[pct-l] Advise needed for yo-yo hike

[Dan C. aka Thumper]

Unless you really enjoy snowshoeing your proposed dates are to early due to snow.  Typically hikers begin the 3rd week of June or later in heavy years.  This year is proving to be above average in the northern Cascades.

The second problem with your plan is the SOBO entry into the US is not legal and the Border Patrol has been monitoring this and issuing citations.  Apparently last season 2 hiker received citations and while I don't know their outcome the fines can be upwards of $5K - $10K plus possible jail time, and a Federal record.  Not a good thing.  Most folks are either starting and Rainy or Harts Pass, hiking to the border and returning, or getting a Canadian Entry Permit and pressing on to Manning Park.  From there you could shuttle back to where you started north and continue SOBO.  But again, snow is a big obstacle.  Note: we tried this approach last year starting 25 June and hiked from Rainy Pass to Cutthroat Pass where we determine it was totally unsafe to continue even with training and micro-spikes.  The amount of snow was incredible and last year was a lower than average year.

Good Luck,  Thumper