8/14/2010
Post: Y

Trail boss asked us to count trees across the PCT from Road 5603 to White Pass August 9-12, 2010. Seven trees across trail from Rd 5603 to Goat Rocks Wilderness boundary. First 3-4 known to trail boss. (All distances are approximate; well, wild guesses, really)
There were 10 trees in 3-3.5 miles west of Walupt Lake Trail junction (Tr 101).
One 25" log across trail about 0.5 mile south of Trail 97 (north of Cispus Pass).
One tree about 0.5 mile west of McCall Basin trail and another just north of the junction. (near Lutz Lake)
Seven logs across the trail starting about 0.5 mile north of Tieton Pass, ending about 0.75 mile west of Hidden Spring Trail (Tr 1117) junction.
I would like to express my thanks to the trail crews for the work they have done. I have walked through 10-15 years of deferred maintenance and like what is now being done.
I am also in utter awe of the work that it took to literally hang the trail off the side of ridge north of Old Snowy. It was the most intense (and tense) stretch of trail from here all the way to Manning Park in B.C.
In short, thank you for your work. It is greatly appreciated. Dennis Halpin, Troop 309

8/10/2010
Post: Y

The trail from Panther Creek to Snoqualamie is in great condition. A few annoying blowdowns but none that caused serious slowdown. Knife's Edge at Goat Rocks snow free and rest of snow in area melting fast.

8/4/2010
Post: Y

There may be lots of additional vehicle traffic on the Bridge of the Gods certain upcoming weekends. Here's a link to the website with the current schedule. The schedule is subject to change, so people can go to the website to get the latest info. The biggest-impact weekends will be when there's a "full" two-lane closure day and night: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION1/GlennJackson/

7/24/2010
Post: N

During the weekend of July 9-11, 2010 a friend and I hiked the portion from Highway 14 to Panther Creek Campground. From everything I have read...people tend to skip this part of the trail. Don't skip it.
The first 10 miles can be tough in hot weather...just make sure to fill up with water every time you can. The 2nd Cedar Creeklet is dry so don't skip the 1st Cedar Creeklet. Beware Poison Oak for the first 8 miles. It is literally nipping at your ankles. You really start to get some views at that point and you can hear the noise of the Dam in the distance.
At about the 10 mile mark from Hwy 14 there is an awesome water source but it is a major scramble down to it. There definetly needs to be a side trail made to this...because water can be scarce and to get to this water is a bit gnarly. My friend has the scrapes and bruises to prove it. There is a nice little ledge camping spot right above it. Proceeding on the trail is steep in parts but clear and great. At the summit some areas of the trail are overgrown so it is hard to see where you are stepping. There are a few blowdowns but nothing to hard to step over.
The water trough near the lookout is worth the stop. Fresh water is good (still filter or treat it). The hike down to Rock Creek was clear...a few parts of the trail were needing repair (great camping at Rock Creek). As you climb out of Rock Creek heading NE... Someone has been doing a lot of Trail Maintenance and the trail was awesome. Excellent work. We felt like we were some of the first people to hike on the repaired trail. It still smelled fresh!
The 5 miles from Trout Creek to Panther Creek Campground was a bit tiring after hiking out of Rock Creek. It can be very hat with limited shade at times so make sure to fill up with water at Trout Creek.
The views are nice along this 35.6 portion of the trail. The lava outcroppings are really interesting to look at...it would have been fun to have a geologist along to explain more about some of the features hidden along the way. Rock Creek has some beautiful blue stones in it...almost turquoise. The are easy to break apart...but when the sun hits the creek it cause the water to glimmer...you'll have to see it to understand. Very pretty. Enjoy this stretch, it is a work out, but we liked it.

7/18/2010
Post: Y

Section H, Tamanous trail head trail 27. Lots of trees down across trail. July 18, 2010. Some cut, some windfall. Too many to cross.

7/16/2010
Post: Y

About 3 miles north of Highway 14, before reaching Lake Gillette, Mike Pihl logging has clearcut 2 feet from the PCT and large trees are across the PCT for about 40 feet where it makes the 90 degree turn. Eyes around, Hard for novices to trace the trail at that turn. July 16, 2010

6/26/2010
Post: Y

Hiking north from Bridge of the Gods the trail was clear to Crest Horse Camp (mile 2206.5). North of there the trail is still covered by a lot of snow above 4000'. Snowshoes and poles with large baskets (and a GPS device) advised.

6/19/2010
Post: Y

From Manning Park-- Expect snow patches around 4500 feet or above. Above 5000 there is only snow and the only non-snow camping available is between tree wells. Temperatures did not leave the 30s and it snowed for the 3 days straight that we were there. Snow baskets on trekking poles are necessary as well as tents for snow, extra warm clothing, and any other snow equipment that you are comfortable with. Conditions are not expected to improve much soon as there are thunderstorms and more snow predicted every day for the next week.
We are aborting a southbound hike and are going to be going to somewhere in California where there is not as much snow.

