[pct-l] Northern half of Washington

[Ed Jarrett]

Rain is a fact of life in Washington.  In general it does not rain much through July and August and even into early Sept.  But you cannot count on that.  And if it does rain on you in the mountains then it will be cold.  Starting at the end of August and going for three weeks you should expect at least some rain, and possibly 3 weeks worth.  Bringing along good rain gear would make life much easier when it does rain.
By late August the snow should be pretty much gone.  You will likely not encounter any bears, so leave the bear can at home and hang your food or use an Ursack.

You will need a permit to camp in the North Cascades National Park between Stehekin and Rainy Pass.  But you could easily hike through it in a day with no need for camping.  Wilderness areas (there are a few) have a self registration areas as you enter and should be no problem.
I recommend a hammock & tarp as well.  Plenty of trees to hang from, much more comfortable, and up out of any muck that develops when it rains.

Ed Jarrett Blog: http://aclayjar.blogspot.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdJarrett53 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ed.jarrett.71 

> Date: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:05:37 -0400
> From: judithsmcguire at gmail.com
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] Northern half of Washington
> 
> We're now looking at doing the northern half of Washington, from
> Snoqualmie to Manning starting August 25 for 2 1/2-3 weeks.  I realize
> it's out of date but the OR/WA PCT guidebook description of the
> clearcutting south of Snoqualmie makes it sound pretty ugly (even
> though Goat Rocks sounds outstanding), which is why I opted for the
> section north of there.  Any opinions from the PCT-L on comparative
> beauty southern half vs. northern half of Washington?  We can get a
> ride to the start of our hike but have to find our own way back to
> Seattle/Portland/Vancouver for the trip back to the East coast.
> 
> So I have a few questions.
> 
> One of us has a single walled tent (Tarptent Rainbow).  It's a great
> tent (served me well on my AT thru hike) but when it rains a lot it's
> not so good.  Any thoughts on probability of early rains (snows?) up
> there?
> 
> I read about bears around Stehekin.  I hate to carry the extra 2
> pounds, but should I bring my bear canister?
> 
> I read about snow fields and glaciers.  Any need to bring low grade
> (instep) crampons?
> 
> As I read it, you only need a permit for the area north of Stehekin
> and can get a pass at the ranger station there.  True?
> 
> Thanks for the great response to my earlier request!
> 
> Judo (Judy McGuire)
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