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Post by johntpenca on Jul 27, 2016 11:34:17 GMT -8
The Wichitas are pretty cool but I see them as a day hiking and climbing destination. Pretty small place for backpacking.
edit: camping there is more regulated these days. pretty much like every where else. don't think you could camp on Mt. Scott these days.
2nd edit: if you go to the Wichitas, don't miss having a burger in Meers. Well worth the side trip,
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Post by tipiwalter on Jul 27, 2016 11:52:10 GMT -8
My trip to Mt Scott was in 1968.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2016 12:35:41 GMT -8
For the most part I would agree johntpenca , since you are limited to Doris or Charons Garden for camping and since the special use area takes up so much of the property. Still, even relatively small public use areas have packed in the experience over the last decade for me, especially since off-trail hiking isn't really limited. Most times I see no one after I leave the maintained trails.
Last time I backpacked I started at Doris headed down the Panther/Cache drainage, did Burma Road to the 2 track west of Eagle Mt to Boulder parking, then took Dog Run to Fawn Creek drainage and crossed to Charons from there. Came back through Styx Canyon, the Badlands, Burma Road, Quanah Creek drainage. Saw 1 person in the Dog Run area over the 2 days.
Have also circuited from Sunset Parking lot around Charons, hitting all the little peaks over 2 days as a true backpack.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2016 13:01:20 GMT -8
Just noticed the second edit: Hike in OK 3-4 times a year and at least once a year in the Wichitas, but still haven't done the burger in Meers. This is despite the fact that every time I go that way my father-in-law, who bikes the Tour de Meers, extolls its virtue. Is it really that good?
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Post by johntpenca on Jul 27, 2016 14:49:07 GMT -8
The Meers burger and a beer is well worth the time. I think I read somewhere food channel rated them very highly. Haven't been there in a long time, but it was a great spot to chow down after a day of climbing.
Google the place.
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mpdm21
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Post by mpdm21 on Jul 27, 2016 14:55:22 GMT -8
The burgers there are totally amazing and I can't believe you have hiked the Wichitas and never had one... SHAME on you. I think most of the hiking there would have to be to set up a base camp and then see the area. Have to watch out for buffalo tho... they can get a bit territorial.
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Post by johntpenca on Jul 27, 2016 15:05:43 GMT -8
mpdm21-
I remember once where we were stuck on the road by a bunch of buffaloes crossing. So my stoopid climbing partner rolls down the window. So a buffalo comes up to the window and my friend tries to sucker punch him. Hilarious.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2016 15:08:56 GMT -8
...and this is why I think that I don't have problem with the buffalo. I have friends who raise them and tend to respect something that I have seen flip a truck on its side.
Will make time for the Meers burger next time I am that way.
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Post by johntpenca on Jul 27, 2016 15:28:37 GMT -8
walkingwest-
As I wrote it has been a number of years since I've been to the Wichitas, but I never had a problem with the buffaloes; they are pretty docile as long as you give them space.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2016 16:06:29 GMT -8
Sorry, didn't mean to sound critical, as I can sum a large swath of my life as hold my beer and watch this. Plus I have friends who would probably still do the same.
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mpdm21
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Post by mpdm21 on Jul 27, 2016 19:30:04 GMT -8
All the wildlife there is just amazing. Walkingwest has it right tho... anything that can roll and truck and not even strain doing it needs to be respected. I have had a few friends in my life that were the "hey hold my beer and watch this" types too. They can make you want to put your trust the buffalo if you want to feel safe... lol. I haven't ever seen anyone who thought it was a good idea to punch one tho.
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Post by lostone on Jul 28, 2016 2:19:16 GMT -8
Hello fellow Okie. Checking in from Yukon here. Sounds like you're planning somewhat of an Okietoberfest ;-). Might be fun to join in if you're open to another trail bum. I've been down to the Ouachita's a time or two, beautiful country.
I'll second the Meers burger statement - you definitely need to try one!
Had a slow year hiking this past year but ready to start back up this fall. Hope to see you out there!
Rob
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mpdm21
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Post by mpdm21 on Jul 28, 2016 5:28:24 GMT -8
You're most certainly welcome. I actually have post on hammock forums specifically to organize and get input into the trip. Thinking we will plan a 6 day trek and plan approx 10 mile days with preset camping points. Then if anyone wants to join in or needs to drop out according to their schedules they can. We will also do some water stashes at points to insure we have enough for everyone along the route.
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Post by johntpenca on Jul 28, 2016 8:54:12 GMT -8
walkingwest-I did not take it as critical at all. No worries and apology if it seemed that way. I used to be a "hold my beer" kinda guy as well. Paid for it too many times.
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Post by johntpenca on Aug 6, 2016 14:45:45 GMT -8
I haven't ever seen anyone who thought it was a good idea to punch one tho. You had to be there. This was one big ass buffalo. My friend popped him and the bull didn't even notice. Just kept trying to stick his head in the car. So my friend popped him again with no effect. It was hilarious, but stoopid. The bull got bored and moved on.
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