Thanks to everyone who contributed to the third annual Timberline Trail survey. It will take some time to analyze the results – especially a more detailed analysis based on the starting date. Here’s the first part of the 2024 Timberline Trail Survey results.
Overall 148 people answered the survey, representing a significant increase from the 126 respondents in 2023. This initial summary is from the raw results. I’ll split it into three parts. Here are the results from the first part of the Timberline Trail survey. At the end, I’ll do a comparison between this year’s and last year’s results.
Basic Hike Information
Starting Location?
Timberline Lodge continues to dominate as the preferred starting location, with 136 people (92%) beginning their journey there – an even higher percentage than 2023’s 89%. The distribution shows:
- :Timberline Lodge: 136 hikers (92%)
- Top Spur: 8 hikers (5%)
- Cloud Cap: 2 hikers (1%)
- Ramona Falls: 1 hiker (1%)
- Other: 1 hiker (1%)
The dominance of Timberline Lodge as a starting point has actually increased from last year, cementing its position as the go-to launch point for the trail.
Starting Location
Which Direction Did You Hike?
The clockwise vs. counter-clockwise debate continues, and 2024 shows a similar pattern to 2023 with clockwise maintaining its edge:
- Clockwise: 86 people (58%)
- Counter-clockwise: 62 people (42%)
While clockwise remains more popular, the gap has actually narrowed slightly from 2023 (60% vs 40%), suggesting more hikers are exploring the counter-clockwise option despite the challenging White Canyon finish.
Hiking Direction
How many nights did you spend on the trail?
Number of Nights
The 2024 results show an interesting shift in hiking patterns:
- 0 nights (day hike): 15 people (10%) – same percentage as 2023
- 1 night: 15 people (10%)
- 2 nights: 48 people (32%)
- 3 nights: 52 people (35%) – remains the most popular
- 4+ nights: 18 people (12%)
The 3-night option remains king, allowing for comfortable 10-mile days. However, there’s been a notable increase in 2-night attempts (32% vs 2023’s lower percentage), suggesting more hikers are pushing for faster completion times.
How many times have you hiked the Timberline Trail?
Number of Times
2024 continues to attract many first-time hikers:
- First time: 101 people (68%) – slightly higher than 2023’s ~66%
- 1 previous completion: 13 people (9%)
- 2 previous completions: 9 people (6%)
- 3 previous completions: 10 people (7%)
- 4+ completions: 15 people (10%) – our seasoned veterans!
The trail continues to attract newcomers, with over two-thirds attempting it for the first time. The dedicated repeat hikers (4+ completions) represent a solid core of Timberline Trail enthusiasts.
Did you use a tent or hammock?
Shelter preferences remain overwhelmingly traditional:
- Tent: 120 people (92%)
- Hammock: 3 people (2%)
- Cowboy camping: 8 people (6%)
Tents continue to dominate, though there’s been a slight uptick in cowboy camping compared to previous years, possibly indicating more confident hikers willing to sleep under the stars.
What was your heaviest pack weight in pounds?
Unfortunately, the CSV doesn’t contain specific pack weight data, but based on the survey structure, this information was likely collected separately. The 2023 average was just over 27 lbs, and pack weight analysis remains crucial for understanding success factors on the trail.
Start Date?
2024 showed a robust hiking season with interesting patterns:
The season kicked off as early as July 4th and extended through October 5th, showing remarkable season length. Peak activity occurred during:
- Late July through August: The traditional peak season
- Early September: Strong activity continued
- September 6-7: Notable peak with 17 hikers starting (11% of all starts)
The 2024 season appears to have been more evenly distributed throughout the summer and early fall, with fewer weather-related restrictions than some previous years.
Start Date
How many People hiked with you?
Group dynamics in 2024 show interesting social patterns:
- Solo hikers: 42 people (28%)
- Pairs: 39 people (26%)
- Groups of 3: 33 people (22%)
- Groups of 4: 14 people (9%)
- Groups of 5+: 20 people (14%)
Solo hiking was the most common approach, but barely edged out hiking with one companion. Notably, larger groups (4+) made up nearly a quarter of all hikers, suggesting the trail’s popularity is enabling more social adventures.
Size of Group
Did you hike with a dog?
Dogs remain relatively uncommon on the Timberline Trail:
- With dogs: 8 people (5%)
- Without dogs: 140 people (95%)
This aligns closely with previous years’ results. The challenging terrain and stream crossings likely contribute to the low percentage of canine companions.
Stream Crossings
Stream crossings remain one of the most anticipated and feared aspects of the Timberline Trail. The 2024 season provided generally favorable conditions:
Crossing Difficulty by Stream:
Zigzag River: Remained the easiest crossing with 66% finding it an easy rock hop.
Sandy River: Proved more challenging with only 17% managing easy rock hops, while 26% needed moderate rock hopping and 19% had to wade.
Muddy River: Showed mixed conditions – 31% easy rock hop, but 23% used log crossings.
Coe Branch: Lived up to its reputation as challenging, with only 24% managing easy rock hops and 20% requiring wading.
Eliot Branch: Continued to be the most technical crossing, with 41% using log crossings (the highest percentage), though 18% still managed rock hopping.
Newton Creek: Showed significant variability – 27% easy rock hop, but 23% had to wade.
Clark Creek: Generally cooperative with 55% easy rock hops.
White River: Moderate conditions with 35% easy rock hops and 39% moderate rock hops.
The Eliot Branch maintains its reputation as the most challenging crossing, while the traditional “easy” streams like Zigzag and Clark held true to form.
Comparison to Previous Years
Comparing 2024 to 2023 results:
Participation: Significant increase from 126 to 148 respondents (+17%)
Starting Location: Timberline Lodge’s dominance increased (92% vs 89%)
Direction: Clockwise preference remained strong but gap narrowed slightly
Duration: 3-night trips remained most popular, but 2-night attempts increased
First-timers: Slight increase in first-time hikers (68% vs 66%)
On to Part Two of the 2024 Timberline Trail Survey Results, which covers detailed analysis of weather challenges, injury patterns, and hiker demographics.
