"Into the Darkness"

Thursday, October 31st to Sunday, November 3rd

The Lone Tree Campground at Cottonwood Canyon State Park will be the site of Portland Gay Backpacker’s Fall Fling: “Into The Darkness.” 

Come for the Spooky New Moon Night Hike & Silent Disco.

The campout promises stargazing, invigorating hikes, and reveling in the canyon's rugged beauty. Don’t miss the Friday night hike during the new moon, and groove at the silent disco on Saturday night.

Here is what you need to know…

The drive to Cottonwood Canyon State Park takes about two hours from Portland, OR.

Maximum of 25 people in the group campsite (option to reserve additional campsites if available). Other sites in the campground may be available.

Come prepared to feed yourself and bring your own beverages for the weekend. A 2-burner propane stove will be available for use.

The summer season campfire ban has been lifted. Campfires are permitted in the campground. Please purchase a bundle of wood from the camp host. The camp host site is just past the bridge underpass on the way into the park.

Day hikers are welcome to join the activities. If you are staying through the evening campfire, please consider contributing a bundle of firewood purchased at the campground. The wood burns quickly.

The weekend costs $15/person + 7 dollars/vehicle. Camping fees are due at sign-up, and the vehicle fee is due upon arrival. All fees are used for the site reservation and supplies for the weekend.

Overnight campers, please sign up, pay, and reserve your spot within the group site using the button below.

In this guide, you’ll find…

Schedule | Location | Packing List | Weather | WhatsApp Group Link

Trail of Shadows: Into the Darkness Adventure Guide

The Dirty Details…

Day 0 - Thursday, October 31st. For early birds (we call them vultures): If you want to arrive early and settle in early to enjoy a quiet time at camp, you may check in to the End of the Road Group Camp Site no earlier than 4:00 PM on Thursday.

Day 1 - Friday, November 1. Most people will join this day: Arrive at the End of the Road Group Campsite in Lone Tree Campground, set up camp, and make dinner (bring your own). Then, prepare for the new moon night hike, leaving the campsite at 8 PM. Evening: Group campfire.

Featured Hike - New Moon Night Group Hike on the Pinnacles Trail.

Day 2 - Saturday, November 2: Eat breakfast at camp (bring your own) and hike the Lost Corral Trail (4.3 miles one way along the John Day River). Post-hike dinner (bring your own). Evening: silent disco and group campfire.

Featured Hike - Hike-Your-Own-Hike to The Lost Corral on the Lost Coral Trail.

Day 3 - Sunday, November 3: Eat breakfast at camp (bring your own), Take a morning hike along the Hard Stone Trail, and pack up camp. Depart the campsite by 1 p.m. Day use in the park is encouraged after 1 PM campsite departure.

Featured Hike - Day Break Group Hike on the Hardstone Trail or to the Butte.

⚠️ Responsible alcohol consumption is allowed within campsites. 420 is tolerated downwind from any people gathering and prohibited around the campfire or food areas. Please bring your own food and beverages.

Location Details

Packing List

Using a checklist is essential for backpacking. It ensures you pack all the necessary gear for safety and enjoyment. It helps prevent forgotten items, streamlines the packing process, and boosts confidence, allowing you to focus entirely on your adventure. A checklist is vital for a successful trip.

There is essential gear should always have a place in your backpack. The Ten Essential Systems aims to answer two fundamental questions:

1. Can you prevent emergencies and respond positively should one occur?

2. Can you safely spend a night (or more) outside?

THE TEN ESSENTIALS

1. - Navigation tools (map and compass)

2. - Sun protection

3. - Extra clothing (especially for chilly nights)

4. - Headlamp and batteries

5. - First-aid kit

6. - Firestarter (for propane stove)

7. - Emergency shelter (bivy bag or lightweight tarp)

8. - Extra food and water

9. - Pocketknife

10. - Portable stove for cooking

Required Items

Tent, sleeping pad and bag (temperatures may drop at night), clothing layers, hiking shoes, food, spoon, bowl, cup, water bottle, and headlamp (for the night hike).

Optional Items

Glow toys and costumes for the spooky night hike, earbuds for the silent disco.

Food and Water

Bring all the food you will need for the weekend to the park. Potable water is available in the campground and day-use areas. The nearest grocery store to the park is in Wasco, 15 miles away. The Wasco Market closes at 6 PM. The next closest convenience store is in Condon, Sinclair Gas Station, 26.5 miles away, and closes at 9:30 PM. Biggs Junction has convenience stores and gas at the I-84 / US 97 intersection. This location is typically the last bastion of provisions and is open 24 hours. It’s about 30 minutes from Cottonwood Canyon.

Weather Forecast

Temperature

• Daytime: Expect cool days with highs ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s°F (13–16°C). You may get some comfortable hiking weather during the afternoons, but it won’t be overly warm.

• Nighttime: Nights will likely be cold, with temperatures dipping into the low 30s to 40s°F (0–4°C). It’s not unusual to experience frost in the mornings, so be prepared with warm sleeping bags and layers.

Precipitation

• While the area tends to be relatively dry, late October and early November can bring the start of fall rain. Light rain showers are possible, though they won’t be consistent or heavy like in western Oregon.

• Pack waterproof layers in case of unexpected rainfall.

Wind

• Cottonwood Canyon is known for its strong winds, especially as weather patterns shift in the fall. Gusts can be strong in the afternoons and at night, especially in the more exposed areas of the park. Ensure tents are securely anchored.

Sky Conditions

• Since we will be there during a waxing crescent moon and new moon period, the skies will be darker, making for excellent stargazing if the weather is clear. However, we may encounter cloudy conditions as the chance of rain increases during this time of year.

Leave No Trace Principles

All participants are asked to adhere to Leave No Trace guidelines. Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and minimize campfire impacts. Due to fire restrictions, no wood fires or charcoal grills are allowed. Only propane stoves with on/off switches are permitted.

Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics program that provides research, education, and initiatives so that everyone outside can protect and enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Visit the Leave No Trace website at lnt.org to learn more.

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

1. Plan ahead and prepare

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces 

3. Dispose of waste properly  

4. Leave what you find

5. Minimize campfire impact

6. Respect wildlife

7. Be considerate of other visitors

Emergencies

Nearest Hospital: Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles (35 miles away)

There is no cell service at the campground, so prepare for emergencies by hiking in pairs and carrying sufficient water and a first aid kit.

Park staff can be contacted at (541) 394-0002 for urgent situations.

Contact Information

Organizer: Brian McCormick - 503-560-6860

During the event - 315-810-6047 (text only)

Email: [email protected]

Social: WhatsApp Group Link