[pct-l] Trail condition report – Stampede Pass to Snoqualmie Pass Washington

[Barry Teschlog]

I hiked the noted 18.2 mile segment on Friday, July 17.
 
Expect several stretches of very brushy, nearly overgrown trail.  There were 2 notable brushy sections about 10 miles south of Snoqualmie.  One of these brushy sections has a fair amount of nettles.  Another brushy section is near, and just south of, Rockdale creek, about 4 miles south of Snoqualmie.  When the thru hikers are coming by in September, these sections of brush will soak them to the skin if it has been raining recently or it’s a dewy morning, both of which are all too common that time of year.  The tread is also uneven in places near Rockdale creek making for tricky footing that is difficult to see under the brush – watch yourself.
 
Expect rough, rocky tread in places, especially within a few miles of Snoqualmie Pass and from Twilight Lake / Yakima Pass north up to (?) Mirror Lake.  In places the trail is nothing more than an eroded, rock filled ditch.
 
A saw crew appeared to have been through very recently.  Multiple trees had been cleared very recently from the trail as evidenced by the fresh saw dust on the trail.
 
Bugs, as is the norm for the Cascades of Washington in July, were copious.  100% spray DEET was effective however, allowing for a pleasant hike in spite of the mosquitoes.  The one biting fly that took a hunk out of my leg paid no heed to the DEET.
 
Snow is negligible.  Only a few very short patches were encountered.
 
Weather was great.  The peek-a-boo views of Mt. Rainier were the scenic highlights.
 
Editorial Comment:
PCTA / WTA – this unloved section of the trail can really use some work.  It’s not the most scenic with the clear cuts; however it IS part of the PCT and deserves to be maintained to a standard similar to more scenic parts of the trail.  Poor trail conditions detract significantly from the enjoyment that could be had on this very accessible section of trail.  The poor conditions will have the thru hikers cursing these 18 miles, instead of merely cruising through them on the way to a well deserved resupply at Snoqualmie Pass.