Tuesday, August 11, 2026  |  Oregon's Outdoor Journal
Category

Backpacking

61 articles

Newberry Volcano National Monument: A Summer Guide to Oregon's Volcanic Caldera

Newberry Volcano National Monument: A Summer Guide to Oregon's Volcanic Caldera

Newberry Volcano National Monument sits 20 miles south of Bend and contains two alpine lakes, an obsidian flow, cinder cones, and miles of uncrowded trails — all inside the collapsed caldera of one of the largest volcanoes in the Cascades.

By HFR Staff  · June 14, 2026
Elkhorn Crest Trail: A 3-Day Wilderness Traverse Through Oregon's Blue Mountains

Elkhorn Crest Trail: A 3-Day Wilderness Traverse Through Oregon's Blue Mountains

The Elkhorn Crest Trail in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest offers 23 miles of high alpine ridge walking, granite lakes, and panoramic views across northeastern Oregon. Here is how to plan a 3-day traverse from Anthony Lakes to Marble Creek Pass.

By HFR Staff  · June 13, 2026
Badger Creek Wilderness: A 2-Day Loop Through Mount Hood's Forgotten Eastern Reach

Badger Creek Wilderness: A 2-Day Loop Through Mount Hood's Forgotten Eastern Reach

Badger Creek Wilderness sits in the rain shadow of Mount Hood — drier, quieter, and less crowded than anything on the west side. This 2-day loop gives you alpine meadows, old-growth forest, and solitude.

By HFR Staff  · June 11, 2026
Mount Washington Wilderness: A Weekend Backpacking Loop Through Oregon's Wildest Lava Landscape

Mount Washington Wilderness: A Weekend Backpacking Loop Through Oregon's Wildest Lava Landscape

The Mount Washington Wilderness offers one of Oregon's most dramatic and undervisited backpacking experiences — a rugged lava landscape punctuated by the jagged volcanic spire of Mount Washington itself. Here is how to plan a 2-day loop.

By HFR Staff  · June 10, 2026
North Umpqua Trail to Umpqua Hot Springs: Oregon's Best 2-Day Hot Spring Hike

North Umpqua Trail to Umpqua Hot Springs: Oregon's Best 2-Day Hot Spring Hike

The Umpqua Hot Springs sit along one of Oregon's most scenic rivers, accessible via a stunning stretch of the North Umpqua Trail. Here's the complete 2-day route, camping info, and what to expect at the springs.

By HFR Staff  · June 8, 2026
Drift Creek Wilderness: A Weekend Backpacking Trip Through Oregon's Old-Growth Coast Range

Drift Creek Wilderness: A Weekend Backpacking Trip Through Oregon's Old-Growth Coast Range

The Drift Creek Wilderness in Lincoln County protects one of the largest remaining stands of old-growth temperate rainforest on Oregon's Coast Range. Here's everything you need for a weekend trip.

By HFR Staff  · June 6, 2026
North Fork John Day Wilderness: A 3-Day Backpacking Loop Through Northeast Oregon's Remote Gold Country

North Fork John Day Wilderness: A 3-Day Backpacking Loop Through Northeast Oregon's Remote Gold Country

The North Fork John Day Wilderness in Oregon's Blue Mountains offers solitude, pristine trout streams, and gold rush history. Here's a complete 3-day backpacking route guide for this undervisited gem.

By HFR Staff  · June 5, 2026
Gearhart Mountain Wilderness: A Summer Backpacking Loop Through Southern Oregon's Forgotten High Country

Gearhart Mountain Wilderness: A Summer Backpacking Loop Through Southern Oregon's Forgotten High Country

Gearhart Mountain Wilderness in Southern Oregon's Fremont National Forest is one of the state's least-visited designated wilderness areas — and one of its most rewarding summer destinations.

By HFR Staff  · June 4, 2026
Bull of the Woods Wilderness: A Weekend Backpacking Loop Through Oregon’s Northern Cascades Old Growth

Bull of the Woods Wilderness: A Weekend Backpacking Loop Through Oregon’s Northern Cascades Old Growth

Just an hour from Portland, Bull of the Woods Wilderness offers dense old growth, alpine meadows, and solitude that most Oregon hikers have never found. Here’s the best weekend loop.

By HFR Staff  · June 3, 2026
Diamond Peak Wilderness: A 2-Day Summer Backpacking Loop in Oregon's High Cascades

Diamond Peak Wilderness: A 2-Day Summer Backpacking Loop in Oregon's High Cascades

One of Oregon's most rewarding yet undervisited wilderness destinations — Diamond Peak rises to 8,744 feet above subalpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and old-growth forest. Here is the full route guide for a 2-day loop.

By HFR Staff  · June 1, 2026
Crater Lake Rim Backpacking: Oregon's Most Scenic High-Route Overnight

Crater Lake Rim Backpacking: Oregon's Most Scenic High-Route Overnight

The 33-mile Crater Lake Rim provides one of Oregon's most dramatic and underrated backpacking experiences. Here's how to plan a 2-3 day rim route above North America's deepest lake.

By HFR Staff  · May 31, 2026
Lookout Mountain Loop: A Weekend Backpacking Trip in Oregon's Ochoco National Forest

Lookout Mountain Loop: A Weekend Backpacking Trip in Oregon's Ochoco National Forest

The Lookout Mountain Loop in Oregon's Ochoco National Forest offers one of the most rewarding and uncrowded weekend backpacking routes in Central Oregon. Here's a complete guide to the 19-mile circuit.

By HFR Staff  · May 29, 2026