12 miles of hiking • 0' elevation gain • 2 nights
I originally set out to start at the Swiftwater Trailhead and see how far I could get over two nights/three days. I checked in a the BLM office in Roseburg to check on trail conditions and the super helpful staff there told me that there was a 90% chance of rain and the snow level was going to drop to 1000' over the weekend. While I was prepared for those kind of weather conditions, I really didn't feel like camping in snow. I changed my plan to start at the Wright Creek Trailhead instead, which had virtually no elevation gain, and hovered around 1000'.
I arrived at the trailhead and hit the trail around 3p on Friday, February 17th. It was my first solo backpack (with dog), and I was excited to get out for my first backpack of 2012. I backpacked in about 2 miles to Cougar Creek where I found a small campsite just large enough for my tent and a separate tarp for cooking. There was also a fire pit, but I am not that good with starting fires in wet areas so I didn't use it.
I set up camp and was able to cook dinner before retiring to the tent for the evening. I brought my e-reader and was able to get some reading in while sipping on hot cocoa before going to bed. The dog and I cuddled up and got a decent night's sleep with rain showers periodically through the night.
On Saturday, February 18th, I slept in a bit, then made a quick breakfast before heading out on a day hike to the Mott Trailhead. I made quick time, maintaining a 2 mi/hr pace and for about the last 30 minutes, got poured on! Luckily, there was a nice covered outhouse at the trailhead so I used the facilities and then sat down for a quick lunch, waiting for the rain to stop. It finally stopped and I headed back to my campsite. I took a short nap before waking to cook dinner and do some more reading before retiring for the evening. Because of the rain, I decided to pack it in on Sunday morning, February 19th and head home. I would have liked to have done more hiking but the weather just wasn't cooperating.
Here are my pros/cons for this trail:
Pros: The first 11 miles is BLM land, then the rest is USFS land. Neither require fees to park or use the area. BONUS! Also, the staff at the BLM are top notch and super helpful. Minimal elevation gains on some sections of the trail. Major elevation gains on other sections of the trail. You decide! Not a lot of people out this time of the year. I encountered a family of three hunting hedgehog mushrooms on the first day, and three steelhead fishermen on the second day. Other than the squatters at the trailhead, I didn't see signs of anyone. Seriously, this is one of the most beautiful parts of Oregon!!! I "think" I saw a bald eagle, even. Not 100% sure, but it was a raptor with a white tail....
Cons: This section of the trail is close to the river and close to the road. So, you will hear and see cars. I didn't mind the noise, but depending on what section you choose to hike, you may deal with car noise. It is probably quite busy during the high season. *Not a lot of primitive camp sites, so you might have to get creative.
