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

Backpacking

61 articles

Kalmiopsis Wilderness: Backpacking Oregon's Wildest and Most Remote Botanical Hotspot

Kalmiopsis Wilderness: Backpacking Oregon's Wildest and Most Remote Botanical Hotspot

Oregon's Kalmiopsis Wilderness in the Klamath Mountains is one of the most geologically and botanically unique places on Earth. It's also brutally rugged, poorly signed, and almost entirely empty of other hikers. Here's how to plan a trip.

By HFR Staff  · May 28, 2026
Hells Canyon Wilderness: A 4-Day Rim-to-River Backpacking Route on the Oregon Side

Hells Canyon Wilderness: A 4-Day Rim-to-River Backpacking Route on the Oregon Side

Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America, and its Oregon side offers some of the most dramatic and seldom-traveled backpacking in the Pacific Northwest. Here's a practical guide to the Hat Point to Dug Bar route.

By HFR Staff  · May 27, 2026
Waldo Lake Wilderness: A 3-Day Backpacking Loop Through Oregon's Highest Natural Lake

Waldo Lake Wilderness: A 3-Day Backpacking Loop Through Oregon's Highest Natural Lake

Waldo Lake sits at 5,414 feet in the Oregon Cascades and is one of the clearest, purest lakes in the world. Here's how to plan a 3-day loop through the surrounding wilderness.

By HFR Staff  · May 26, 2026
Opal Creek Wilderness: A Weekend Backpacking Route Through Oregon's Ancient Forest

Opal Creek Wilderness: A Weekend Backpacking Route Through Oregon's Ancient Forest

Just 60 miles from Portland, the Opal Creek Wilderness protects some of the largest remaining old-growth lowland forest in the Pacific Northwest. Here's a weekend route that takes you through massive Douglas fir stands, past jewel-colored pools, and deep into the kind of forest that takes your breath away.

By HFR Staff  · May 25, 2026
Sky Lakes Wilderness: A Backpacking Guide to Southern Oregon's Premier Alpine Lake Country

Sky Lakes Wilderness: A Backpacking Guide to Southern Oregon's Premier Alpine Lake Country

Tucked between Crater Lake National Park and the Sky Lakes Wilderness boundary, this 116,000-acre haven holds more than 200 lakes and ponds across a volcanic landscape unlike anywhere else in Oregon. Here's your complete guide to planning a summer trip.

By HFR Staff  · May 24, 2026
Rogue River Trail: Backpacking Oregon's Wild and Scenic Corridor from Grave Creek to Illahe

Rogue River Trail: Backpacking Oregon's Wild and Scenic Corridor from Grave Creek to Illahe

The 40-mile Rogue River Trail through the Wild and Scenic corridor is one of Oregon's finest multi-day backpacking routes — canyon swimming holes, world-class fishing, remote lodges, and rattlesnake country. Here's how to do it right.

By HFR Staff  · May 22, 2026
Strawberry Mountain Wilderness: Backpacking Eastern Oregon's Hidden Alpine Gem

Strawberry Mountain Wilderness: Backpacking Eastern Oregon's Hidden Alpine Gem

Tucked into the Malheur National Forest south of John Day, the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness packs granite peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows into 68,700 acres most Oregon hikers have never visited. Here's how to plan a 3-day trip.

By HFR Staff  · May 21, 2026
Timberline Trail Around Mount Hood: The Complete Guide to Oregon's Classic 40-Mile Alpine Loop

Timberline Trail Around Mount Hood: The Complete Guide to Oregon's Classic 40-Mile Alpine Loop

The Timberline Trail circumnavigates Mount Hood in about 40 miles of alpine terrain, river crossings, and volcanic scenery. Here's how to plan your trip — from seasonal conditions and permits to the best campsites and river crossing strategy.

By HFR Staff  · May 18, 2026
Mount Jefferson Wilderness: A 3-Day Backpacking Loop Through Oregon's Volcanic Spine

Mount Jefferson Wilderness: A 3-Day Backpacking Loop Through Oregon's Volcanic Spine

At 10,497 feet, Mount Jefferson is Oregon's second-highest peak and the anchor of one of the state's most spectacular wilderness areas. This 3-day loop covers the best of the Jefferson Park highlands, alpine lakes, and flower-filled meadows — with a side of genuine solitude if you go at the right time.

By HFR Staff  · May 17, 2026
Three Sisters Wilderness Loop: A 4-Day Backpacking Route Through Oregon's Volcanic Heart

Three Sisters Wilderness Loop: A 4-Day Backpacking Route Through Oregon's Volcanic Heart

The Three Sisters Wilderness in Oregon's Cascade Range holds some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in the Pacific Northwest. This 4-day loop takes you past glacial lakes, volcanic moonscapes, and all three Sisters peaks.

By HFR Staff  · May 14, 2026
Eagle Cap Wilderness: A 4-Day Lakes Basin Loop in Oregon's Wallowa Mountains

Eagle Cap Wilderness: A 4-Day Lakes Basin Loop in Oregon's Wallowa Mountains

The Eagle Cap Wilderness holds some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in the Pacific Northwest. This 4-day Lakes Basin loop covers Glacier Lake, Mirror Lake, and the heart of the Wallowas.

By HFR Staff  · May 13, 2026
Backpacking the Steens Mountain Wilderness: A 3-Day Route in Oregon's High Desert

Backpacking the Steens Mountain Wilderness: A 3-Day Route in Oregon's High Desert

Steens Mountain is one of Oregon's most remote and spectacular landscapes. Here is a practical 3-day backpacking route, gear considerations, and what to expect in late spring.

By HFR Staff  · May 12, 2026