I Took My 67 Year Old Mother Backpacking For the First Time👩‍🦯🚶‍♂️🐕

Taking my 67 year old mother on her first ever backpacking trip! Hiking 5 days and 40 miles down the Rogue River Trail. The Rogue River Trail is part of the Wild Rogue Wilderness in the Siskiyou National Forest. Mom lives in Southeast Oregon so we chose something relatively close to her.
It's been 3 years since I've seen my mother. She saw the Sawtooth videos I made last year and asked me to take her backpacking. So in April Mom and I (and Mackenzie the dog) set out for her first ever backpacking trip! Hiking 40 miles your first time is no easy feat for anyone, and for a 67 year old, 100 pound woman it's even more impressive.
Southern Oregon's Rogue River is one of the most popular white water rafting destinations in Oregon. The canyon hike follows this same stretch only with an elevated view. No permits are required but by May the trail can get pretty busy. Roads into the Siskiyou Forest open as well as several lodges along the trail. But in April, while lodges are closed, the river is too low to raft, and roads for easy shuttles are closed, we saw less than 10 groups in 5 days.
Happy Mother's Day Mom! Let this be the first of many more backpacking adventures between mother and son.
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🗺 ROGUE RIVER TRAIL MAP
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0:00 Grave Creek Trailhead
1:57 Bunker Creek
4:51 Hike to Meadow Creek
7:17 Hike to Quail Creek
8:21 Camp at Quail Creek
10:54 Hiking to the Wild Rogue Wilderness
12:38 Inspiration Point
14:10 Dealing with a Rattlesnake
15:20 Camp at Burns Creek
16:45 Hiking to Flora Dell Falls
18:23 Camping at Flora Dell Falls
22:10 Mothers Day Card

[@JonConti]

Happy Mothers Day! This one's for Mom. Check out the description for the book I used to plan the trip as well as a trail map you can download.

[@pamelayantes8895]

Hey Jon! This is Andrews mom, Pam. He sent this for me to watch this Mothers Day. Absolutely loved it...and love your mother! I'm hoping I can adventure with Andy soon.

[@JonConti]

@@pamelayantes8895 thanks Pam! Andrew and I just went and got him some gear. I’ll teach him a thing or two when we go later this month so he knows what he’s doing out there 😄

[@lizstrailsandtravels4624]

So beautiful I’m the 62 mom backpacker and to bring my son or any of my teen grandkids would be the most amazing gift of memories Present I could ever have. Specially since military has kept us apart for so long, it would be super bond time. Nice to met you both. Great vid. Happy belated Mother’s Day.

[@JonConti]

@@lizstrailsandtravels4624 Thanks Liz! Hope you get out there with your kids.

[@TabbyJ23340]

I never see a 67 yrs old woman who can bend like that 😳 your mother is special 🥇

[@jennakline7370]

You really have a gift for filmmaking! The video flows so well! I’m gonna repost! I wish more people could watch this talent! :)

[@JonConti]

Awesome thanks Jenna! Thanks for reposting that's always appreciated and super helpful

[@wahid2648]

sure he was. maybe a documentary

[@melanie_meanders]

this was wonderful, your mom is a delight! so glad i found your content and that this is where it all started!

[@billh263]

How does this not have more likes! Epic video, epic mom!! The earrings the whole time is what makes her a true badass!

[@dubhead213]

Man this one really hit close to home for me. Haven't seen my parents in a few years, and to see the memories you and your mother made brought tears to my eyes. I always wanted to get her out and see why I enjoy the wilderness so much. Also your mom is incredible!! I don't even think half of my friends could just pack up and walk 40 miles and kill it. Really loved this video bud. Hope to see you on one of these trails someday.

[@JonConti]

Thanks man! Yea Mom killed it. We're doing the Tetons next

[@SwimDeeep]

Damn man this was emotional. It was sad hearing he hadn’t seen his mom on 3 years. We as humans don’t need to go that long without seeing any of our family. Makes me sad because it’s going on a year I haven’t seen my brother

[@viktorlavor]

Dude, you make some amazing videos. Always looking forward to seeing you capture the beauty of creation. I still can't believe that you don't get a ton of traffic on your channel, you produce some top quality stuff. Keep up the great work.

[@JonConti]

Thanks Viktor! I can’t believe it either 😂 but then I put it into perspective and I’m blown away this many people actually watch the stuff! Like how many people fit into a movie theater? I think the Egyptian downtown fits 400 people. I have movie theaters full of people watching these things!

