Took a wrong turn on the Timberline Trail and found something better

I was trying to do the full loop around Mount Hood in Oregon last August, aiming for three days. On the second morning, I missed a clear turn near Cloud Cap and ended up on a steep, unmarked game trail heading down into a canyon. Instead of turning back right away, I followed it for maybe an hour, grumpy and sure I'd wasted my morning. But then the trees opened up to this perfect little meadow with a cold creek, totally quiet, zero people. My planned campsite that night was a known crowded spot. I just sat there for a long time eating a granola bar, realizing I'd been so focused on checking off the 'official' route that I was missing the point of being out there. I ended up setting up my tent right there, a Big Agnes Copper Spur, and had the best night of the trip. Has anyone else had a trip get better after a plan fell apart? What's your favorite unplanned find?

2 comments

2 Comments

davis.dakota4d ago

You said you were "grumpy and sure I'd wasted my morning." That's the best part. The universe basically had to trick you into having a good time because you were so set on your checklist. I love when a wrong turn forces you to actually see the place you traveled to see. Sounds way better than some crowded official spot.

janaw114d ago

That wrong turn added two miles to our hike. I was so mad about the extra walking I almost missed the whole point. Now I can't even picture the place without that stupid detour.