[pct-l] Ramona Falls

[jeff.singewald at comcast.net]

In 2006 I did the "side trip" to Ramona Falls and it was one of the highlights of Oregon for me. I grew up 60 miles south of Crater Lake and have been there too often to count, but it is still the #1 highlight in Oregon for me.  Ramona offers some exceptional photo ops given that surrounding landscape and the way that the light filters through the overhanging and often dense forest canopy.  But, what the heck do I know about photo ops on the PCT.  I was one of those 30+ mile per day guys and from what I hear we don't stop and enjoy the sites :).  But even so, I will always enjoy the 2000+ pictures I took along the trail and the numerous side trips I was able to make.

Definitely recommend the side trip!

Elevator

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: ALAN ARTMAN <alanartman at msn.com> 

> 
> I'm curious to hear from thru hikers of the last couple of years whether you 
> took the small side trip to see Ramona Falls, about 8 or so miles north of 
> Timberline Lodge. Last summer I met about a dozen thrus north of there, but 
> none had gone to the Falls. The old PCT route used to go right by there, but 
> now that the old equestrian route is the new "official" route, I wonder if 
> anyone goes there anymore. If not, that's a shame. I've hiked all of Oregon 
> twice now, and still consider Ramona Falls one of Oregon's best sights, as 
> breathtaking after all the times I've been there as it was when I first saw it. 
> So here's my tip for the Class of 2009 (and beyond): when you get to the 
> junction, take a right and head up to Ramona Falls. Take a lunch or rest stop 
> there and watch the lightplay on the cascading water. You won't regret it, and 
> you won't forget it. Believe me I understand how hard it is at that point on 
> your hike to even think about a side trip, so here's my dirt 
> y little secret: if you go to the Falls, you can continue along Ramona Creek 
> below the Falls for a couple of miles and pick up the PCT again where the PCT is 
> rerouted over the Muddy Fork. This way is actually a little shorter than the 
> "official" PCT, so not only do you get to see one of Oregon's primo sights, you 
> also SAVE a half mile or so! And I have it on good authority that the PCT 
> police rarely if ever patrol the area, so you will not be busted for missing a 
> few "official" PCT miles by hiking what should at least be an "alternate route". 
> Good Luck in 2009! Alan "Patchwork" Artman PS: If you have dallied too long at 
> Timberline--perhaps you followed your Timberline breakfast with a long lunch at 
> the Ram's Head Bar--there are several excellent campsites along Ramona Creek. 
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