[pct-l] Scout Merit Badge Hikes

[kduff at ix.netcom.com (Karl Duff)]

Dear Joanne,
    It is great that you are involved in this.  My experience with the hiking
merit badge is not a whole lot different than your expectations; that not many
12 year olds attempt it and that nearly all who do accomplish four or five
10-mile hikes first, getting them used to the walking, breaking in the boots and
toughening the feet,  And you are right, feet toughening is a must.  Tincture of
benzoine and lots of moleskin will be necessary unless they are toughened up
with recent hiking.
    A 20-mile hike in general is not so demanding if it is flat.  However, be
advised that the area on the west side of Mt. Hood is tough!!!   Many recent
washouts, no bridge crossings and some down timber.  It was there that I had my
heart anomalies last year and had to bail out.
    If they started at Timberline and went South for 20 miles, this might do
it.  That's pretty gentle country.  Otherwise the steep pumice going up from
Barlow Pass to Timberline will do them in there, I think.
    I've not seen all the e-mail in the file on this yet, but note there about
6-8 messages.  I hope I've provided some helpful input.  Karl


Joanne Lennox wrote:

> Sorry, I should have answered your question.
>
> I would start at Timberline Lodge, and go the 18 miles to little crater
> Lake, and then it is about 2 more miles to the Gone Creek Campground on
> Timothy Lake.  This is a fairly level stretch, well marked with no major
> intersections, can be acessed somewhat easily, has some spectacular event on
> either end(be sure that the Scouts see Little Crater Lake).  You can exit
> and hydrate the little fellows at Barlow Pass(5 miles) Whapinita( 10 miles),
> there is another road crossing at 14-15 miles but not as easy to get to.
> Camp at the lake , and have your driver there with lots of goodies and
> drinks.
>
> YOu could also do an out and back from timberline lodge to Whapinita Pass on
> Highway 26.  that way you could check on them evry 5 miles.  the lodge and
> Mt Hood have an energy of their own and it a spectacular ending and start.
> The lodge is well worth seeing, and there is a small museum, and I can
> imagine the youngsters googling at the ski die-hards. Even being in the
> parking lot there is a trip.  Start early, let them pace themselves out.
>
> It is also about 20 miles from Whapinita Pass to Ramona Falls( add two miles
> to the trailhead), but the last 10 miles is fairly demanding and may be
> rough with significant river crossings.  If you do this be sure to find out
> if the trail has been cleared out for the season, still don't think this is
> a beganners trail and there are very few options if something happens.
>
> It is best to access this area from the North and Barlow Pass.  The roads
> going in from Detroit and Brietenbush are passable but confusing; there will
> be some rough dirt road for a litlle while.  If you go this way, call the
> forest service to get a campground reservationa and a good map, because the
> intersections are confusion and not always marked.  The last I knew the road
> into the south side of Ollallie lake is not Passable to most vehicles,
> including 4WD.(have bug repellant at the lake).
>
> Goforth