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Timberline Trail permit

Timberline Trail Gear Checklist

What to carry on Timberline Trail, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 9 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
1Required
9To bring

What to bring on Timberline Trail

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. One item is written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    Northwest Forest Pass

    for parking

    Permit rule: “Northwest Forest Pass required for parking at most trailheads (not Timberline Lodge)”

  • Bring

    Trekking poles

    essential for river crossings

  • Bring

    Sandals or water shoes for fording

  • Bring

    Water filter

    glacial silt requires pre-filtering

  • Bring

    Rain gear

    Pacific Northwest weather is unpredictable

  • Bring

    Gaiters for volcanic sand and scree

  • Bring

    50 feet of paracord

    for rope-assisted crossings

  • Bring

    Pre-filter or bandana for glacial silt

  • Bring

    Detailed map and GPS

    river crossings change annually

  • Bring

    Campsite reservations at Timberline Lodge for pre/post-hike

12 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.

Build a shared list

General backcountry gear

Kit we recommend for backcountry trips in general. This is not a checklist specific to Timberline Trail — the Mt. Hood Wilderness rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Timberline Trail

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Check current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

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