Trail users can obtain free Forest Service-prepared materials detailing the PCT detour (including trail descriptions, maps and an elevation profile of the area) from ranger stations in the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests or via this link.. Additionally, copies of the detour materials will be available at several other locations along the trail.

The detour will be signed at relevant trailheads and junctions approaching the damaged area. The PCTA currently is recruiting strong hiking volunteers to help maintain signs along the temporary route, trailheads and trail intersections as soon as the snow begins to melt and the trail becomes accessible. If you would be interested in helping, please contact PCTA Trail Operations Director, Mike Dawson at Trail Ops or 916-349-2109.

Those looking for a detailed map of the area of the detour should obtain the Glacier Peak Wilderness, North Cascade Range, Washington color topo map (provisional edition 1997, Geo-Graphics). The map is available from the Northwest Interpretive Association. Print an order form from www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/maps/nwia.shtml Allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery.

Detour Specifics (South to North):

Depart the PCT at Indian Pass, and take the Indian Creek Trail #1503 (11 miles) to White River Trailhead. Brushing is scheduled for this area in 2004.

Take the White River Trail #1507 (4 miles) to the Boulder Creek junction.

Boulder Creek Trail #1563 (9 miles up and over Boulder Pass) to the Little Giant Junction (in the Napeequa Valley). The trail gains 3,500 feet to Boulder Pass and there are some steep sections with loose rock on the descent into the Napeequa Valley. The ford of the Napeequa River is impassable in the early season and can be higher during the afternoon on hot days due to glacial runoff.

Little Giant Trail #1518 (8.5 miles) to Chiwawa Road 6200. This is the most difficult section of the detour. Climbing out of the Napeequa is steep, rocky, and rough. Fording the Chiwawa River is impassable until early to mid-August.

Chiwawa River Road 6200 (3.5 miles) to road end at Trinity. This is a dirt road with traffic, especially on weekends. Be alert.

Buck Creek Trail #1513 (9.5 miles) to Buck Creek Pass/Buck Creek Pass Trail #789. Please respect private property at Trinity by staying on the trail as you pass through.

Buck Creek Pass Trail #789 (5 miles) to the PCT near Suiattle pass. This stretch is rough in places.

Note: The Boulder Pass/Little Giant portion of this detour is not recommended for stock users. Instead, stock users are advised to trailer between Steven's Pass and the Buck Creek trailhead. For more information about stock and the PCT detour as well details about possible stock trailer shuttle services, contact the Leavenworth or Lake Wenatchee Ranger districts at (509) 548-6977 or (509) 763-3101, respectively