The rugged trail is very exposed, in many places the trail is carved out of a cliff face high above the river, injuries are common on this trail, it is important that all scouts act responsibly and safely when on the trail.
Backpacking Eagle Creek
April 24-25, 2009
Who: All young men
What: Backpacking overnighter
When: April 24-25, meet at the chapel at 4:00 on Friday
Where: Eagle Creek Trail
This month we'll be backpacking the Eagle creek trail located just west of Hood River, Oregon in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. The Eagle Creek trail follows Eagle Creek several miles passing spectacular falls and serves as a backcountry portal to destinations along the Pacific Crest trail and Wahtum Lake. We'll be hiking approximately 4 miles to the Tenas Camp near High Bridge, no reservations are available for the primitive campsites and are filled on a first come first served basis. Camping is only allowed in designated sites, in the event the first campsite is full we will hike another half mile or so to the next site, if it is full we'll continue to a third camp. These campsites have no facilites, water is available in the creek but it cannot be used for drinking with out filtration or purification.
The
rugged trail is very exposed, in many places the trail is carved out
of a cliff face high above the river, injuries are common on this
trail, it is important that all scouts act
responsibly and safely when on the trail.
Boys who will be participating in this campout will need to be prepared, conditions will likely be wet, a good tent and water proof gear are necessary as well as a comfortable pack large enough to carry all their gear. External frame packs are easiest for the boys to pack but usually require the sleeping bag be lashed to the frame outside of the pack, these packs can be found at yard sales or thrift stores for $10-20, internal frame packs can carry all gear within the pack, but can be difficult to pack and are often very expensive. The boys should pack their sleeping gear in a plastic bag to make sure it stays dry regardless of the type of pack they use.
External
Frame
Internal
Frame
I consider this to be a short hike and expect that we will make the camp in 2 hours or less, inadequate preparation can slow us down and may force us to hike dangerous portions of the trail and set-up camp in darkness. It is the boy's responsibility to be prepared, but parents should oversee their sons and make sure their preparations are adequate and appropriate.
Each boy will need to bring enough food for themselves. I will have a small backpacking stove that the boys may use. Simple meals like Top Ramen or instant oatmeal taste wonderful after a day of hiking or a sleepless night, don't weigh much and take up little space in a pack. If the boys want to use my stove they will need to bring a pot or pan to cook in and utensils. I encourage the boys to consider meals that require no cooking or high tech backpacking meals such as 'Mountain Pantry' brand products that can be found at Wal-Mart or other sporting goods stores. Boys will need to pack their own water for the trip, including the water they will use for cooking. There is a water filter in the Scout closet but I can not guarantee it works well, it may not work at all, as this is a short trip I suggest packing in enough water and not relying on purification or filtration for water.
I encourage the boys to buddy up and share tents so nobody has to carry too heavy a load, a boy who isn't carrying a tent can carry some of his buddies' cooking gear or food.
I'd like the boys to be at the chapel at 4:00, we'll leave no later than 4:15 to make sure we have enough daylight for the hike. Permission slips will be requried and should be filled out before hand.
Aside from normal campout gear boys will need the following:
Hiking boots, waterproof prefered
2-3 man tent with full coverage rain fly
Backpack
Food for dinner and breakfast as well as snacks for the trail
Water, at least 2 quarts for drinking and any that may be necessary for meals
Rain gear, a plastic emergency poncho is the minimum
Warm clothes for sleeping, boys will need to change into dry clothes before going to bed or they will be cold and uncomfortable. The boys who slept in snow caves in February may understand this now.
Extra socks, 3-4 pairs, hiking in soggy socks will make the trip unbearable, blisters can slow everyone down to the point we may have to hike in the dark on a dangerous trail.
Flashlight or headlamp, in the unlikely event we have to hike after dark a flashlight will be needed for each boy.
Items usually required for overnight campouts can be found here