[@iodicelaw]

100% agree.

[@mlkeplinger3625]

GREAT Mother’s Day video! Your mother is a friend of mine, definitely one of a kind, and one of my favorite people. I have learned much from her about attitude. This video says it all! I needed tissues at the end. Beautiful videography.

[@JonConti]

Aww good! I knew I could get my Mom crying but if I can get others to shed some tears those are bonus points. Thanks for watching!

[@TheBhopali1]

Jon, your mom is indeed a bad as s! At 67 she is a rock star. Love your film making skills!

[@NoristheCat]

Wow!..what a beautiful video! The adventure, the love of shared experience...forever memories. Thank you for sharing.

[@HikingwithGus]

Our family started hiking when I was 14, I am now 63. My mom worked for the USFS in the Okanogan Wenatchee N.F for 20 plus years, hiking, building trails, fighting fires and yes cleaning toilets. She passed away last November after a long and eventful life. Some of my fondest memories of my Mom were on those trails in the Glacier Peak, Pasayten and Mt. Baker Snoqualmie Wilderness areas of Washington State. Enjoy your times together..... Cheers! Where did you get that cribbage board!?

[@JonConti]

Cheers Gus and cheers to your Mom 🍻 I got the cribbage board from compass goods here in Boise thecompassgoods.com/

[@HikingwithGus]

@@JonConti thanks !

[@yenegh]

So awesome to see that you did that with your Mum. Well done!

[@thorenjohn]

Very nicely made video of an epic experience! Thank you.

[@JonConti]

Thank you! 🙏

[@Mountain_Climb]

Great video, wonderfully done. It is definitely my favorite of all your videos that I have seen.

[@JonConti]

Thanks Julie. 🙂

[@Donny65]

Been there many times. Absolutely love it there

[@JonConti]

Ya it’s a beautiful place! I hope to raft it one day

[@andyb1322]

Just saw your sos video and that led me to this playlist. I'm very impressed with your videos!!

[@owhite3003]

Loved the video. Thanks for making and posting it.

[@JonConti]

Thanks for watching!

[@Garysb53]

Great video. You both seem like good, fun people. I'm your Mom's age, but sooo out of shape now. This was good incentive, Thank You!! Needed a tissue at the end.

[@JonConti]

Thanks! That’s awesome to hear it gives you a little incentive and if I can get more people than just my Mom to cry, that’s the goal 😄

[@solitudeinthewild82]

What a nice video, my friend! Great backpacking trip! Enjoyed watching, very useful info. Cheers from Russia, Jon, and welcome to my channel about bushcraft tips and hacks! Kind regards, Yuriy!

[@JonConti]

Thanks Yuriy!

[@Ron_Boy]

Very nice. Thank you for doing it. :)

[@priscillacrawford9175]

Get more moms out on the trails!

[@JonConti]

Hey I got mine out there!

[@krisg3984]

You’re an awesome son ! Mothers Day !!! She surprised us all - such a can-do attitude seems to come easy for her - I laughed at the dogs attitude, in the beginning of the video, looked like he/she wasn’t sure it wanted what Mom wanted. It’s always fun to watch a dog grow more naturally animal as the hikes go on. Very beautiful video

[@JonConti]

Thanks Kris, ya the boy dog named Mackenzie which I told Mom was a girl dog's name. She claims it's an Irish male name and the dog is an Irish Terrier. He would stop if he needed his pack adjusted and he would double back if I fell behind on the trail. He was a good boy for sure!

[@jimhigb2656]

Thank you for this heart warming look into your relationship with your Mother. You are a gifted cinematographer.

[@JonConti]

Thanks Jim!

[@kristymoore7052]

EPIC!!!!!!

[@JonConti]

Thank you!

[@morganhillbilly1475]

What a great Mother’s Day gift. I’m sure both you and your mom will remember that trip for the rest of your lives. Thanks for sharing your gift with all of us. 😀

[@JonConti]

Definitely wont forget since I recorded every minute of it!

[@craigdgardiner]

Amazing video. The videography, story, and emotion all perfect. Bravo

[@JonConti]

Thanks Craig, thanks for watching!

[@KSmithStian]

Your Mom is the cutest! We want her gear list! :)

[@JonConti]

Ha! I just texted her that you asked for her gear list. She's super excited lol. I'll post it when she sends it to me :)

[@webbstua]

Incredible video, your skills are reaching new heights!! Looking forward to more!

