SPORTS Pacific Crest Trail hike is worthwhile challenge (INTO THE OUTDOORS BY JAYSON JAC08Y When I made the decision to write about the Pacif ic Crest Trail north of Santiam Pass for this week’s column, the unusually dry and warm fall in Oregon was still holding strong. If you decide to take this week's hike anytime soon, be prepared for several inches of snow — at least, but more on that later. The Pacific Crest Trail is one of only two National Scenic Trails in the country, the other being the Appalachian Trail. One of the closest (railheads to the Eugene area is at Santiam Pass, along Highway 20 east of town. To reach the (railhead, drive east on Highway 120, past Mc Kenzie Bridge and along the McKenzie River to the juru tion with Highway 20 three miles north of Clear Lake, which is about 75 miles from Eugene. Follow Highway 20-120 (they are combined for this stretch) three miles further north to Santiam Junction, where they are joined by Highway 22 Keep to the right at the junction and drive seven more miles east to Santiam Pass. Thi! Pacific Crest [railhead is marked by a forest service sign on the left (north) side ol the highway about one-half mile past the entrance to Hoodoo Ski Bowl Wilderness permits, available at any area ranger sta lion or at the (railhead, are re quired for all visitors The trail heads north from Santiam Pass through mixed lodgepoiu pine and western hemlock forests carpeted with heargrass, .1 large, bushy plant that resembles beach grass At one-quurtur mile, the trail en ters the Mt. Jefferson Wilder ness area at a junction with the mile long Square Luke trail. From this junction, the Pucil u Crest Trail climbs gradually hut steadily, passing several small ponds on the right side of the trail, and past beautiful old growth hemlock trees At 1.5 miles, you reach a small open area at the base of an interest ing rock formation and another trail junction, this time with the Santiam Lake trail, which leads northwest to a cluster of lakes at the base of Three Fin gered Jack. Keep right at this trail junction, staying on the Pacific Crest Trail. From this junction the trail gets steeper, gaining the crest of a ridge at the 3.5-mile point This is a good place to stop for a rest, but a better reason is the first glimpso of the real goal ol EAR PIERCING FOR MEN Duck Tails Hair Salon Ground Floor EMU 343-8219 this trip — 7,841-foot Three Fingered Jack From tho ridgetop, you can see the very tip of this old, eroded volcano. The Pacific ('.rest Trail con tinues along a steep cliff, with views south to the pristine blue waters of Martin Lake There is no trail to this jewel like tx>dy of water, but an easy cross country hike will get you there After leaving tho cliff, the trail continues climbing with switchbacks through deep, cool forest Although the trees here are large and closely spaced, there is much less undergrowth than is found at lower eleva tions, making short cross-coun try excursions to hidden mead ows and small crevices in the volcanic rock easy and tempt Ing At about 4.5 miles, the trail gains the top of another ridge, and continues north on a most ly level grade Views to the south begin opening up, and the high peaks of the central Cascades Mt Washington, the Three Sisters, and Broken Top begin poking their in slopes above the horizon But the real views are just a little hit farther At about the 5.5 mile point, the unaware hiker may stumble when sud denly there is .i huge volcano at his or her very feet Lor more than two miles, the tr.iil has been following the southern spur ol Three Fingered Jack, which hides the mountain from the hiker's view By now, me entire souinwesr face of Ibis rugged, craggy mountain comes into view It is an awesome spectacle ami well worth the 1,00(1 leet .>1 eleva lion gain from Santiam Pass Climbing the mountain is not recommended lor inexperi enced or unprepared Inkers The safe ascent requires rope and .in experienced leader Back to tlie weather With the last two days ol cool rain, the hiking season at the t>.-100-foot level of the Pacific Crest Trail near Three Fingered Jack is probable over. However, hikers prepared lor the weather and experienced in winter travel in the mountains can make this trip, arid so can snowshoers or cross-country skiers Remember to bring food, water, and a map and compass, though The 1991 LS AT Be Prepared. Kaplan Is. Kaplan’s Prep Courses have helped more students than all other courses combined! Class begins Saturday, Oct 26 FREE Diagnostic Call 345-7496 O.O. Student Discount J STANLEY H. 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