I'm looking to do the Timberline Trail in two days this July. I'll give the Zig Zag ranger station a call but I was wondering if anyone knows if the trail is likely to be fully open and operational by then. Any other thoughts most appreciated.

I'm particularly interested in how to get around the Eliot Creek crossing.

Edited by evanrussia on 05/20/2012 19:06:13 MDT.

Earliest I've done it is late August.

I usually start trying to get into high areas in Paradise Park or Cairn Basin in early July but it's difficult to find the trail, and where the trail traverses a steep slope, there is icy snow at steep angle you have to walk across. I'm familiar with it and choose places I know are somewhat easier. Doing the whole loop would be difficult.

You might be able to hike around on lower elevations like Zigzag ridge. Or go up Paradise Park trail up to Paradise Park.

Probably Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness on the other side of highway 26 would be doable. Or do something in Columbia Gorge like a Wahtum Lake loop. There are more trip reports at portlandhikers.org.