[pct-l] eclipse from PCT

[David Hough reading PCT-L]

Judging from 

 http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2017_GoogleMapFull.html

the centerline of the eclipse will cross the PCT around Halfmile 2034.5
and the portion from Olallie Butte to Mt Jefferson will be excellently situated.
The closer to the centerline, the longer the eclipse lasts.

Unfortunately, judging from

 https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5420/

the PCT is closed from Breitenbush Lake at 2037 to
the Woodpecker trail at 2027.    Even if it weren't closed, smoke might 
render the Jefferson Park and Park Ridge areas unattractive for observing.
The closure might be lifted before the eclipse 
but more likely will last a while in the wilderness area.
Rainy weather might put out the fire but might put out the eclipse too.
I have experienced one eclipse threatened by clouds and one spoiled by clouds, 
but never by smoke.
 
Alternatives are (if wind from the south) hike in the Woodpecker Trail 
(it's only a couple of miles from a road) and head south - 
avoiding camping at Shale Lake if possible (special
permit required), or (if wind from the north)
drive in to Breitenbush Lake or Olallie Lake, real bumpy rides
as I recall.    Olallie Lake and the Woodpecker trail junction seem about
equally far from the centerline.

The Olallie Lake scenic area (2037-2043) has a lot of lakes, 
no wilderness permit required, but also has bumpy roads that might 
be full of traffic - it's normally busy on an August weekend -
so it might be good to be parked where you need to be by Saturday
night and not attempt to leave until Tuesday morning.    Parking might be
easier at non-PCT trailheads which do not afford a good view locally but lead to better 
views further from the road.

The PCTA adds its plea for thoughtful backcountry practices

 https://www.pcta.org/2017/massive-overcrowding-expected-oregon-mountains-solar-eclipse-48839/

but it's hard to believe that anybody finding that blog 
would not already know what to do.

An alternative suggested by the PCTA would be to drive Hwy 26 east from Bend.
Not much help for through hikers though...
You get to the Ochoco National Forest, then Malheur, and others further east with lots 
of opportunities for dispersed camping.     Also opportunities for dispersed
forest fires!    
If you don't already have lodging or campground reservations, plan on dispersed
camping in the national forests.
I see the centerline crosses 395 in the Malheur NF north of Mt Vernon.
There are side roads in the forest but I've never been there.

On eclipse day the main roads might be gridlocked or dangerous, making it 
difficult to re-optimize your position at the last minute to avoid clouds or 
smoke.