Syncline Inclines (Pre BCEP Conditioning, Series 1, Hike #4)

Activity Notes

Big labyrinth loop, from Catherine Creek to Coyote Wall and back again.  Plan on ~14 miles and ~3.5K eg. For more information on the area, see the  Oregon Hikers write-up   - we'll be turning that loop into a figure 8 and adding on the Catherine Creek Arch.  (tentative track here )  There's no cover, so we'll fully experience whatever weather arrives, but the syncline is in a rain shadow, getting generally less precipitation than what the metro area receives. We'll visit three waterfalls and there is plenty of geology to behold.  Good chances of early spring wildflowers and larger birds riding the air currents.  Poison oak and rattlesnakes are present here, but both will be in winter dormancy. Long drive/big group, please plan to carpool if you can.  (140 miles RT + tolls = suggested carpool donation of $20) This is the fourth and final hike in a 4-hike series designed and offered to help 2024 BCEP students improve their hiking fitness and get ready for BCEP. Individuals who have applied for 2024 BCEP will be given priority over others. You are welcome to sign-up for the conditioning hikes once you have submitted a BCEP application. You don't need to wait for BCEP acceptance. Having signed-up for hikes, you can participate regardless of your BCEP status. Other hikes in this series  can be found on the calendar by looking for the "Pre-BCEP Conditioning Hikes, Series 1, Hike #"  title. Series 1 of these hikes is designed for students who will begin their BCEP class in the first half of March (2/28 to 3/15). Series 2 and Series 3 are offered for students whose BCEP classes do not begin until after March 16th. The actual hike and location may change depending on conditions, but each hike series will begin with an easy to moderate hike (less than 10 miles and less than 1500' elevation gain) and then progress until the fourth and last hike in the series will be either more than 15 miles or  more than 2500' of elevation gain. The specific hike and location will be added to this description and distributed by email to the participants approximately one week prior to the hike. These hikes will give you an opportunity to improve your fitness and test out your hiking gear and clothing in winter conditions, and practice proper layering to match the weather and pace of the hike in order to maintain a consistent body temperature and avoid overheating or getting chilled. Unless otherwise indicated , these hikes will take most or all of the day, and you will bring a lunch and snacks to consume on the hike.