McKenzie River Trail
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Start date: 10/14/2019
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Start time: 12:00 AM
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End date: 10/14/2019
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End time: 11:59 PM
Description:
** Meet up: Belknap Hot Springs Lodge Parking Lot. ** (scroll down to see all info)
*Please note that this is a long and difficult hike that requires us to hike at a fairly rapid pace because of the short daylight hours. There will not be time for: sight seeing, bird watching, or mushroom picking because it gets dark much earlier before sunset in the dense forest cover and it's mandatory that we stay together as a group. Even though there is a net loss of about 1500' of elevation, there are several climbs on this hike. We will end the hike at the Belknap access road which will be 5 miles shorter than doing the whole MRT.
*The meet up place is at Belknap Hot Springs because several hikers are camping or staying in the lodge there for one or two nights. You are encouraged to do the same. However, if you decide to drive out the morning of the hike from Eugene, please allow at least an hour to arrive at Belknap. We will depart from Belknap at 7:30am and drive north on Hwy 126 to the north trailhead of the MRT near Fish Lake. We will need 2 cars to take us to the trailhead and 1 car back at Belknap to retrieve the 2 parked cars since this is a one way hike. We should be on the trail no later than 8:00am to assure being finished before dark.
*It's likely that the first couple of hours of the hike will be at or near freezing temperatures (or below). Be sure to pack a heavy jacket, dress in layers, bring gloves and a hat. The trail is often rocky so good hiking boots are a must. I've done the 26 mile version of this hike 3 times and several snacks and a good nourishing lunch is a must. With cooler temperatures, water requirements will be 2 liters minimum. You can also bring a water filter to filter water right out of the river.
*After the hike, you're on your own. Most of us will elect to soak in the hot springs pool for a while before driving to Takota's for dinner. Those of you not staying at Belknap for the night will likely want to drive back to Eugene. This hike will be cancelled if the forecast looks like rain.
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Event Leader: David Lodeesen
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Event Leader Phone: 214-709-0352
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Event Leader Email: dmxzx3@sbcglobal.net
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Assistant Leader:
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Event category: Trips
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Area Type: Mountain
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Departure Location: See Trip Description
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Rating: Difficult
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Roundtrip total drive miles: 40
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Season: 2019
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Permits Required:
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Event Status: Passed
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Supplies and Equipment Required: The 10 essentials, good hiking boots, dress in layers, warm outer layer, hat, gloves. Several snacks and a good hardy lunch. At least one hiking pole is highly recommended. An extra pair of socks and mole skin is a good idea.
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participant prerequisites:
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Conditions:
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Total Distance: 21
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Member Fees: 1
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Elevation Gain: -1500
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Non-Member Fees: 5
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Committee: Trips
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Junior member fees: —