Quote:
Originally Posted by Original Position
I hiked the Oregon section of the PCT in my younger years and would highly recommend lighter packs and shoes. Walking is much less work if you can keep base weight under 20 lbs and use light shoes, which makes it easier to enjoy the forest you are passing through. Sadly, the fire you saw burned down much of the forest around the Eagle Creek trail, one of the best hikes in Oregon.
Sound advice. I noted that one young hiker had on shoes that were basically almost glove like - very close fitting, and they looked very comfortable. I gabbed with him for awhile and he stated that "one pound off of footwear equals five pounds off pack weight".
I hiked a great deal in the Columbia River Gorge when I lived near there in the mid-1980's, mostly day hikes. Did the Eagle Creek trail a few times and saw the famous punch bowl falls and etc. It will take years for the area to grow back.
I redid the Silver Creek Falls trail last fall and that is also one of the best day hikes in Oregon for beauty and enjoyment of the numerous waterfalls.