Took a 'shortcut' on the Timberline Trail loop and ended up bushwhacking for three hours

I was doing the full 40 mile loop around Mt. Hood last fall and decided to cut off a big bend near Cloud Cap. The map showed a faint game trail that looked like it would save me maybe five miles. It started okay, but after half a mile it just vanished into a mess of downed trees and slide alder. My pack kept getting snagged, and I was basically crawling. I finally popped out onto the proper trail, covered in scratches, having saved zero time and adding a ton of stress. The lesson was brutal but simple: on established long loops, those 'shortcuts' are usually there for animals, not people with big backpacks. Has anyone else had a similar experience trying to trim miles off a known route and regretted it?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_hugo1mo ago

My buddy Mark tried to cut off a switchback on the PCT in Washington. He ended up in a steep ravine full of devil's club, those plants with the terrible thorns. It took his group two extra hours to get him out, and his rain jacket was totally shredded. He said the map line looked so clear and logical on his phone screen.

ryanprice1mo ago

But @the_hugo, sometimes that shortcut line really is the better way.