6/11/2010
Post: Y

Heavy late spring snowfall last week combined with expected sunshine and warm weather at high elevations will create the very dangerous conditions this weekend, especially in terrain above 8,000 feet on volcanoes. Hikers should particularly avoid Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Glacier Peak and Mt. Baker. “It is dangerous now, but we expect it to get worse this weekend with the warm temperatures and highest freezing levels since last summer,” said Kenny Kramer, avalanche meteorologist

10/9/2009
Post: N

My brother and I specifically wanted to hike Goat Rocks. On August 5, 2009 very helpful "hiker transporter" Randi Nelsen from Packwood (360-494-0600) picked us up at our room (Alpine Village) at White Pass on US-12 and drove us to the Trail 96 trailhead at Chambers Lake. We were familiar with Trail 96, and also with Trail 101 out of Walupt Lake, but thought that Trail 96 was a better way to access the P.C.T. in this area.
We hiked the 4 or 5 miles up Trail 96 to where it intersects the P.C.T. near Snowgrass Flat. It was a sunny day with clear blue skies and unseasonably warm temperatures. The P.C.T. was clear, dry, and in great shape. Wildflowers were in bloom everywhere, once we hit the P.C.T.
We wanted to spend some time taking pictures, checking out the Dana Yelverton Shelter, and watching the nearby marmot colony, so we camped in the level campsites among the trees at the Trail 96-P.C.T. intersection (2283.6). The shelter was nearly dismantled, but we were able to see over a dozen marmots a little farther up the P.C.T. Still frozen Goat Lake was visible in the distance.
The next morning we made an easy crossing of Packwood Glacier, using the original P.C.T. route. Camped at Tieton Pass (2291.3).
Next day we hiked to the P.C.T. junction with Trail 1117 and camped there. The P.C.T. was clear and afforded excellent footing. I'm allergic to bee stings, and carried an Epi-pen. Despite the fact that we often hiked through oceans of blooming wildflowers, and could hear the buzzing of bees all around us, neither I nor my brother was ever stung.
The next day we hiked out at US-12 near White Pass (2302.8). The only ugly spot on the hike was where Alpine Village Ski Area has clear-cut hillsides and installed the foundation for a new ski lift. However, we had blue skies, tremendous scenery, and a clear trail all through Goat Rocks. Our leisurely pace was by choice, not because of any problems with the trail. Goat Rocks is surely one of the most spectacularly scenic sections of the P.C.T.

8/21/2009
Post: Y

WA PCT trip 7/12-24 Continued.....

2539.4 Most of the snow was already gone off the ridge by mid July

2543.2 Descending the last dozen or so switchbacks down to Vista Creek and then hiking along the south side expect 100’s of downed trees in your path –ranging from 1 to 7 feet in diameter. Again plan on extra time to get through this section. Vista Creek is crossed by a log. The old bridge is sitting on the North shore, just past which is a nice campsite.

2546.1 Gamma Creek was hardly worth mentioning it when we passed in July – it will probably be dry by mid August. Plan on continued slow going with many logs as you continue on to the Suiattle River.

2546.8 The Suiattle River is a 15 foot wide muddy torrent raging through debris piles and silty mud. Follow cairns across the “moonscape” of silt, boulders and log jams to where a log crosses the river. The log was still present on July 22 when we crossed, but its hold on the bank is tenuous and the bark is coming loose. There are no good close places to wade due to partially submerged logs and boulders coupled with zero visibility in the water. North of the river follow cairns back to the main trail. The trail now becomes much easier but still has some smaller log crossings to remind you that this is not a walk in Central Park but rather an obstacle course.

2552 – Buck Creek Pass Trail – junction with the detour route. There were a plethora of signs and notes from the Forest service and hikers alike. Be sure to add your own comments!

From here on to Stehekin the trail is in good condition though an occasional log and some rather overgrown sections before and after Hemlock camp lest you forget that you that you are still in the wilderness.

Final thoughts ~ This section is completely doable! There are now bridges over all the harder creek crossings (with the exception of the Suiattle) and despite the logs and overgrowth the trail is followable. A good topo map is always recommended, but neither that nor a GPS is absolutely essential to find your way out there. The danger from steep snow fields is all but gone by this time of year – though expect to find some. Trekking poles are your friends in these instances. Enjoy your hike and savor the views! This section is beautiful and well worth the effort!

8/7/2009
Post: Y

Greetings to all fellow hikers! We (two 20 something females) completed sections J and K(up to Stehekin)of the PCT (northbound) July 12-24, 2009. Before our trip we found a general lack of updated conditions about the detour vs the main PCT through section K - so we hope that this information is helpful for someone!

First off we opted for the real deal. One look at the little used trail cutting off the PCT from Indian Pass and you too will probably decide that the genuine is always better than the "fake"! If you do plan on the detour, get detailed information before you go as there were no detour signs or info at the Indian Pass Junction and the detour route requires quite a bit of navigating due to the number of trails used and the ill repair of some of them. (There were still signs/maps posted at the north end of the detour). There have been some repairs done on the main PCT (mainly new bridges), but much of it has not been maintained since ’03 so expect overgrown trail and downed logs if you chose that route.

