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[pct-l] Skykomish Trail Angels



 From my No 2003 article as publishedin the ALDHA-West Gazette:



Best Kept Secrets of the PCT

By "Wandering Bob" Bankhead

 

This is the second in a short series of articles publicizing little-known commercial establishments along the PCT that shine as jewels among the myriad of possible locations for  those beloved, desperately needed, zero days. You'll have to pay for what you get here. The better known free spots hosted by such trail angels as the Sauffleys and Pearsons are not included.  

 

Dinsmore's River Haven

PO BOX 374

Skykomish, WA 98288

360-677-1237 (H)

206-954-2521 (cell)

Jerry & Andrea Dinsmore

Email: buggy_boo69@hotmail.com

Website: http://www.tunneldays.org/Dinsmore.html

 

>From where the PCT crosses Highway 2 on the summit at Steven Pass in northern Washington, it is 16-1/2 long miles down to the nearest town - Skykomish, which has a post office and motel but very limited services. The store and gas station at the summit are long since gone and the ski resort and condos have no facilities for hikers except perhaps a  phone. You have to go to town for supplies. Enter Cozy River Haven, located on the Tye River 15 miles west of the summit and 1-1/2 miles east of Skykomish

 

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Jerry and Andrea have been opening their home to PCT hikers since 2002. The cabin can accommodate 4 to 5 hikers indoors. They offer one private bedroom down stairs, a big single couch and a queen fold out couch in the living room. Shared bath and shower down stairs. Full kitchen access (your own refrigerator), laundry, sitting room with TV and internet, and phone use with your calling card. They provide shuttle to and from the trailhead during daylight hours. Service. Call them after 9 am from the pass for pickup. If you miss them by phone, get a ride into town and have the Post Master get someone to bring you out here. She's their buddy. They'll also shuttle you into Skykomish for the post office, or they'll even take you to the big grocery store in Gold Bar, 20 miles away. 

 

If you send supplies or mail to the Skykomish Post Office, address it "YOUR NAME PCT"  in care of the Dinsmore's River Haven; they will pick it up and hold it for you, no charge. If you need something and can get to a phone or mail stop, they will try to have it for you when you get there. UPS you can ship right to the house at 76110 NE 123rd Street, Skykomish, WA. 98288.   How's that for service?

 

Rates are $10 for the use of the kitchen, laundry and shower; $30 for that plus the inside bed room per night for 1 or 2 hikers.. $20 for 3 to 4 more for the living room; outside in the yard next to the river.....free... No pets allowed.



Here's what to expect, in Andrea's own words: "You know, you have heard the saying..........You can't tell a book by it's cover. How true with the PCT folks. Best bunch of tough people I've ever met. Our home is always open. And if they are skiers they can always come back and stay for a while a make use of the fabulous ski area on the hill during the winter. All they have to do is put up with my sweet hubby's truckin' stories. He also like to BBQ for visitors...... We try and make everyone feel like family. Makes life fun."

 

Better enjoy your visit because it's a long 98 miles to the High Bridge Ranger Station on the Stehekin River Road and another 10-1/2 miles to Stehekin itself, your next possible re-supply point.