minong

[zims]

HI All
I know this has probably been discussed, but can someone tell me when is the best time to hike the minong from mccargoe to washington creek? I am aiming at a early june arrival, but I am contimplating this might be too early in the season.
Thanks

[Tom]

I don't know if there is a good time or bad time season for the Minong - I've hiked it in mid June, and survived!
I will say that with that year, there was a pretty good winter snowfall, as well as spring rain, so the river crossings were more precarious. I've seen pictures of the same water crossings in August, of a drier year, and they looked much easier. Similarly, route finding MIGHT be a little more difficult in June as the path isn't quite as evident in spots, but in the same regard, the grasses are lower and the cairns easier to spot.
As an advantage, it tends not to be as hot up on the ridges yet, and the days are long.
I'm not sure I would consider any one time of year better than another for that trail. It's a function of how the weather as been, and when the trail crews had most recently been clearing...
That's my 2 cents, I'm sure others will have opinions, too!

[greg]

I have hiked the Minong in spring, summer, and fall. There really aren't too many advantages or disadvantages to any one season. I would suggest that summer is more challenging because water can be an issue on portions of the trail. Conversely, since there is less water in the summer, portions of the trail that can be very wet & boggy will be dry in summer. My fondest memories of hiking the Minong are in the fall when crisp nights and cool days make hiking the sometimes very challenging trail easier. I have hiked the trail in June several times and that is another fine time to do it. You may encounter a few more bugs in low areas in June but the temperatures are generally moderate to cool. On a eprsonal level, I see the Minong as the most interesting trail in the park and one to relish. Greg R.

[zims]

thanks guys, I have just reread this blog, and I am really considering the trail in early september right after labor day.

[Kevinl]

The best time to hike the Minong is in the morning, before it gets too hot.

The worst time is at night.

Sorry.

[Kevinl]

After my previous smarty-pants comment, I really don't see there being a bad time of year for the Minong. Spring, summer, fall should all be great.

[zims]

its fine kevin..... we all have smarty pants once in a while