Lolo Pass Guide to PDX on the PCT
Hiking the PCT and looking for a break from all of that fresh air, peace and quiet? Or more realistically, do you need to restock food, replace some gear and do some laundry? Lolo Pass is a perfect place for your re-entry to city life. We’ve hosted countless PCT hikers this summer and learned a lot about what makes a great stay in Portland.
Transportation from the PCT
Most of the hikers we’ve hosted have hitchhiked from the trail to Portland. We don’t necessarily recommend that, but it’s one fast/free option!
Another option is to take the Mt. Hood Express from Timberline Lodge to the Sandy Transit Center, switch to the Sandy Local & Gresham Express bus to the Gresham Transit Center. Then you take the #20 bus right to Lolo Pass! The total cost is $5.50, and it will take about 3 hours.
To get back to Timberline Lodge, just reverse that!
Groceries for Hikers
If you’re restocking your pack or sending food to stops ahead of you on the trail, we’ve got you covered with plenty of nearby options.
Grocery Outlet– Discount grocery chain (4420 NE Hancock)
QFC– Inexpensive grocery store (5544 E Burnside)
Fred Meyer– Grocery supermarket and department store – You can find everything here from food to electronics to pharmaceuticals. (3030 NE Weidler)
Whole Foods– Definitely not the cheapest option, but this is the closest grocery store to Lolo Pass. Their bulk section is worth perusing – plus great local beers and wines! (2825 E Burnside)
On Site Laundry
Coin-operated laundry is available on our 2nd floor. It’s $2.50 per wash and $2.50 per dry. We’ve got quarters for you at the front desk as well as detergent for $1.50.
Gear
Next Adventure- This local Portland business has been in our neighborhood for over 20 years. Their staff is super knowledgeable and will help you find what you need! They sell a lot of used equipment and gear, so there are things for all budgets. They also have a water sports store a few blocks away. (426 SE Grand)
Oregon Mountain Community Gear – This store has a similar ethos to Next Adventure but is geared mainly towards hikers, campers and climbers. (2975 NE Sandy Blvd)
REI – Portland has a nice, large REI in Portland’s Pearl District for one-stop shopping.
Post Office
If you’re sending packages ahead of you on the trail, the United States Postal Service is likely the cheapest option. The address is 1020 SE 7th Avenue. Open 8:30am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Hiker Box
If you’ve got excess stuff, feel free to leave it behind in our hiker box at Lolo Pass! We keep a storage area in our art gallery filled with free stuff for PCT hikers. Take what you need, leave what you don’t!