Pre BCEP Conditioning Hike: Elk/Kings Traverse

Activity Notes

*weather dependent*

This hike is for incoming BCEP students and BCEP assistants to prepare for the conditioning hikes required to complete the BCEP course.  Preference will be given to BCEP students.

Let's hike the Elk / King traverse, located near Tillamook, Oregon.  This is a gorgeous hike on a clear day, with a lot of steep elevation gain.  We will attempt the full loop, starting at the Elk Mountain trailhead.

We will carpool from the Target off 185th.  We will meet at 7, travel to the trailhead, and plan to hike no later than 8:30 AM.  

This hike is weather-dependent.  February can be tough for hikes in the coast range.  I will monitor the weather closely and issue a go/no-go email to all participants 48 hours before the hike.  At that time, we can discuss back-up hikes based on the forecast.

BCEP hikes are meant to increase your conditioning and endurance in preparation for spring / summer climbs.   We will aim to move at a consistent, challenging pace with limited breaks. This structure can look like: 1 layer break (15-20 minutes in), 5 minute breaks every 45 minutes to 1 hour, a quick lunch at the top of Elks or across the traverse).  We will play it by ear and adapt to the group. 

Required gear will be summarized in the pre-hike prospectus issued by email closer to the date.  Please review this carefully and respond with questions.  Expect these items to be required:

The 10 Essentials: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html<br> Base layers<br> Puffy / mid layer<br> Hard shell / waterproof jacket and rain pants<br> Hat<br> Gloves<br> Mircrospikes / Yak-Trax<br> Water (at least 2L)<br> Food- snacks, lunch, car snacks (know your body)<br> Extra food- emergencies and sharing<br> Gaiters- not required but highly recommended<br> Hiking Boots with good traction

I recommend bringing extra weight in your pack- extra water is a great option (it can always be dumped).