How do you go about hiking Mt. Rainier?

MT HOOD HIKING QUESTION?

• Me and my friend are going to be hiking the TImberline Trail around Mt Hood next month - A few years a go, I landslide wiped out the NE crossing over Eliot glacier. We would love to backpack the entire trail - but because of the wash out, it is not recommended to cross that area - so we would miss out on the north section of the trail between Eliot glacier and Coe glacier. Me and my friend hiked up Eliot glacier overlooking the washed out area, it looks crossable if you climb up to the cooper spur ridge, cross the glacier, and down the ridge on the west side of the glacier?? and then back onto Timberline trail. Has anyone crossed that section since the area washed out? What is the terrain like? And what is the crossing at Coe glacier like? Is it washed out as well? None of the park rangers or forest service will recommend a route of course. Any info would help! Thanks!!

• Answer:

  The Timberline Trail has several challenges, not just the Eliot Glacier crossing. Hundreds of people hike this trail each week. Be sure to ask other hikers as you pass them on the trail about the latest conditions and challenges. Once it took me over two hours to cross Muddy Fork since it was exceptionally high and swift. I ended up building a 3/4 bridge from fallen, driftwood-like timbers and then pulled my backpack along after I was safely across using a long line. That's what it took to cross safely. The upper reaches of Eliot and Ladd are usually stable early in the morning. If you do need to climb it for a safe traverse, consider camping until early morning. Be sure to check for avalanche stability before risking your neck.