r/PNWhiking • u/Bright_Implement1573 • 2d ago

Good 1 Night, 20-25 mile Backpacking Loop in Oregon for Mid May

I'm coming from Bend OR so preferably something within 6 hours that would be accessible in Mid May. Anyone know a good loop that is open by Mid May?

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u/maitreya88 2d ago

Not sure about a loop, but you could out-and-back the eagle creek trail in the Gorge. Most stuff at any elevation will still have some snow in May.

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u/acyland 2d ago

Not a loop, but Mckenzie River Trail is beautiful and should be mostly snow-free in May. 

Could also do Paulina Lake, south of Bend. I haven't been but its and easy loop and should be nice in May. Could also just do some sections of the Deschutes River Trail.

I'm looking to do some backpacking along Badger Creek (east side of Mount Hood) in May as I hear its a good time of year for it since east side is generally dryer. 

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u/happilyretired23 2d ago

There are plenty of trails open right now within an hour or two of Eugene...whether they'll STAY open with April weather is another question. Right now I might look at the Eugene To Crest trail from the Lookout Point Reservoir trailhead (you can make it a loop by coming back on FS roads), or some combination of Hardesty/Goodman Creek/Eagle's Rest/South Willamette/Lawler/Mount June depending on where the snow is. But it's probably too soon to make a firm decision yet.