3 Days Solo Backpacking Mt. Jefferson Wilderness 🍂 Scenic Fall Hiking Oregon

Join me on a 3-day backpacking trip within the beautiful Mt. Jefferson Wilderness in the Central Cascade Mountain Range of Oregon.

We explore some of the best trails and views of Mt. Jefferson on this peaceful journey in late September, as fall colors are in full swing at higher elevations.

Thanks for watching! I hope you are inspired to pick up the trail map and any other gear you need (mine listed below) and get out there in 2026 and beyond!

More info on the Central Cascades Wilderness Overnight Permit
https://www.recreation.gov/permits/46...
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamett...

Here’s some more about the trip itinerary:
Day 1
Start: Cabot Lake Trailhead
Cabot Lake Tr. 4003 ➜ Shirley Lake Tr 4003.1 ➜ PCT 2000
End: Shale Lake
Miles: ~12

Day 2:
Start: Shale Lake
PCT 2000 ➜ Hunts Creek Tr. 3440 ➜ Hanks Lake
End: Hunts Creek Tr. About half a mile west of PCT
Miles: ~11

Day 3:
Start: Hunts Creek Tr. West of PCT
PCT 2000 ➜ Shirley Lake Tr 4003.1 ➜ Cabot Lake Tr. 4003
End: Cabot Lake Trailhead
Miles: ~10

This lollipop-loop was engaging and repeatable, offering amazing views of Mt. Jefferson and passing by several stunning lakes. The elevation peaked around 6,400 feet near North Cinder Peak along the PCT and was lowest at 3,900 feet at Pamelia Lake. The trail was in great condition and permit restrictions along with late season low-ish temperatures contributed to very little crowds. I only saw about 25 people (including day hikers) during my three days.

Check out this awesome gear! Some of these links are affiliate and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase.
➜Trail Map: https://amzn.to/4h44Msl
➜Backpack: https://www.gossamergear.com/products...
➜Tent: https://durstongear.com/products/x-mi...
➜Sleeping bag: Marmot Hydrogen Down 30
➜Sleeping pad: https://amzn.to/3Z5ZqFI
➜Hiking poles: https://amzn.to/40VA79c
➜Sleeping pad: https://amzn.to/3Z5ZqFI
➜Water filter: https://amzn.to/3UTpy43
➜Dry bags: https://amzn.to/3ZbQheV
➜Stove: https://amzn.to/3O9a5Jx
➜Pot: https://amzn.to/3APrMKX
➜Spoon: https://amzn.to/40IIJS5
➜Pot scraper: https://amzn.to/4q5iYp9
➜Trowel: https://amzn.to/3UQixRN
➜Head net: https://amzn.to/4etCsNh
➜Baselayer: https://blackstrap.com/products/mens-...
➜Puffy jacket: https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/me...
➜Hiking sandals: https://lunasandals.com/collections/r...
➜Camera: https://amzn.to/4hKdFaz
➜Lens: https://amzn.to/4hKdFaz
➜Tripod: https://amzn.to/4fKgmXV
➜All our gear: https://rootednroaming.com/our-gear/

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Day 1: 00:00 - 02:18
Day 2: 02:19 - 05:05
Day 3: 05:06 - 08:11