[pct-l] Trout Lake to White Pass WA

[Joe Waters]

Sabrina,

I concur with Jennifer in suggesting this part of the PCT - it is great.   I did it twice, once 27-30 July 2012, and again 18-23 Aug 2014.  

In 27-30 July 2012 the portions around Mt Adams and over Cispus Pass were completely snow-covered and GPS was essential (for me) to stay on trail.  Having an ice axe, and knowing how to use it, were essential (for me) to feel safe.  The Knife Edge was free of snow.  

In 18-23 Aug 2014 there was essentially no snow anywhere on the trail through here, except for an easily-crossable field near Packwood Glacier just south of the Knife Edge.  An ice axe was not needed (although I carried one).  Weather was great for both my trips.

Some photos are available by clicking on the icons “PCT Miles 2238-2308” at http://www.flickr.com/photos/45912277@N03/collections/72157623540968988/ <http://www.flickr.com/photos/45912277@N03/collections/72157623540968988/>.   If you look at them note that the PCT miles stated in the figure captions are from pre-2015 Halfmile maps - and are few miles off from the 2015 and later Halfmile maps.  But other info in the caption should enable to identify where most were taken.

- Blue Feather


> On May 4, 2016, at 2:10 PM, Sabrina Harrison <troopharrison at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> JZ - would the WA hike be okay in late July/early August? Looking for a hike just like that. I have one week in 2017 and trying to find a good spot to section hike. 
> Thanks!
> Sabrina :)
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On May 3, 2016, at 10:16 AM, Jennifer Zimmerman <jenniferlzim at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I know you prefer Northern CA-OR, but my first suggestion would be the ~70
>> miles between Trout Lake and White Pass in WA (mile 2237 - 2305).  Mt.
>> Adams, the Goat Rocks Wilderness, and the Knife's Edge are all spectacular
>> and made for an incredible few days of hiking. Best views since the
>> Sierra.  If this distance is too short for your week-long trip you could
>> extend it past White Pass and finish up at the eastern entrance of Mt.
>> Rainier NP (an extra 30 miles).  This stretch would likely best be tackled
>> in August or later since it's very exposed in parts.
>> 
>> If you're still committed to Northern CA, I'd recommend the 100 miles
>> between I-5/Castle Crags and Etna Summit (mile 1506-1606) - though I'm not
>> aware if this area has been directly affected by fires in recent years.
>> This stretch had great views and was not too steep if I remember
>> correctly.  The Russian Wilderness especially is worth seeing.  If 100
>> miles is too long for a week's trip, you could start ~20 miles up the trail
>> from I-5 as there are various trailheads/parking areas sprinkled around.
>> 
>> Happy hiking - hope you have a wonderful trip!
>> 
>> 
>>> On Mon, May 2, 2016 at 8:32 PM, Rod Belshee <rbelshee at hotmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Crater Lake provides a spectacular view along the lake rim, in the middle
>>> of a rather boring section hiking through a dry pine forest. It might be a
>>> great spot to meet someone to zero, but is not so great of a place for more
>>> than a day hike along the rim. YMMV.
>>> 
>>> Rod “Steady” Belshee
>>> hikepaddle.blogspot.com
>>> 
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