Local group to circle Mt. Hood in fast-paced hike

Eight local residents from Black Butte Ranch will spend three days hiking around Mt. Hood, according to Jessica Judy, trek organizer.

"We have room for four more as we can handle a maximum of 12," she said.

"Our hike will take three days," she said, "although most groups allow four or five days."

The hike is planned for August 16-19.

The Timberline Trail (route #600) is 40.7 miles long and is characterized by "spectacular views and mountain meadows," according to the Mt. Hood Information Center's web site.

The local group plans to hike 19-20 miles the first day, 13.2 miles the second and 10.2 miles the third day. One of the hikers said a shortcut might be taken on the first day by a few who are unable to handle the 19-20 miles.

Among those who have signed up for the trek, or have expressed an interest are Carrie Columbo, Jessica Judy, Darla Neiss, Peggy Miller, Pat Neufeldt, Russ and Sharyn Fetrow, Dave and Eloise Barry.

"Beverly Gaskin has hiked this route several times and is a good resource for the difficulty and local conditions," Sharyn Fetrow said.

Some of those planning on the assault on South Sisters in September are also considering joining the group. They are Mimi Miller, Larry and Cathy Ellis and Mary Ellen Wright, all from Black Butte Ranch.

"The difficulty of Trail #600 is considered intermediate, but it can be rather strenuous with all the climbing and descending," the web site says.

Several rivers and streams need to be forded, "only two of which are bridged."

The average elevation of the trail is 5,000 feet, but there is a lot of elevation gain and loss along the trail; the lowest point is about 3,200 feet and the highest point is 7,320 feet.

Even in the summer, the web site cautions, "plan for the worst weather. It can snow anytime up there. Bring plenty of warm clothing and extra food and water."

The group plans to access the trail at Timberline Lodge, the historic building listed on the National Registr of Historic Places, which sits at the 6,000-foot level on Mt. Hood. It was built during the Depression by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) under then-president, Franklin Roosevelt. It opened in 1937.

They plan to spend one night at the lodge during the hike with additional nights there optional before or after the trek.

After driving from here, they will spend the first night at Government Camp in the Huckleberry Inn Dormitory. The next morning they will drive to Ramona Falls where they will leave their vehicles and start hiking.

That night they will go all the way to Cloud Cap Camp Grounds, camping in tents. Dinner and camping gear will be hauled in and provided by Rick Judy, Jessica's husband.

Day two they hike to Timberline Lodge and are driven to Silcox Hut, a part of Timberline Lodge, for the night where they will have access to all of the amenities of the lodge: swimming, dinner, showers and bed rest.

From there, on the third day, they hike back to Ramona Falls for the return trip to Sisters.

Those interested in joining this local hiking group may contact Judy at [email protected]