About This Route
From Santiam Pass to Timberline Lodge (PCT miles 1990-2055), this 40-mile Oregon PCT segment rolls through lava fields, Obsidian Limited Entry Area, and Three Sisters views with 5,000 feet total gain. Ideal for intermediate trail runners seeking flowy terrain and hots springs recovery at McKenzie Pass. Obtain a self-issue permit at trailheads and adhere to Central Cascades Leave No Trace standards.
Safety Considerations
Lava rock ankle-breakers demand cautious foot placement; use gaiters against scree. Early snow lingers on South Sister approach; carry Yaktrax. Pumice Desert water gaps require 5L capacity or caches. Stream crossings at Separation Creek flash flood post-thunderstorm; avoid solo fords. Black bears and cougars present; travel in groups and yell on blind corners. Wildfire smoke chokes air in August; check FireWeatherAvalanche.org. Cell blackspots abound; use Zoleo satellite communicator.
Essential Gear
Outfit with La Sportiva Bushido III shoes; Salomon ADV Skin 12 set; MSR Guardian water purifier; Fox 40 whistle; BioLite HeadLamp 800; Sea to Summit Nano moshy net.
Emergency Tips
Smoke inhalation: descend to pass; deploy Zoleo with milepost for Deschutes NF dispatch to Timberline helipad.