After Indian Pass the last exit out of the wilderness area before hitting areas damaged by the 2003 storms is the North Fork Suak Trail (just prior to Red Pass). For sake of reference the trail info below is connected with the mileage points in the 4th edition of the PCT Data Book by Wilderness Press.

2514.7 Red Pass – rapidly melting snow fields down the down the north side. Crampons were not necessary when we were there – and the snow should be all but gone by now.

2516.4 Three creek crossings #1 Rock Hop, #2 new bridge, #3 Log crossing.

2518.9 White Chuck River – new bridge! =)

2519.9 Baekos Creek – bridge over 1st half; easy wade over 2nd half. (large log jam as well).

2522 Sitkum Creek – rock hop or wade. There is camping among the downed logs just prior to the creek crossing.

2523.2 Kennedy Creek – the log bridge is broken in the middle so it’s now in the shape of a “V” – but is still crossable

2525.5 Glacier Creek – the campsite and toilet have been obliterated by an avalanche – cross the creek carefully on logs/rocks. From here on the number of downed trees in your path will increase.

2526.7 Pumice Creek – good camping on the north side of an easy crossing

2529.1 Fire Creek – there is a nice campsite just North of the creek. To continue on the trail after crossing the creek on rocks, follow the trail upstream and work around/over the avalanche path to rediscover the trail switch backing up the ridge.

2530.8 Fire Creek Pass – we found a steep snow field covering the first couple switchbacks headed down the north side. If snow is still present – we recommend scrambling over the rocks to bypass.

2531.9 Mica Lake – completely frozen over when we passed

2533.5 Signed campsite and pit toilet still present

From here on down to milk creek you will find many downed logs in your path. The trail has been washed out in 3 places. Look for forestry tape and scramble down to the next switchback. The last several switchbacks are overgrown with 6 foot tall weeds. If you come to a place where the trail disappears and falls into Milk Creek – either cross if there is a good option or retrace your steps and follow the newly constructed trail (Obvious trail work in progress – though the trail is only “roughed out” – expect large boulders/logs/etc) to a newly constructed bridge. This new trail section seems to add a mile or so extra (counting both sides of the creek) as it takes you much farther downstream than the original route. Watch for forestry tape and/or yellow paper “temporary” signs, but in general the trail is not well marked.

2524.8 Climbing up the North side of the canyon is probably harder than what you just finished. The trail is extremely overgrown past the new bridge. We found ourselves “swimming” through a 6 foot tall weed jungle feeling out the trail with our feet. In the afternoon it proved to be a steamy sauna. In the morning it would be a very wet experience from all the dew. Take your pick. A machete would have been helpful! Many log crossings required belly crawling beneath them to stay on the almost non-existent trail. The trail conditions coupled with the added length will make this section take twice as long as it would otherwise so plan accordingly.

6/15/2009
Post: Y

June 6-7th. Hiked from Bridge of Gods to Panther Creek horse camp. Lots of trees across the trails but manageable. All the snow was now gone. Also hiked from Panther Creek horse camp up to Crest Camp ground. Also had a few trees down with light snow near the Crest campground but very passable.

6/3/2009
Post: Y

Forest Road 43 near the Wind River Work Center/Trout Creek will be closed--folks will not be able to drive to the PCT/footbridge along Trout Creek RD 43 through the Wind Center Work Center. Access to that part of the trail will be via Forest Roads 54/4306/43; there have been some modifications to the Closure Order which will go into effect next week and I'm not sure just how close one will be able to drive to that section of the trail--might have to park/walk 1/4- 1/2 mile. To access the upper section off of the PCT off of FR 41, folks will need to drive via FR 54/4306/43/41. __________________________________________________

5/27/2009
Post: Y

Hiked from Snag Creek south of Sedium Ridge Trail to Bridge of the Gods may 21-22. Part of the trail washed out near Rock Creek but passable. Lots of trees/ limbs down on trail.
Also about five miles of the trail covered with snow drifts at higher elevations. Long sections not visible making navigation slow.
Weather was perfect. Lots of sun and clear skys.

5/25/2009
Post: Y

On May 23rd hiked from Trout Creek to Pather Creek and then up to FS Rd 68. Many blow-downs on the trail and no sign of trail crews yet. Several big trees to crawl under or climb over and around at the lower elevations in the creek valleys but almost nothing at the upper elevations.

5/21/2009
Post: Y

On May 18th while scouting for a Boy Scout Memorial Day hike I found the trail still had 2 feet of snow at the FS Rd 65 crossing at Horse Camp at the S. end of the Indian Heaven Wilderness. Still snow in the forest with no visible trail in either direction. Access via FS Rd 65 blocked by snow 1 mile before trailhead.

5/6/2009
Post: Y

Access via Road 43 restricted near Hemlock, WA: The Mt Adams District of the Gifford Pinchot plans to remove the Hemlock Dam this spring/summer. Construction during the project will require road detours, and the temporary closure of the Hemlock recreation site and the vicinity around the site including the Whistlepunk Trail. Access to the Pacific Crest Trail, via Forest Road 43, will also be restricted. Specific dates and locations for the detours will be announced as the construction date approaches.