Oregon Backpacking Trip
Unplug and unwind as we explore the Sky Lakes Wilderness area in the Cascade Mountains of Southern Oregon. The Sky Lakes wilderness area consists of 113,590 acres of remote protected wilderness. The area has three major lake (former glacial) basins and stretches along the crest of the volcanic Cascade Mountains. Crater Lake National Park is on the North border of the Sky Lakes Wilderness area and State Highway 140 is on the South. On the drive to Sky Lakes Wilderness area we will view Mount McLoughlin (elevation 9,495) as we drive around the West side of Klamath Lake the largest freshwater body in Oregon. We will backpack in Sky Lakes WIlderness for 4 days and 3 nights. The hike will take us to over 20 mountain lakes and allow us to explore a section of the Pacific Crest trail. Lake fishing is available with an Oregon fishing permit.
Trip open to a group of 4 to 8 people. Contact us to reserve a spot and set a date in August or September, call Kim Sorensen at 512.576.1357.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Klamath Falls, OR Airport code LMT. Select from various day activities including bird watching, fishing, or hiking.
Day 2: Travel to Cold Springs trail head and hike 4 miles to first campsite.
Day 3: Day hike and explore the Pacific Crest Trail
Day 4: Move the campsite closer to the Cherry Creek trail
Day 5: Take the Cherry Creek trail out of Sky Lakes wilderness (6 mile downhill hike) drive to Crater Lake National Park. Camp on North side of Crater Lake at neighboring Diamond Lake.
Day 6: Option to stay at Diamond Lake and fish, bike, geocache or just relax or explore Crater Lake and climb Mount Scott.
Day 7: Whitewater Mail boat excursion on the Rogue River, lunch cruise. Drive to Klamath Falls
Day 8: Fly out of Klamath Falls
Gear
The following gear list comprises items needed for the backpacking journey. We will
have several meetings prior to the trip to prepare the group list and to ensure that all
members of the team have the appropriate individual gear. Please let me know if you
need a backpack, sleeping bag or sleeping pad for the trip. You are responsible for all
of the necessary clothing and miscellaneous items on the list. In our group meetings we
may be able to consolidate some items such as knife/multi-tool we do not need
everyone to have their own we just need to ensure that the group has one packed that
will meet our needs. We will also work together on meal planning and necessary
cooking utensils.
* Gear List adapted from The Backpackerʼs Field Manual suggested list by Rick Curtis
Head
wool/fleece hat
brimmed hat
Upper body
t-shirt
lightweight/midweight synthetic short and long sleeved shirt (wicking material)
lightweight/midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
wind/rain jacket
Lower body
underwear as needed (non-cotton)
1 or 2 pairs of loose fitting shorts
lightweight/midweight synthetic or wool long underwear bottoms
1 pair long pants
swimsuit
Feet
1 pair of lightweight to midweight hiking boots
1 pair of running shoes, sneakers, or sandals for around the campsite
2 to 3 pairs of light sock liners
2 to 3 pairs of medium weight wool or synthetic hiking socks
Shell
Waterproof rain jacket
Waterproof rain pants
Travel gear
Internal or External frame backpack with padded hip belt
Pack rain cover (large garbage bag will work)
Trekking poles or hiking gear (optional)
Sleeping
Sleeping bag rated to 30 degrees F
Closed foam sleeping pad or inflatable mattress
Miscellaneous
2 1-quart water bottles or water blader
1 unbreakable cup
1 unbreakable bowl
1 spoon
1 bandana
1 flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries
1 small towel
1 toilet kit - just the essentials, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste,
sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent
1 pocket knife or multi-tool
Heavy plastic garbage bag
Sunglasses
Glasses or Contact lenses
Medications
Optional
small notebook and pencil
altimeter
camera
books/field guides
folding camp chair
musical instrument
drawing or painting supplies
Group Supplies
Tents and tarps
Cooking
stove - 1 per 3 or 4 people
fuel
funnel
strike anywhere matches, waterproof matches
pots with lids
frying pan
spatula
mixing spoon
pot gripper
biodegradable soap
strainer
plastic pot brush
ziploc bags
Hygiene
Water purification
toilet paper (optional)
trowel
waterless hand cleaner
whistle
2 square feet of aluminum foil (for tampons)
aspirin tablets (for tampons)
medical waste bag
chlorine bleach
blue plastic bags
maps and compass and guidebooks
GPS
waterproof map case
Safety
First aid kit
Cellphone or satellite phone
Personal locator beacon
weather radio
Miscellaneous
75 feet of bear bag line of 1/4 inch braided nylon
2 carabiners for bear-bagging
100 feet of parachute cord
1 or 1 1/2 gallon collapsible water container
Repair kit
Heavy duty needles
stove repair parts
30 feet of fishing line
5 safety pins
5 buttons
clevis pins & split rings
15 feet of duct tape
15 feet of #20 wire
25 feet of braided nylon cord
2 inch Fastex pack hip-belt buckle
