http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation/ Comments on Ask MetaFilter post Need to get the most out of my short vacation! Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:16:48 -0800 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:16:48 -0800 en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation Where should I go backpacking between Bigfork, MT and Portland, OR? <br /><br /> I live in Portland and I am going to a family reunion in Bigfork, MT. I have taken off 3 extra days to go backpacking (drive time back to Portland included). I was thinking Glacier, but it seems like it is such a hassle to get a permit and find an available campground/ avoid crowds. <br> <br> I am looking for something not too difficult, maybe 4-6 miles per day. Want to see some beautiful back country and not a lot of people. <br> <br> Any ideas? Am I crazy to not just go to Glacier (if so, any tips of good trails without a lot of people)? <br> <br> Thanks! post:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:06:30 -0800 crawfishpopsicle backpacking camping glacier montana trail http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation#1001170 There is also some AWESOME hiking in the lava beds of SE Oregon. Amazing landscape. The lava beds park on the California side of the border is pretty awesome, too, lots of caves, some really big. Haven't been to Glacier so can't speak to it. comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762-1001170 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:16:48 -0800 luriete http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation#1001232 the lava beds sound cool, but they would add a lot of driving (10+ extra hours). comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762-1001232 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:29:21 -0800 crawfishpopsicle http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation#1001315 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallowa_Mountains">The Wallowas</a> are beautiful granite mountains in the NE corner of the state. They remind me of the Sierra, but on a smaller scale. comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762-1001315 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:33:11 -0800 ottereroticist http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation#1001369 If you don't want crowds, avoid Glacier Park and avoid the Cascades in Oregon/Washington. The Mission Mountains Wilderness is just south of Big Fork and less likely to be crowded. The Swan River Range and the Bob Marshall Wilderness are very nice, but are farther east and a little out of your way and probably require more hiking mileage than you prefer.<br> <br> I second the Wallowas in NE Oregon, which are out of the way of the hoards, but will also increase your driving time somewhat. comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762-1001369 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:18:05 -0800 JackFlash http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation#1001420 <a href="http://www.idahosummits.com/snowyside/images/alice2.jpg">Idaho.</a> comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762-1001420 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:59:06 -0800 desjardins http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation#1001421 JackFlash, <br> The Mission Mountains sound great! Do you recommend any trails? Man, if I can find a nice alpine lake, I'm there! comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762-1001421 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:59:20 -0800 crawfishpopsicle http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation#1001602 <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/wilderness/Wilderness.htm#The%20Mission%20Mountains%20Wilderness">This</a> might give you a start on the Bob Marshall, the Missions, and Jewel Basin, all three reasonably near Bigfork. You are best to avoid Jewel Basin on the weekends since it is the most easily accessible. comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762-1001602 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:16:25 -0800 JackFlash http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation#1001692 thanks jackflash. i bought the falcon guide for montana and am reading up on bob marshall, the missions and a few others. thanks for the tip. i am pretty convinced that the crowds at glacier will just frustrate me, not to mention that the other alternatives are cheaper! <br> <br> thanks again! comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762-1001692 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:05:38 -0800 crawfishpopsicle http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation#1001712 Jewel Basin. It's close to Bigfork. It gets its name from the number of small lakes. comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762-1001712 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:34:00 -0800 slowstarter http://ask.metafilter.com/66762/Need-to-get-the-most-out-of-my-short-vacation#1001866 Nthing Wallowas. Its beautiful up there. comment:ask.metafilter.com,2008:site.66762-1001866 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:18:39 -0800 devilsbrigade