Let me tell you about how I conquered the Sandy River and why I probably won’t hike the Timberline Line Trail again.
First, I have to say that I am extremely glad I DID hike the Timberline Trail and would not NOT have hiked it. The company was wonderful with Greg from The Adventure Continues (even if he really doesn’t eat any vegetables), the landscape was stunning and I am 100% up on my river crossing game now. I had this trail on my bucket list since 2014 when I began hiking the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail and I wanted to return to not only hike the 38+ loop trail around Wy’East (Mount Hood) but to finally cross the Sandy River properly.
When we arrived at the edge of the Sandy River on the morning of our second day, I have to say I was both elated and disappointed. Not only was the river itself more narrow, it was definitely not as deep. I was not facing the same adversary I had in 2014. I felt a tad let down (but I knew I had more challenging rivers to cross on my trip).
I also think I have had 7 years of experience since then which gave me more confidence. Between my Mountaineers scrambling course and on trail adventures, I was more prepared to safely ford. Yay, me! I had my pack unbuckled, sturdy water shoes on, poles to keep three points of contact and I faced upstream.
Thanks to Greg for capturing the moment:
I may have been a little excited when I finished…
That said, there are several reasons I will most likely not choose to return to hike the Timberline Trail in its entirety again. And before anyone who really loves this trail gets bent out of shape, I probably won’t be hiking the Enchantments or the entire Wonderland Trail again either.
Let me count the ways…
The Timberline Trail Is Not A True Wilderness Experience
Hiking the Timberline Line is not a true wilderness experience in my humble opinion. Similar to several other popular Pacific Northwest trails that everyone has on their bucket list, you are close to civilization and not remote enough to really be out in the wild. There are over 18 access points along the 38 mile route and the trail had cell service most of the way around allowing anyone to call or text if needed. Internet was even possible! And the wildlife was sparse, my guess is because dogs are allowed. I only saw the rump of a marmot and a few chipmunks hoping I would drop a crumb.
The Timberline Trail Is Social Not Solitude
If you want to get away from the crowds, the Timberline is not for you. There are a plethora of day hikers, backpackers and trail runners to keep you company. This is great for learning about trail conditions as you go along or help if say, you throw your boot across a river and it bounces back in and you need another group across to save it for you before it travels down river. But if you are imagining yourself all alone on a mountainside or at camp, you will be disappointed with all the traffic and proximity to others.
Hard To See A Trail Loved To Death
If you are a part of the hiking community, you know that more and more of our favorite places are being loved to death. Meaning more crowds, less maintenance and even less good stewardship. Adherence to Leave No Trace principles has not caught up to the massive influx of outdoor adventurers at the same time that our forest service resources and volunteer groups took a hit during the pandemic.
The Timberline Trail was beautiful but was also worn and weary. I will admit I am not 100% on my LNT but I do my best, especially with my trail work experience and knowing the damage that needs to be repaired when folks don’t stay on durable surfaces or cut switchbacks. It was sad to see all the damage. I would not be surprised if the Timberline ends up on a permit system, it may be the only thing that saves it.
There Are Simply More Trails To Explore
There is a reason I have not done repeat hikes on some of the most popular ones in the Pacific Northwest, there are many others to hike! My bucket list is long and why go back to a trail when I prefer a more wild, remote and lesser traveled experience? I know you will see me back around Wy’East for day hikes (most likely snowshoe trips) but as much as I did enjoy my time on the Timberline Trail, it is most likely a one and done.
So, that is how I conquered the Sandy River and why I probably won’t hike the Timberline Trail again. However, I do not want to deter anyone from enjoying the Timberline themselves, you can read more about my trip and details about the loop on my Timberline Trail page. There are many reasons for someone to enjoy hiking the Timberline Trail and please be a good steward and make sure to brush up on your Leave No Trace principles before you go so as to preserve the area for others and maybe even possibly prevent the inevitable permit quotas befalling many loved to death trails in the Pacific Northwest.
And if you are interested in helping to maintain or repair the trail or volunteer, here are a few groups doing just that:
Have you hiked the Timberline Trail? What was your experience? What are some of the reasons you would hike the trail again or not hike it again?
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