[pct-l] Northern Washington PCT.......Open or closed ???

[Andrea Dinsmore]

As to routing on the PCT north of Steven's Pass, last year (2009) 99% of the
hikers north and south bound followed the ORIGINAL PCT. The Forest Service
still feels the reroute is their preferred route for hikers.  So, which
route you take if completely up to each of you. Talk to as many South
Bounders as you meet them on the trail. Officially the original route is
still closed. Has been since maybe 2004 ??

http://www.pcta.org/planning/during_trip/Trail_con_W.asp?sect=K




*Six of the seven bridges that were destroyed in flood events over the last
several years in the Glacier Peak Wilderness have been reconstructed.* The
last remaining bridge, gapping the Suiattle River, is slated for
installation in mid July 2010, weather permitting. The new bridge site has
been moved about 3 miles west of its original location. The 3 miles of trail
leading up to the bridge is also planned for construction in 2010 by a
Forest Service trail crew with the support of the Backcountry Horsemen of
Washington and The PCTA.

*The PCT has not been thoroughly maintained for several years due to lack of
access.* Trail crews will be on the ground all summer with hopes to bring
the Trail up to standard before the season is over. Therefore, the reroute
is still in effect for the 2010 hiking season, with hopes of opening the
original route for the 2011 hiking season. The Forest Service will continue
to log out the Temporary Detour throughout the closure period and was able
to brush particularly bad sections in 2009.

*The trails along the detour route are not constructed and maintained to the
same high standard as the PCT*. Users can expect high fords until mid
August, and trail sections that are steep, rough, brushy, and difficult to
follow. These trails require a higher skill level for hikers. Stock users
are advised to trailer between Steven’s Pass and the Buck Creek trailheads.
Transportation options will be posted here when they become available. The
sections of the detour going from Boulder Pass to the Chiwawa River Road
included very poor, narrow tread on exposed side hills and would be
considered impassible by most stock users. Please visit
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/conditions/pct/ for more information.

PCT MOM