[pct-l] Portland to Lolo Pass

[Nathan Miller]

>It's important to start from near Lolo Pass
because i need to check out the closure on the
Timberline Trail before i committ to going all
the way around the mountain. Ideas? Anyone
heading that way? Want to join? This is my PCT
'08 "trial run," so the point is try out new
gear, do at least partly solo to see how i feel,
and put in 20 mile days to see how my feet do.
thanks!

The best way to get there might be to hitch a
ride.  If I weren't going to be out of town, I
might have offered one.

As for the trail closure, you've obviously aware
of it.  According to a recent article in "The
Oregonian," it might be a bit twitchy for the
average hiker.  For the aspiring through-hiker,
it'll just be another obstacle.  That said,
here's what I know:  A section of trail on the
northeastern flank of the mountain washed out
last fall, leaving a 100+ foot drop to the
drainage below.  The hiker has two options:  hike
way downstream, going several miles out of your
way; or hike a bit upstream and cross the lower
part of the Elliot Glacier, which although
doable, is reported to be extremely dangerous
(although perhaps no more dangerous than the
multiple pass crossings and stream fords in the
High Sierra).

Read the full story here:
http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/1184208934162600.xml&coll=7

-Nathan Miller
Newberg, OR



       
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