[pct-l] Snow Advice on OR and Washington PCT 2015

[Peter Necarsulmer]

Season’s Greetings.  I am definitely doing CA/OR border to as far north as possible in Washington t(hopefully to Canada) this summer (2015) and need advice, please.  My intended start date is 15 June (unless you think it’s too early to avoid tons of snow and ice and slush) and can continue until 31 August.   I plan to average about 12 miles per day depending on how I feel physically and trail conditions, and to take an average of 1.5 zeroes per week on average.  Quick math:  June 15-August 31 is 77 days or 11 weeks; less 17 zeroes means 60 hiking days at an average of 12 miles per day = total mileage of 720.  I am good at navigating with map, compass and GPS, am no expert but will definitely take Ned Tibbets' snow course in March, practice ultralight (not super ultralight) techniques, and am 59 years old.

I am most concerned about snow levels and impact on travel, as well as the degree of snow skills required. Is it safe to start in mid-June?  Thank you big time in advance for sharing your advice, knowledge and experience.  Peter  (My self-given trail name is Escargot).

Peter B. Necarsulmer
+ 1-202-403-4211 U.S. mobile
necarsulmer at mac.com