[pct-l] Solo Oregon Section Feedback

[Eric Lee]

Shawna wrote:
>
I have decided to go on a solo trek for about 3-4 weeks along the PCT this
year, and I'm looking for some input. There are a couple of factors I'd like
to share. I haven't backpacked in 8 years, and consider myself very out of
shape (I'm taking measures now regarding that). I am a 41-year-old mother
and wife who is in desperate need of a spiritual, physical, and mental
overhaul. I am from Oregon, now living in Boulder, CO. 
>

Oregon would be  a great choice.  Three weeks for Ashland to Cascade Locks
(~430 miles) is very doable for someone who's very well prepared for
long-distance hiking but it's going to be a rather challenging pace for
someone who's not already trail-hardened.  You might consider starting at
Crater Lake and going to Cascade Locks (325 miles) which would probably make
the trip more spiritually invigorating and less of a death march.  The trick
is finding transportation out there.

You'll probably want to allow for a few days of not hiking to let your body
repair itself - if you plan for it you can do that on-trail, which can be
quite nice, rather in town.  That will push your daily mileage up a bit on
the days when you are hiking.  Other than Ashland, there aren't any major
towns very near the Oregon PCT though there are small resorts and other
places like that where you can arrange resupply.

If you have a choice of when to do it, I'd recommend the last three weeks of
August to let most of the mosquito season go by before you get out there.
Be aware that even in August you can still have spells of nasty weather, so
be prepared for that.  I walked out of the Three Sisters in a snowstorm at
the end of August a few years ago (the week before it had been over 100
degrees in the same area).  That doesn't mean you need to carry ridiculous
amounts of weight but you do need to have a plan for getting rained on
and/or snowed on.

Eric