Where to go backpacking in October

[seemunkee]

Trying to plan a trip with my oldest friend and Boy Scout hiking buddy for October. He lives in Seattle and I live in DC so anywhere in between is open. We've done sections of the Appalachian Trail together and climbed Ranier as well as other hikes in the Pacific Northwest.

[Squatch]

1. Grand Tetons? The Sawtooths?

Oooh...here's a good one. Do a trip through the Bitterroots in ID, hopping from hot spring to hot spring.

[Squatch]

3. Another suggestion...

Hike the Methow River valley from Liberty Bell to Winthrop. That valley is stunning in the fall.

[seemunkee]

9. I know he has climbed Liberty Bell multiple times.

Trying to find something new for both of us. Sawtooths would be an option.

[Squatch]

12. In October, I'd be hitting the hot springs.

I think there are a few in the Sawtooths.

[rucky]

Glacier is the least crowded by far. n/t

[WeRQ4U]

5. I thought the same thing.

GLacier is beautiful in the summer time, but it'll get pretty darn cold up in the Mountains in October when that Sun goes down.

[tk2kewl]

8. could get a little cold in october

[TNDemo]

2. I voted for Glacier but it may be too snowy in October.

October would be nice in the Smokies.

[MissMillie]

4. In October I'm thinking New England foliage

White Mountains... Green Mountains.... take your pick.

[seemunkee]

6. Not much of a foliage watcher. We've been to Mt Washington ski touring

[tk2kewl]

7. Best backpacking experiences I have had were in:

Zion NP and Kings Canyon NP

[ScreamingMeemie]

10. Porcupine Mountains in the U.P. of Michigan. It is one of the most

underrated and beautiful hikes in the country. :hi:

[seemunkee]

11. What would the temps be like mid-October?

Glacier may be out because of it being too cold and I'm thinking upper Michigan may be also.

[ScreamingMeemie]

14. MrG went in mid October and got lucky, Daytimes temps in the high

50's. It's supposed to be a warm Fall around here. :hi:

[seemunkee]

16. Not bad, but I'm getting soft and not looking to pack a lot of gear

[Go Eagles]

13. Capital Reef

I picked Capital Reef because it was one of my favorite spots in a trip I did to Utah three years ago. It's overlooked compared to the other Utah National Parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, and Bryce) and was easy to get away from the crowds (there were no real crowds) even along the roads.

[seemunkee]

15. After finding this picture I'm leaning in that direction

Dammit I don't know how to make a link instead of inserting the image.


Warning its a big picture

[tk2kewl]

19. Go for it! I haven't been there but I LOVED hiking in Zion...

and that looks awesome!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

17. Glacier...See it before it melts.

Be prepared for snow. Happy camping!

[Xithras]

20. Seconded

Glacier is stunning, but the glaciers will be completely gone in a decade or two. Experience it while you still can.

[RushIsRot]

18. The Ozarks!

They're gorgeous.

[Xithras]

21. Do NOT visit Yosemite.

Yosemite in October is very dry. Most of the waterfalls have completely stopped, most of the creeks are trickles, and the trails are dry and dusty. Despite this, there are still ten gadzillion mosquitos flying around that will suck the life out of you. Fire is also a real danger in the park that late in the year, and this one is more dangerous than most (there are a dozen burning in the park right now), so it's entirely possible that all open fires will be prohibited in the backcountry by the time you visit.

I vote Glacier.