[pct-l] Tehachapi Pass to Landers Meadow / Glacier Peak

[Barry Teschlog]

David wrote:
The biggest irreducible problem on
the PCT is Glacier Peak - I will try to reduce that one on Labor Day next year,
hoping the coming winter snow will be less bountiful.    I can't see how to do
it in less than 74 miles - the intermediate access trails and bridges 
apparently have never been rebuilt after the flood.    But that's why they
call it a wilderness.Reply:
Which parts of Glacier Peak do you think require 74 miles?  As a side note, for general hiking up there, you don't want to do Glacier until well into July in a typical snow year, with August or even early September being better choices.

It's only 40 PCT miles, give or take, from the North Fork Sauk trail junction to the Suiattle River Trail Junction - this encompasses going on and over Glacier Peak proper (Kennedy Creek, Fire Creek Pass, Milk Creek, Vista Ridge, etc) .  Each of these two access trails is 7-8 miles, so you're looking at about 55 miles trail head to trail head to "do" Glacier Peak.  

>From the Suiattle to Stehekin, including the access trail, it's about 40 miles, TH to bus pick up.  This is a very pleasant 4 day / 3 night hike in late August / early September (just did this last year).  This "gets" the north part of the Glacier Peak Wilderness and crossing over Suiattle Pass, the valley of Agnes Creek.

>From Stevens Pass to the N. Fork Sauk junction is about 35.5 miles.  Add 8 more to head out the Sauk and you're looking at about 43.5 miles TH to TH.  This will bag the south part of the Glacier Peak Wilderness, plus