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I finally tried a route my friend called 'the boring way' around Mount Hood
I was planning a Timberline Trail loop last month and mentioned it to a hiker I met at the trailhead in Government Camp. He said, 'Everyone goes clockwise for the views, but counter-clockwise gets you the tough climb done first and better campsites.' I tried it his way and it completely changed the rhythm of the trip, letting us relax in the meadows on day two instead of pushing up a steep slope. Has anyone else found a classic route works better in reverse?
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henry_webb686mo ago
Always did it clockwise for the views. But getting the climb out of the way first sounds smart. Might have to try it backwards next time.
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nathan_barnes5mo ago
Ever try a trail backwards just to see if the water sources are better? Henry_webb68's comment made me realize I always check streams clockwise, but going the other way last year meant hitting the good creek right before a dry stretch. Sometimes flipping it around solves problems you didn't even know you had.
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blairwhite6mo ago
That's a good point about getting the climb done first. Did you find the campsites were actually less crowded going that way too?
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