[pct-l] Santiam Pass to Timberline Lodge

[Nathan Miller]

>If the trail is truly "wiped out", then I
suppose it will require every PCT hiker, whether
thru or section, to detour. In which case, it
will probably add miles and complications to the
section being discussed -- but the question was
if it would be viable to hike from Santiam Pass
to Timberline in the second week of July. I think
my answer still applies - it's a definite maybe,
depending on trail conditions and what the hiker
is able to accomplish in pursuit of his goal. If
he doesn't make it, then that's all in the breaks
of the game. Doesn't mean he ought not to try.

It also depends upon the nature of the trail
damage.  From what I remember reading in The
Oregonian (the major newspaper printed in
Portland), the washout was similar to that
observed on Hwy. 38 in the White River canyon. 
This would stand to reason, since sudden deluvian
releases of water tend to cut wide, braided
channels, the stream settling into one of them as
the flow subsides.  I would therefore expect a
wide, shallow, steep-walled gorge to have been
cut.  I was able to navigate the banks of the
White River channel a number of years back, so I
figure that the enterprising through-hiker,
having overcome all manner of hydrologic
twitchiness in the High Sierra, ought to be able
to find something resembing a route.

That said, it's also reported that there is
likely to be a considerable amount of trail and
road damage that is still under snow and yet to
be revealed.

-Nathan Miller
Newberg, OR



 
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