[@JonConti]

Thanks Stuart! Cheers

[@TheWindyBurrow]

Loved this! What an amazing adventure :) respect to your Mom ♥ ~francesca

[@JonConti]

Thanks Francesca! 😀

[@roset.olskool376]

I just saw Ur interview/life on the PBS series 'America Outdoors w/Baratunde Thurston~Idaho! It was awesome! I like watching this new program & was excited that the episode is about Idaho. My neighbor of 29yrs bought a home w/2acres in Burley. I'm sure gna miss her. She's also the pianist &organist @our church. Her son has alrdy there while she's still wrapping things up here, readying her home 2sell, finish work, etc. I really enjoyed this video w/ur mom. I have 4boys. Son #2 went 2Canada 4 a summer adventure & he also went 2school in San Fran. for 2yrs., it's only 85 miles away so I'd even go get him just 2come & do laundry & take him back~plus I like any reason 2go n2 'the city', he then finished his schooling in Sacto & its 30mi away. Son #2 went to Long Beach State for 2yrs, only a nice 7hr drive, it made for a nice mini vacay 4his dad & myself. He then went 2Italy for a summer school part of his UCLB program~there went my savings 4my dream vacay there, lol! Oh well I was very happy 4him. He came home for a few yrs qen I got sick & thent back 2finish & stayed there. Til Covid hit! We went down 2get him~ making our last mini vacay 2the LB, lol. My very long point is: I dno wat I'd do if I dint see either of my boys for a few yrs! I've been very fortunate their journeys hadn't taken them far for 2long! But! I am very.... jealous of wat Ur mom accomplished w/U! & I'm only 2yrs younger (now). We drive &✈ ²AZ & NM alot (🏜🏕,family), Nevada ('play' & adventure), Baja (Fun🌊🏕) & all up & down this Golden State...(🛣🌁🌉🏕🏖🏞Family, Fun &Adventures) & we've talked bout a road trip 2Louisville (niece) but I gta say I think ID may go on our list!! Wishing U Happy Trails & new adventures. Stay Safe! Again, thoroughly enjoyed the program that aired 2nite on PBS.

[@jamesoutdoors690]

This is great! Took my 72 yo dad backpacking last fall and it was one of the best times I've ever had in the mountains!

[@JonConti]

Thanks James! Super rewarding going with a family member, everyone should do it! Cheers to you and pops

[@time2play_outdoors]

Jon! Outstanding cinematography and great story. Your best work IMO. Your Mom is a badass for sure! Hope you two get to spend more time together. Life is short for sure. Bravo!!

[@JonConti]

Thanks! Thanks for watching 😀

[@ricardoallende2597]

Once again beautiful camera work. Thanks for putting this together.

[@JonConti]

You're welcome thanks for watching!

[@shirleybewley6646]

Lived in the Rogue Valley for 40 years. Now in Idaho , have to admit that as much as I love Idaho, this made me homesick fore the beautiful Rogue Valley and river.

[@JonConti]

Awesome! I'm glad it made you homesick! Wait, is that good? 🤔😀

[@veronica0406]

Such a lovely video. As a mom of boys who love to adventure, a trip like this would mean the world to me. You are a good son, and your mom is adorable!

[@JonConti]

Thanks Veronica! Send it to your sons maybe it will give them the idea to plan a trip :)

[@CordCrenshaw]

This was so good. I really admire your style Jon. Your mom seems lovely and is obviously so strong. Glad you two could share this adventure together.

[@JonConti]

Thanks man!

[@SwimDeeep]

Seriously. My partners mom is disabled. Similar to MS. She will never be able to do this but also sad when she was more able bodied she didn’t do anything but go to work and watch tv.

[@walkermedr]

Loved this video so very much! I would love to do this with my adult daughters but they haven’t inherited my love of back country camping/hiking/rafting. I am doing a 18 day raft trip down the Salmon this summer. Wish me luck. 64 and still loving the outdoors.

[@JonConti]

Good luck!

[@SwimDeeep]

How was your trip?!

[@walkermedr]

@@SwimDeeep excellent

[@joaquinlewis1224]

Groovy Bro.. I can dig it. I love the moment with the river. I think that river may have been trying to figure you guys out too..

[@JonConti]

Ha! I never thought about that lol. Wow that just put the whole trip into a new light for me. Thanks for that what a great comment!

