Pennsylvania > Oregon

**thegreatjesse** · 07-21-2011, 19:02

I'm moving from the wilds of western Pennsylvania to the beautiful western United States - Portland, Oregon to be exact! This has been in the planning stages for four long years, and my ladyfriend and I are finally going through with it!

So here's the thing: I don't know anyone in Portland, or in any state west of Ohio for that matter. I'm leaving behind some great friends that I would take with me if I could, but I know I'll meet some cool cats in the PNW. I know there is an Oregon hang thread, but I don't think I'll be able to travel much in the first few weeks I'm out there, or get out for an extended trip, so I want to invite anyone in the Portland area to shoot for a weekend hang sometime in late August or September. Any advice on awesome hikes out that way would also be greatly appreciated - my ladyfriend bought me a copy of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Portland, which is pretty cool, but there must be at least a few backpacking trails that remain secreted.

**rip waverly** · 07-21-2011, 19:24

awesome! i just got out here from ohio in march.

when i got here, the oregonians told me to cover my eyes, point and head out in whichever direction i was facing. so i did!

i've been driving a lot- mostly to see the ecosystem out here, and car camping along the way. (my dog doesn't hike). we can get from the high desert to the coast in 3 hours time.

i miss the midwest- but never have i been so immersed in such an awe-inspiring landscape. its brought a tear to the eye, no joke, a few times already.

i'm up for a hike! and hang.
i frequent portlandhikers.org-- got trail info and trip reports- (esp. those detailing the accessibility of trails)
the high elevation weather really threw me for a loop.

**Gary_R** · 07-21-2011, 19:27

Well hope you enjoy it here!
And a Pre Welcome! There are Countless places for you to explore.

**EricFromPortland** · 07-22-2011, 01:24

Um, well... It rains constantly, the traffic is bad, the food sucks, and you really shouldn't move here because it is crowded (hehehe).....
- But if you do show up, start with the Columbia River Gorge for great day hikes and a few overnight trips.
- I am +1 on PortlandHikers.org for updated trail reports.
- I like the 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon as the best local hiking guide (@ http://www.amazon.com/Hikes-Northwes.../dp/0967783070)

Keep in touch as you arrive.

**thejennabird** · 07-22-2011, 07:30

And let me just add, even though I went out east for college... Oregon > Pennsylvania. (Might be just a wee bit biased there)

Can't wait to meet hangers back home! =P

**morticianfaller** · 07-22-2011, 10:36

never knew there was anyone else on here close to me. Good luck in the west.

**gavinar** · 07-22-2011, 10:49

Originally Posted by rip waverly

the high elevation weather really threw me for a loop.

This is the number one thing I would emphasize to people who are new to Oregon but like the outdoors. Just because it's 70 degrees and sunny in the valley when you take off, don't pack for that weather if you are going up in the cascades, even in summer. Overnight lows can get under freezing, and storm systems can move it pretty rapidly.

Even in summer I bring my down insulating layer (Patagonia down sweater and montbell inner down pants) and goretex outerlayer if I am going above 3000 feet. It's a bit of extra weight, but I've been caught out too many times without that gear when it looked like it was going to be nice.

Back on topic: Welcome to our beautiful state. I hope you like rain.