[pct-l] RE: National Geographic Adventure magazine

[go4ahike at pacifier.com (go4ahike@pacifier.com)]

I would like to add to Marshall's comments by saying that right now above
about 3,200 ft on the Oregon side of the gorge is mostly still under snow.

I've been hiking in the gorge every Sunday since December, training for my
thru-hike, and this last Sunday was the first "mostly" snow-free hike I've
done this year. My hike yesterday stayed below 2800 ft, but even so, I had
to cross several snow slides along the way, mostly on the north facing
slopes...

On the previous Sunday, the snow line was between 2800-3200 ft on the
Oregon side. With this weeks warm weather, however, the snow line might
creep up to over 3,500ft? And, if I'm not mistaken, the places on the PCT
with good views to the north are all above 3,000ft...

Brian Bowlsby
PCT in 6 weeks!

> I am thinking the timing is not quite right. But, maybe I am wrong.
> Somehow,
> I think you would have more luck in Southern California.
>
> Portland is greening up just fine and some blossoms are out. But, if you
> go
> up 4000 feet you probably will find snow - haven't tried it myself yet. In
> the Gorge, no snow.
>
> The trail goes over the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks, about an hour
> east of Portland on I-84. You need to get quite high to get views of
> anything except the Columbia River either going North or South. My guess
> is
> that you maybe want the Oregon side, but it is a long way to the plateau
> and
> I don't think it would look like summer.
>
> However, perhaps going on the alternate Eagle Creek would work because
> that
> is lower - fabulous water falls and even a tunnel behind the falls if you
> go
> far enough. Lots of trees. But, no mountain views.
>
> Marshall Karon
> Portland, OR
> m.karon@comcast.net