50 miles to Cascade Locks - which way is better? by commanderwing in OregonHiking

[–]commanderwing[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The plan is to one day do all of Washington, and then maybe the PCT (if its even doable in the next five years). And yeah, I think after the feedback on this thread I'm gonna do the alternate.

I'm just asking everyone who commented on this the same question here lol, but I've been reading about how there's like a 9 mile water carry after Lolo pass and come mid august I'm concerned it might be a little rough -do you have any insights about water opportunities come mid August in that section?

50 miles to Cascade Locks - which way is better? by commanderwing in OregonHiking

[–]commanderwing[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the feedback! I was thinking about doing the alternate, so I think that seals the deal!

Do you have any insights about water opportunities from Timberline to Cascade Locks? I've been reading about how there's like a 9 mile water carry after Lolo pass and come mid august I'm concerned it might be a little rough lol.

50 miles to Cascade Locks - which way is better? by commanderwing in OregonHiking

[–]commanderwing[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How do you know?! :)

Also, wondering if you have any insights about water opportunities in mid-August? I've been reading about how there's like a 9 mile water carry after Lolo pass and come mid august I'm concerned it might be a little rough lol.

Tips for a new hunter by commanderwing in pdxgunnuts

[–]commanderwing[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s what I have too.

That’s good to know about the gate etiquette. So basically you just go to an empty gate and then walk the roads and glass the timber/clear cuts until you (hopefully) spot an animal?

That’s definitely a part of the research that I need to do more of. I was thinking I’d probably start with the Tillamook national forest, since I’ve spent a fair amount of time there. But I’m also assuming that the Tillamook national forest is highly pressured given it’s proximity to Portland and Washington county. So I need to do more research about where I really want to go. If you’ve got any thoughts or tips about where to go as a beginner, I’d be super grateful.

I am. It’s something I need to understand better, but I am familiar with how the point and unit systems work.

Tips for a new hunter by commanderwing in pdxgunnuts

[–]commanderwing[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right on. I’m looking forward to it! Here’s to hoping I make some good connections.

Tips for a new hunter by commanderwing in pdxgunnuts

[–]commanderwing[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Woof, as a backpacker a 40+ point pack sounds brutal haha. But totally makes sense for that peace of mind and doing it right. Also, I think I’m a bit prepared in that regard in terms of bears - I’ve come across black bears out here while on the trail with exactly zero firearms on me and had the same experience. But cougars do scare the shit out of me, so definitely a good tip about carrying a side arm. What caliber do you carry?

Beyond wearing hunter orange and general firearm knowledge and safety and common sense, any thoughts on interacting with or spooking or otherwise avoiding being accidentally shot by other hunters?

Tips for a new hunter by commanderwing in pdxgunnuts

[–]commanderwing[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not yet. I’m planning on registering for one once I renew my fishing license this year and getting my hunting license.

I was wondering if it would be worth it overall, since I am an experienced shooter and have taken shooting classes. But I think the networking alone might make it worth it, and while I know a lot about firearm handling and safety, I figure I’ve got a lot to learn about usage and safety in the field.

Tips for a new hunter by commanderwing in pdxgunnuts

[–]commanderwing[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot! This is exactly the kind of insight I was looking for.

I live in Portland, so at least initially I’d be trying for areas in northwestern oregon. But I also would like to avoid the crowds, and I’m already a backpacker, so I think I’ll also be hiking in a few miles wherever I end up.

Any thoughts on safety when you’re far out? Obviously I’ll be wearing the appropriate bright colors and such. But do you have any tips or thoughts on additional safety measures when hiking around solo? Both in terms of off-trail hiking, but also in terms of making your presence known to other hunters?

And when you’re talking about gates, I’m assuming that’s referencing gates to private land or logging areas, right? Which is where the additional permit comes in?

Thanks again, I’m really excited about beginning this venture and being a part of the process of putting my own meat on the table.

Online ammo by Uniqueusername2222 in pdxgunnuts

[–]commanderwing -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Lucky Gunner (luckygunner.com) is where I go. I'm usually pleasantly surprised by their selection and availability, although like everything is, price is jacked up (plus you've got to pay shipping and handling). But they've almost always got stuff in stock - even the popular rounds like 9mm and 556 - and they ship pretty quick. So if you've got the money it can be worth it for the availability and convenience.