[@shirleybewley6646]

Lolol yay for doing Mom thing!!!

[@timdarnell7695]

That was perfect thank you Jon.

[@JonConti]

You're welcome Tim, thank you for watching :)

[@angeliqueengstrom3671]

What a great way to reconnect. Love the video ♥️

[@JonConti]

Thanks Angelique 🙂

[@TheLynzrex00]

My mom sent me your video. Apparently she went to high school with your mom! I just got into backpacking. I have several trips planned over the next few months. Excited to watch the rest of your videos. They look beautiful!

[@JonConti]

Thanks Lindsey 😀 Leave it to Mom to get this video out 😂

[@lindseys4978]

Best video yet!!

[@JonConti]

Thanks Lindsey!

[@cecilyshepherd2624]

My mom turned me on to your videos a while back, when I decided to move to Idaho. Now, you explored The River of most of my life. I grew up in the Rogue Valley. Thanks for giving me a glimpse of my first home. Also, your mom is almost as cool as mine! 😄

[@JonConti]

Lol your Mom must be pretty cool 😀 Thanks for watching!

[@brettjohnson3336]

Jon with a box of 4 burgers…why am I not surprised? 😂 oh and the video was really good, loved the dog cameo

[@JonConti]

Of course you liked the dog. I did 4 double doubles, fries and a milkshake that day. It was gnarly.

[@mladyriad]

Am from that area in Idaho for now but this is now on my bucket list! Will be doing this trail someday .. Ty(:

[@JonConti]

Thanks for watching Ria 🙂

[@lukesavage4001]

Dude so awesome you have a channel with cool content like this! Haven’t heard your name in YEARS! Fun watch! If you’re ever in Ketchum hit me up. I know of LOTS of fun adventures up here.

[@JonConti]

Thanks Luke! I haven't made it out to that area in a long time, this may be the year. Cheers!

[@lukesavage4001]

Let me know dude. There’s some pretty amazing, not well known places. 🤘✌️

[@cindymartin1936]

May I ask with all due respect. 3 years not seeing mom? What a great way to reconnect!

[@JonConti]

Yep it had been a while :)

[@FallonFinds]

Loved this story! I saw you post in a fb group. I have a 16yr old son and we're planning our first Mother/Son camping trip this coming weekend. I have seen him in a year and a half because of the pandemic and living in different states. What is something you wish you would have talked to your Mom about but didn't come up? I want to have those deeper conversations with my Son now that he's 16.

[@FallonFinds]

**I haven't seen him in a year and a half

[@JonConti]

I'm glad you are getting out there with your son that's great to hear! There wasn't anything conversation wise that I wished would come up, but I was ready just in case. I talked about this with my Mom on the phone after she watched the video. Nothing needed said, it's been 33 years, she's 67. We both just had a really good time together! We had those deep conversations about my childhood in my 20's and now we get to be friends and hang out together without animosity. But at 16 it was different for us. We still had a long way to go to get here.

[@5ervalkat192]

You do good videos, Jon. And okay, I’m also your mom’s age and I just have to admire her hugely for getting out there with you. Did you outfit her with that lightweight gear or did she do that? You and she are inspiring!

[@JonConti]

Thank you! She did that. She likes the gear stuff 😀

[@SwimDeeep]

Ahh damn does flea and tick prevention help if y’all go through them for the dog? That would be scary!

[@FACTION141]

Isle royal loop 2022. See you there. 😁

[@JonConti]

Where's that!?

[@FACTION141]

@@JonConti Isle royal an island in the upper peninsula of michigan close to Canada and Wisconsin. One of the least visited national parks..

[@JonConti]

@@FACTION141 I just read about it. I’m in!

[@SwimDeeep]

It was awesome y’all had a dog! How did they do?

[@Dan-sl2yx]

your mom took first in the 30-35 yr old division of the LA marathon also met the qualifying standard for the Boston and NY marathons she has some genes/ our first date was a midnight race at the Uof A I had been running and racing for 10 years and she was just starting - she kicked my ass. We went backpacking in the Yosemite wilderness off trail at 8,000 ft all off trial, and during the winter in the sierras at 9,ooo' in the winter on cross-country skis she also went on hikes with my Hiking /backpacking class I taught at Uof AZ almost got her rappelling

[@JonConti]

I was slower than her (albeit because of the camera but still), I didn't wait for her once. And she wasn't exhausted ever, she easily could've done 60-70 miles at least.