I'm an old guy, though I still backpack without my walker, and I'm finding it harder to find folks near my age (think early S.S. age) who like to backpack and hike. I'm a relaxed, non-competitive hiker, and am not particularly goal oriented. Just put me in the mountains and I'm happy. I live near Portland, have a good car, and all that. Good natured trail dogs are fine with me though I don't have a dog right now. If nothing else maybe you can suggest some offbeat places to go in the Northwest. I'm all ears (eyes?). Mike
look up elks mountain and kings mountain for backbacking, and snowshoeing there are a bunch of trails up near Mt. Hood that are pretty good.
It is the wrong time of the year with the rain, but if you get a chance (and have not been) check out Sahalie Falls. It is a beautiful hike (on a maintained path) between Sahalie and Koosah Falls. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/recreation/tripplanning/pointsofinterest/sahalie_koosah.html Along the same highway there are numerous trail heads that vary in difficulty, from a nice stroll, to whoop even a seasoned hikers butt. Check it out sometime! It is a bit of a drive from Portland, but well worth it for the scenery and serenity. (Located about 30-45 minutes east of Springfield.)
anybody want to set me up with a job in Oregon lol....man i would do anything to be able to settle down up there...
The jobs here in Oregon are few and far between. Currently Oregon has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the US. I live here, and finding a job with a living wage is almost impossible.