[pct-l] Windigo Pass to Odell Lake OR - PCT or OST?

[Emily Toby]

I've hiked both, more than once, and hands down prefer the PCT.  Yes, it's longer and has more elevation change, but, imho, it is far more scenic to hike along the base of Diamond Peak than to see it only occasionally off in the distance  through the forest. 

There is also fabulous swimming and camping at Summit Lake, and the best iced cold spring water flowing across the trail up by Diamond Peak. 

Granted, one year, there were also pockets of mosquito swarms through that section that were maddening. 

In contrast, the OST route, in part, is heavily used by the horse camp at Crescent Lake, and is very dusty and duffy, and not clearly marked. Best route description I found was in the old wilderness press guide. 

Emily (ÜberBitch)

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 14, 2015, at 7:05 PM, Douglas Mead <dmead53 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Thrus and Oregon Section Veterans,
> 
> My wife and I are section hiking the OR PCT this summer and are in need of
> some sage advice from those who have gone before us.  At Windigo Pass (Mi
> 1883) we have the option of diverting to the Oregon Skyline Trail for the
> trek up to Odell Lake (Shelter Cove - 1912.7).  Reports indicate that the
> OST route is more picturesque, more level, and 10.4 miles shorter.  It also
> appears to have several poorly marked trail junctions, and Halfmile's red
> trail line even deviates from the old OST black dashed line markings in
> several places.  Is there some confusion on this route?   The purist in me
> is struggling with the idea of taking an alternate route, but it appears
> that many, perhaps most thru hikers use the OST trail in this section.
> Thanks for your input.  We look forward to seeing many of you on the trail
> this summer.
> 
> MapFreak and 180
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