Just finished the Timberline Trail vs. the Three Sisters Loop

I hiked both loops in Oregon this summer, and the Timberline around Mt. Hood was WAY better for views and campsites. The Three Sisters route had way more mosquitos and long stretches of burnt forest that were just sad. The difference was having reliable water sources every few miles on Timberline, which meant I could pack 2 liters less. Anyone have a favorite high-alpine loop in Washington they'd put up against it?

2 comments

2 Comments

wendy6748d ago

What was the snow situation like on Timberline when you went? I heard it can linger into July. Also, did you do it clockwise or counter, and did that make a difference with the river crossings?

rowank698d ago

So you're asking about the river crossings? I went clockwise in early August and the snow was mostly gone except for one sketchy patch on the north side. Going that way meant hitting the big Eliot Branch crossing in the afternoon when the glacial melt was highest, which was a real pain. Next time I'd go counter just to cross it in the morning when the water is lower.

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