November 2, 2025

We have all the looks and feels of a moody November day on the mountain. Cool, breezy, overcast skies, barren trees, patchy ice, and waning daylight hours only amplified by the time change. As temps waver on either side of the freezing mark today, the threat of rain, sleet, and even snow showers are ever present. Once we get through today, we have a very promising forecast for the entire week ahead that calls for warmer temps and ample sunshine.

For this next week, guest supper will be served at 6:15 PM, now that sunset is taking place closer 5:30 PM. Folks staying the night will be able to catch the end-of-day spectacle first then ramble back down to the Lodge for supper afterward. Anyone interested in attending a Myrtle Point sunrise can do so comfortably once again now that there’s plenty of time between that inspiring show (now around 7:00 AM) and when the breakfast bell rings (still 8:00 AM).

Now that we’re past the time change, all hikers need to be hyper aware of the available daylight hours for making their ascents and descents of the mountain in conjunction with the season’s much chillier temperatures. Early risers will appreciate having more daylight in the morning, but those travelers without overnight reservations at the Lodge need to mindful of how much sooner it gets dark outside, especially in the deep shaded hollers of the mountains. It takes the average hiker anywhere from 3-4 hours to make the climb up a five mile trail like Alum Cave. Count on requiring as much time to make the return trip safely, especially if there’s ice on trail. So with a sunset occurring around 5:30 PM now, if you aren’t equipped with the appropriate gear for hiking in the dark and when temps turn frigid, you need to consider concluding your activities atop the mountain by the early afternoon hours. Should you decide to take any of the longer trails that access the summit, then consider even earlier departures from the top to avoid spending part of your hike in the dark.