Equestrian Issue

Kennedy Creek in Glacier Peak Wilderness (Halfmile 2512)

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By: Michael DeCramer
July 16th, 2021

The former bridge over Kennedy Creek at mile 2512 in the Glacier Peak Wilderness has fully washed away. There are no plans to replace it.

Trail users may find crossing Kennedy Creek without a bridge to be difficult. The creek can rise dramatically during periods of high snow melt and following storms. Kennedy Creek is also generally opaque from glacial sediment which can add to the challenge of fording this stream. It is not possible to know whether the large log upstream that has been used in the past will be there in the future.

Please use caution and locate a safe crossing or turn back if the water is too high. Learn more about stream crossing safety while hiking and backpacking.

Photo of the former bridge:

Collapsing tread in Goat Rocks along Knife’s Edge (impassable for equestrians)

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July 17th, 2018

The Pacific Crest Trail at the top of the Goat Rocks Wilderness may be dangerous and is impassable for stock travel. The problems are not new. The trail across the Packwood Glacier, the Knife’s Edge and past Rooster’s Comb can be steep and narrow and it passes by steep cliffs. Tragically, stock have fallen off the edge in the past.

Historically, it’s been a very hard portion of trail to keep passable for stock. Substantial work was done in 2013 to improve the Packwood Glacier portion but dangers remain, especially near Rooster’s Comb. Many horseback riders and stock trains report that they won’t even attempt this portion and instead trailer around it.