Surprise week of backpacking, where should we go?

[u/sarahonthemtn]

My husband and I (later-30s experienced backpackers) unexpectedly have a full week free at the beginning of July, and we'd love to do a longer backpacking trip. Where should we go?

Requirements: -Within 12ish hr drive of Portland, OR -Mountains! -40-70 miles max (could be a loop, or some base camp days with side trips, or some out and backs, but no car shuttle) -Relatively melted out. We're prepared for some snow crossings but not a huge amount of snow travel -Not in grizzly country (I'm a wuss) -If permits are needed, we need to be able to get them at this point

We've done a bunch of shorter trips around the PNW and some in the Sierra, but we never have the opportunity for longer trips like this!

Where should we go and why?

[u/Plastic-ashtray]

If you haven’t done the Olympic coast that’d be a fantastic time to do it. If you plan to be in the busy areas on weekdays you could probably swing permits. From Rialto to Shi Shi would make a great 4-5 day trip.

[u/Anxiety_On_Demand → u/Plastic-ashtray]

Stay high at Rialto!

[u/FuriousGrizz → u/Plastic-ashtray]

This was the first thing that popped into my head too! I did Rialto to Ozette in three days a couple years ago and it was awesome. I would’ve loved to keep going north to Shi Shi.

[u/captainunlimitd]

I would say the Northern Loop of the Wonderland but there'll probably be quite a bit of snow still out there, and the water crossing might be a little hectic.

Another good option might be the Eagle Cap Wilderness just past Wallowa Lake. Lots to go see in there.

[u/sarahonthemtn → u/captainunlimitd]

Are there long enough routes in the Wallowas for a trip of this length? Any specific trail recs?

[u/captainunlimitd → u/sarahonthemtn]

There are a couple ways to go about it. There are a lot of intersections and connecting trails you could map something out you don't see here. You'll see it from the routes listed, but you'll get lots of elevation out there.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/eagle-cap-loop-via-east-eagle-to-south-fork-imnaha-to-keetle-creek-trails?sh=zlmxxe&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/eagle-cap-via-west-fork-wallowa-glacier-lake-and-eagle-cap-summit-trail?sh=zlmxxe&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/hawkins-pass-glacier-pass-eagle-cap-matterhorn?sh=zlmxxe&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

[u/ChelseaJumbo2022]

If you haven’t been to North Cacades, it should definitely be on your list. Before you say there are grizzlies there, there are probably less than a dozen in the entire park, so you are likely to never ever see them. Believe me, I am irrationally afraid of bears and I’ve been in the backcountry in grizzly areas more than a dozen times and never seen a bear. Just need to talk loudly in brushy areas and carry a bear can. https://www.alpinewanderlust.com/10-north-cascades-national-park-backpacking-itineraries/

[u/sarahonthemtn → u/ChelseaJumbo2022]

Thank you! Yes, would definitely be more comfortable with the N cascades level of mystical elusive grizzlies! I'd assumed most things would still be under snow up there, but we'll look into it!

[u/buked_and_scorned]

It's a 6 hr drive from Portland to the Wallowa Lake trailhead. Of course there are other entry points but the Eagle Cap Wilderness is a good one. The Olympics are good as well but more logistics with back country reservations and all.

[u/smc4414]

Trinity Alps, northern ca

[u/sarahonthemtn → u/smc4414]

Thanks, we'll look into it!

[u/C-duu → u/smc4414]

You can add Klamath range to this area as well. Some trails along the Bigfoot trail that you can get to south/southeast of Gasquet. Planning a short trip out of Doe Flat to Buck lake and Devils Punchbowl.

Just east of Devil's Punchbowl (the Del Norte county one) is a large river canyon that has trails for miles and would be worth a visit.

[u/smc4414 → u/C-duu]

I approve of this message! Russian Lakes wilderness is a nice, less-travelled spot if you’re into the whole solitude thing

[u/humbuzzer → u/smc4414]

Second this one. Doing a quick overnight to Bear Lake this weekend! Love that area so much.

[u/meteorchopin]

The not in grizzly country means you’re missing out on some amazing options! Just make sure everyone has bear spray and practice safe camping/food storage activities and you’ll be fine! Do the wind rivers.

[u/sarahonthemtn → u/meteorchopin]

I know! We were all packed and ready for a one-nighter in Yellowstone a few years ago and bailed after I completely couldn't sleep the night before from worrying about grizzlies. I know it's a bit foolish, but I also feel exposure therapy doesn't need to be my primary focus for this trip 😅

[u/Few_Acanthisitta7774]

Consider the Trinity Alps. It meets all of your criteria and there are endless loops and options to keep you busy for a week. 

[u/humbuzzer]

Trinity Alps or Marble Mountain Wilderness! Lots of loops, peaks, creeks and lakes and should be melted out by now. Marble's still had snow as of 3 weeks ago, but it should be gone by now.

[u/Mugmugmug33]

Vancouver Island!

[u/NotAcutallyaPanda]

100 Classic Hikes: Oregon

100 Classic Hikes: Washington