portland oregon area backpacking in January?

**Kroma** · 12-11-2017, 11:03

anyone familiar with any good backpacking/hammock friendly trails/areas near Portland Oregon that are fun to do in early January?

**Hike Monkey** · 12-11-2017, 20:45

The Tillamook Forest area has some really good trails and that area doesn't get the snow fall that east of Portland does. Lots of great trees and places to hang in there.

**leiavoia** · 12-11-2017, 20:57

Anything in the Coast Range is good for winter. For an adventure, check out the Salmonberry River abandoned rail line. You have to do your own homework on that one.

Areas south and east of Mt St Helens are close by and may be accessible. I don't go there in winter, so perhaps someone else can comment on that.

If snow is on your menu, you might look into the Bull of the Woods Wilderness or Roaring River Wilderness. These are frequently overlooked areas that are not too high in elevation. They will be snowy, but not completely whited out.

SPECIAL NOTE: Many of the "good hikes" right next to Portland were burned in fires this summer and are currently out of commission. This includes trails in and around Eagle Creek and several sites in the Cascades.

**bghiker** · 12-13-2017, 05:44

It greatly depends on your snow tolerance...If you don't mind snow camping/snowshoeing, there are tons of places to go. If you don't want the snow you are limited to the coast range and other low elevation areas. It also depends on what you consider "close" to Portland. If you don't mind a 6 or so hour drive, you could go to the redwoods in northern California...just remember to bring really long tree huggers..:-)

**12gohammock** · 01-02-2018, 01:33

Hi, I saw the post about the redwoods, I'm looking for a less snow, new place to hang in January. Do you know what areas I should look at?

**Mac McSchool** · 01-02-2018, 19:02

Originally Posted by 12gohammock

Hi, I saw the post about the redwoods, I'm looking for a less snow, new place to hang in January. Do you know what areas I should look at?

Check out Drift Creek Wilderness. It's by Waldport, about an hour drive from Albany.

**leiavoia** · 01-02-2018, 21:10

Originally Posted by Mac McSchool

Check out Drift Creek Wilderness. It's by Waldport, about an hour drive from Albany.

If you just want to get out for an overnighter, its okay. The only camp is at the bottom next to the river. Nice camp, but there are no good fallback options if its occupied. Chances of being occupied in the winter and early spring are pretty minimal.

There's also a 10-mile gravel logging road to get to the trailhead, so be prepared.

**Kroma** · 01-06-2018, 11:23

Here’s kind of a summary of what’s been happening on my trip:

https://www.reddit.com/r/hammockcamp...XW&sh=0049b731

**leiavoia** · 01-06-2018, 13:06

I'm sorry your things were stolen. Having sleep gear stolen is indeed rare, but breakins at camps and trail heads are not. Popular sites throughout the area are routinely broken into for the pettiest things. That is one reason why I prefer remote locations and take your friends old beater car instead of the one you just leased.