[pct-l] Re: Entering the US southbound - the word from the INS

[svein.eriksen@creuna.no (Svein Eriksen)]

You'll actually run into the same/similar problem regardless if you go southbound or northbound. You're supposed (especially as a non US citizen) to check into the border station both on your way in and out of the US. So, if you go northbound, you leave without being registered and re-enter (or try to) unless you fly home from Canada. Going south you'll leave without having entered (also bad) unless you're caught on the way - pretty unlikely. 

Going south you'll have the same problem, and there's really no way around it. It's been that way all the time, but they might be stricter about the rules now. Breaking the rules probably mean no more trips to the US if you're caught.

What I did was hike to the Canadian border, turn around and go back to the closest road and hitchhike. There's really no reason to go to Manning/into Canada except for convenience. How much time turning round will cost depends on snow levels, and of course hiking speed. Don't know where you're flying into, but assuming Seattle then going to Manning will also cost some time. 

If someone in the area would be willing to help (it's a long drive) and the snow levels are ok, then that solution shouldn't cost more than at most two days. Maybe not the most convenient way, but you can forget the whole US bureaucracy. 

The facts - sorry I don't have the guidebooks here, so I'll just try to give you the general idea, I could look up names/details if you're interested in this option.
* Get a ride past Stephens? pass, and up the road to a viewpoint close to the pct.
* Hang/hide food there and take enough to go to border and back to first main road.
* Go to border and back.
* Food's there -> continue as planned, if not go to main road and hitchhike for more food.

Again - it all depends on snow levels being ok or you'll use too much time.

Svein