Bear Cache

[LDG99]

I'm about to start on my journey to become a 46er and I am wondering if a bear cache is a necesity. I don't want to get eaten by a bear. Also if you have any advice as far as gear this time of year and safety that would be helpful. I'll be hiking Cascade and Porter this weekend.

Thanks!!

[LDG99]

[morrell12]

I'm about to start on my journey to become a 46er and I am wondering if a bear cache is a necesity. I don't want to get eaten by a bear. Also if you have any advice as far as gear this time of year and safety that would be helpful. I'll be hiking Cascade and Porter this weekend.

Thanks!!

Welcome to the forums. I would say your bear canister would definately be necessary in Marcy Dam, Flowed Lands, and Lake Colden areas. As far as this time of year I usually pack shorts and shirts and some long pants and always a warm coat and definately rain gear. The mountains are still funny this time of year and it can still get pretty chilly in the evenings. Good luck on your quest! You will find a lot of helpful people here

ADAM

[Martin]

Cascade and Porter is a nice way of breaking in the High Peaks. Short and fairly easy hike up and down, and has very nice views.
As for special equipments goes, like morrell12 said, you never know up there. So bring "just in case" gear.

Good luck on your quest and welcome to the forum.

[RonandJon]

Don't Forget Water

Don't forget water, as there isn't any up on this trip after you cross the stream which is at the start of the hike. A camera is great - the views are pretty terrific from both mountains, and you will want to remember your journeys on your trip to become a 46er.

Also, the 46er organization can be very helpful, and they will assign you a correspondent when you write in to them, who will be a 46er and who will write back to you. Try here: http://www.adk46r.org/ Jon finished last August. I'm still working on them, but the end is in sight!

You will probably have a lot of company up there this weekend, since the weather is predicted to be nice and these are very accessible mountains, close to the road, relatively easy to climb, and reasonably short trips.

Welcome to the forum and good luck on your pursuit of the 46. Ron

[lumberzac]

What day will you be climbing Cascade and Porter, because I'll be heading up both on Sunday? Maybe we'll run into each other.

[LDG99]

We're climbing on Saturday and then we're going to camp out and climb down Sunday. I know it's a short hike so what is the camping like up there? Do lots of people camp or do most just hike down?

[Martin]

We're climbing on Saturday and then we're going to camp out and climb down Sunday. I know it's a short hike so what is the camping like up there? Do lots of people camp or do most just hike down?

The Cascade/Porter hike is if I remember no longer than 4 hrs. It's short day hike. Check the DEC regulation on camping, because you are not supposed to camp over 4000' feet. There are many regulation concerning camping areas and campfires. Campfires are not allowed in the Eastern High Peaks. You can only do campfire East of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve and in the Western High Peaks.
I don't think there are any campsite off the Cascade trail. Best thing is to get a map, the campsite are on it. If you don't have one and you are hiking saturday, you can drop by the ADK Lodj at Heart Lake, they sell maps there. It's not a long car ride from the trailhead for Cascade and Porter.

[lumberzac]

The Mountaineer in Keene Valley would also have maps and may be able to give you some suggestions as well.

[Kevin]

I do not recall any camp spots on or near the trail to Cascade/Porter from Route 73. I haven't approached Porter from The Garden yet, but there's no designated spots marked on the map for that route either (though it would be a better route for finding someplace to pitch a tent below 3500').

Rule is (as I've come to understand it) -- in the High peaks area, no camping above 3500' unless at an approved/marked camping area. No camping anywhere in the high peaks above 4,000'. Also be sure to setup camp as far off the trail as you can (regulations say 150', but best effort is appreciated).

[Hakuna Matada]

Don't worry about the bears eating you. Black bears usually don't like to eat people. They may want your food though. If camping is allowed on Cascade or Porter ( I don't remember seeing any sites) they are not popular camping spots, therefore not frequented by bears. Hanging a bear bag would probably work. If not, it's only a few hours hike out without food. Places like Marcy Dam and Flowed Lands are were cannisters are needed. The Rangers tell me they will be manditory next year in those areas.

[Jeff]

From my recollection, I do not believe there are any camping spots around Cascade or Porter. Elevation being one of the issues and the short hiking distance is the other. But, there are plenty of spots to pitch tent all within a very short drive from there.

[SolarSlim]

bear canister

Welcome to the forums. I would say your bear canister would definately be necessary in Marcy Dam, Flowed Lands, and Lake Colden areas. As far as this time of year I usually pack shorts and shirts and some long pants and always a warm coat and definately rain gear. The mountains are still funny this time of year and it can still get pretty chilly in the evenings. Good luck on your quest! You will find a lot of helpful people here

ADAM

Hi , First time post here.My wife and I are planning a backpacking trip to Lake Colden this summer.Anyone know how big the bear canisters are?Thinking about a 2 night trip for just the 2 of us,also was wondering what a rental fee or cost to buy a canister would be? Thanks,Slim

[redhawk]

Hi , First time post here.My wife and I are planning a backpacking trip to Lake Colden this summer.Anyone know how big the bear canisters are?Thinking about a 2 night trip for just the 2 of us,also was wondering what a rental fee or cost to buy a canister would be? Thanks,Slim

Probably get an answer after the weekend.

Almost everyone is out on a trail somewhere, very little traffic so don't get discouraged if it's a couple of days before you get a reply.

[lumberzac]

Hi , First time post here.My wife and I are planning a backpacking trip to Lake Colden this summer.Anyone know how big the bear canisters are?Thinking about a 2 night trip for just the 2 of us,also was wondering what a rental fee or cost to buy a canister would be? Thanks,Slim

EMS was renting the Garcia bear canister (I believe ADK Loj rents the same model) for about $5 a weekend. If you plan to rent one I would call a week or two in advance to reserve one as they didn't have many to rent. The canister weighs 2.7lb and is 8.8" diameter x 12".