Pacific Crest Trail Association - Current Trail Conditions

8/9/2011

We attempted to go trhough Goat Rocks from Walupt lake to white pass. Starting at the lake, we took Walupt lake trail that goes east and then meets with PCT across from the Nannie peak. Start looked good and free of snow and major obstacles. Mosquitos, however, were a problem.
First snow was encountered near PCT, once we got little higher, and it was not a huge issue. Trail was always visible, or easy to spot when occasionally it was covered with a foot or so of snow. Blow downs were not that bad either. It stayed this way much of the way when we went north on PCT. On approach to Walupt creek, though, snow became more of a problem. ~5 feet of snow was not uncommon. The creek itself had snow banks on both sides, which made it quite dangerous to cross: we basically had to walk on a little patch of snow over the creek that formed a bridge. And this piece will be gone soon, which is going to be even more problematic to cross.
After that, snow became almost constant companion. 5-10 or more feet of snow, often on the trail. Steep side slopes, and constant up-and-downs make a hike quite a challenge. Many blowdowns, and lots of places where you can't see where snow cover ends and trail continues. We had to use GPS quite often.
We made it all the way to the approach to Cispus pass. Eastern exposure ensured that the whole stretch is covered with snow, and it's quite a steep side slope. Since we did not have ice axes or crampons - we decided to turn around, and hike back.
In contrast to the other reviewer, we found plenty of water. There hasn't been a mile of trail where we wouldn't see a creek of some sorts.

7/25/2011

7/15/11 to 7/20/11 My girlfriend and I hiked from Bridge of the Gods to Road 60. The trail was nearly perfect. The trail has been recently maintained with only a few blowdowns left to cross. However, we also attempted to enter the Indian Heavens at road 60. Not the best idea. Immediately the trail went from snow patches to 3 to +5 feet of complete snow coverage. We managed to hike to Green Lake, but decided it was best to turn around. If you plan on doing this section be prepared for the snow, but most importantly bring maps, compass, and GPS. The trail really isn't marked well enough to follow in the deep snow. In addition, we met a few other hikers who also stopped at Rd 60 and they said that the Stabler's Store off Wind River Road is now closed, but the neighbors were holding all the mailed packages.

7/20/2011

7/16/2011 Hiked from Cascade Locks (2155 mi NB) to Rd#23 (2240 mi NB) Hitched out to Trout Lake. Snow cover still heavy above 4,500ft within trees. Did not attempt trail beyond Rd#23 since elevation increases sharply to approximately 6,000 ft and heavy snow completely covers the trail.

7/11/2011

Some friends and I hiked the portion from Panther Creek Campground to Carson Guler Road (Horse Camp). The trail was in great shape with minimum problems.
Hiking North from Panther Creek Campground there are several large trees that have fallen across the trail on the switchbacks. Not too bad to cross.
In the lava beds there are still snow drifts one of which was at least 4 feet high. Nothing bad.
Beautifully Rhododendrons, Trilliums (sp?) and other flowers blooming July 7-10. Indian Heaven Wildernes was still snowed in heavily so we had to end our hike before Sheep Lakes. The couple that manages the stretch we hiked have done a great job on the trail. Absolutely beautiful.

7/3/2011

6/28/2011

PCT at Chinook Pass 10-12 feet of solid snow. The foot bridge over Hiway 410 is out. The snow was hard packed and easy walking, no post-holing. Trail impossible to follow through open areas.

6/19/2011

Road 23 to road 88 is still snowed in. Through that section you are anywhere from 3400 to 4500 feet in elevation and the snow is anywhere from 1-7 feet deep. In the river valleys, such as Trout Creek, the snow is the deepest with the south facing ridges having the least snow. The trail is now accessible via the 23 road, but it will be a few weeks before it is accessible via the 88 road.

6/1/2011

We were looking for snow free PCT for shake down to do WA sectionals this Mem Day. Started at the PCT parking lot across from the dam on Rt14. Made it as far as no. Table Mt. TH(8 mi) in the pouring rain. No snow and a few blowdowns but trail in good shape.