20 mile make up hike

Trail of 5 lakes

September 24th, 2017
Trail of 5 lakes
Distance: 20miles
Elevation: 2,162EG/3038EL
Completed the full 20miles: 2 Adults and 1 Youth


This was a makeup hike day for everyone that needed to make up a hike to complete their merit badge. Normally I do not usually offer a 20mile make up, but this was an exception. Johnny had the spirit and his dad was willing to make it happen, so it got done. This was not going to be an easy hike in elevation like the McKenzie river trail was, but we didn't have to deal with smoke either. The trail needed to be successful for everyone that had to make up hikes to complete their amount and get off the trail, so we needed many access points that landed close to their mileage completion. This was a huge challenge to make happen and a lot of planning that took hours to go along with many people's help in driving and hiking, but we made it happen. 

Our itinerary: 

• 1st Leg: (7 am) We are starting at the Barlow Pass TH. We will hike to frog lake via the PCT/495/484 ending at the Frog lake parking lot intersecting the PCT. = 7 miles (930am)
• 2nd Leg: (9:45 am) From frog lake parking lot we will stay on the PCT to Little Crater Lake  (1 pm) = 8 miles 
• 3rd Leg: (130pm) Little Crater Lake to Timothy Lake Dam (330pm) = 5 miles

The following hikers participated

Johnny Rush and Mike Rush (20miles)

Hayden G and Jeff Schindler (1st and 2nd leg)

Darrin and Vicki king (2nd leg)

Adam and Hayden M. (1st and 2nd leg)

Mitchell Denman. (1st and 3rd leg)

Kris Myers. (20miles)

This has to be my favorite hike all season! Some (very little) of this trail was new to me, but what was great is the 5 lakes (twin lakes, frog lake, little crater lake, and Timothy lake) we viewed on this hike. Even better was after completing one 20mile hike already this year this was a lot easier. Though the elevation was a bit more challenging than the previous 20miles, this hike went smooth and we cruised through it with a great time. It's amazing how when you drag out a hike how much harder it is. Also, I was conditioned to handle 20 miles without a problem so the workload was tremendously easier. Though this year came with many trials and tribulations this was a great year of hiking and for me, I have felt the best I have felt in years! I'm ready for another 20miler!! Ok, to be honest, I am ready for backpacking next year!!

From Corrine Rush - Thank you so much Kris Myers for making this 20 mile make-up hike possible for Jonny. Thank you too for the support that we got from others joining in this hike, when they have already done their time. Whether you were a driver helping get from point A to point B, or just there for support. Some were working on a few miles they needed for their own merit badge. In any case, you are all awesome!!!Mitchell and Jim Denman, Adam and Hayden M, Darrin and Vicki King, Hayden G and Jeff Schindler, and Hayden G's mom, (sorry I do not know your name). THANK YOU! — with Kris Myers.