
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If I'm going to be lost, in the woods is where I want to be...
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