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  1. #1
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    Oregon and saturated ground in the spring

    I am preparing to start my first summer season as a hammock camper. I live in Oregon where the ground gets so saturated with water that we hear of trees falling over all winter. I was wondering whether it would be a good idea to run up into the Cascades as soon as the snow melts to try out my new camping shelter. Would the trees hold up with a hammock tied to them just after snow melt?
    Does anybody have any test to determine just how saturated is too saturated?
    Has anybody ever gone hammock camping in the early spring on really wet ground in the Cascades?
    Thanks

  2. #2
    Senior Member Joey's Avatar
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    I've not been to the Cascades, but I've been in areas where the ground was saturated and large trees had fallen over. To note, it was the larger trees that were falling as a result of the saturated ground. Their weight was too much for their roots to hold in loose wet soil.

    If you do head into an area like this, stay in smaller groves and out of the fall path of any large diameter trees is the best advice I can think of. Most of the trees I had seen were to large for me to put my arms around.

    Just my thoughts...

  3. #3
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    All the time. You won't have a problem with a tree falling over if it's live & there is a good root structure. Even next to a creek. Just get a 6" thick tree or more.

  4. #4
    Senior Member injun51's Avatar
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    I have hammocked in the cascades in the fall but not in spring. Just make sure to look up into the tree canopy and make sure the trees you're under are not diseased, dead, or in any way strange looking. Then look down and look for exposed roots. This will give you a pretty good indication if the trees are safe to hook up to.

    I have heard trees falling in heavy winds out there but not in heavy rains only. However, I'm sure it happens pretty regularly. Stick to healthy trees and you should be OK.

    I live in Oregon too so I understand your concerns about this.
    Don't take life so seriously, its not permenant.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Gary_R's Avatar
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    Trees fall sometimes.. but its not really anything you should worry about.
    Avoid the widow makers and check out your surroundings and chances are you wont have any issues. I agree that most trees that fall have a bad root structure or heavy storms knock em over.. If the storm is that bad.. I usually stay inside

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by injun51 View Post
    I have hammocked in the cascades in the fall but not in spring. Just make sure to look up into the tree canopy and make sure the trees you're under are not diseased, dead, or in any way strange looking.
    Yep. Look up, not down.

    I've camped in Gifford Pinchot (Washington) in March. The trees were as solid as in July. Failed at making a fire though!

  7. #7
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    The force a hammock puts on a tree is nothing compared to wind, it ranks right up there with Sasquatch attacks.

  8. #8
    Senior Member olzeke's Avatar
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    The Coastal range will melt out before the Cascades. Try the spot we used for last years Summer Hang, but Rip or Big Foot 2 will have to tell you the name of the place. I only remember it was on the South leg out of Philomath.

  9. #9
    Senior Member rip waverly's Avatar
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    i haven't had issues..... but i guess everything is possible.
    our mckenzie hike was fresh off snow melt this past weekend, and there
    was a noted amount of 'tipped over' trees. i think some extra caution and
    decent judgement should serve well. ( that goes for all seasons )


    olzeke refers to Drift Creek Wilderness, just inland from waldport.
    "Jeff-Becking"

    DOWNTOWN BROWN!!!!

  10. #10
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    thanks everybody. It is nice to hear opinions and personal experiences from locals. It's fun to find that after all the years of camping I have done, I have found a new adventure; hammock camping. Off I go.....

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