Just curious if any through hikers had a run-in with a power-mad citation crazed mustachioed sunflower seed hater of a backwoods ranger dude in Washington State?
Just curious - not that such a person actually exists, just that, if he did, you’d remember him…
Kbatku
I have never had a bad encounter with a backcountry ranger. They seem like magical people living magical fantasy lives and getting paid for it. They are smart people who have figured out a way to get paided for what they love to do. They live OUT THERE for most of the year. It usually takes a lot to piss off someone who lives in the wilderness. :nerd
Cheesecake Charlie
I had two run-ins with rangers this year on the PCT. One was several miles before Tuolomne Meadows. And the other while circumnavigating the Sisters in OR. Both rangers were cool but assertive. I guess I looked like I didn’t have a permit. The ranger in the sierras didn’t ask me to see a bear vault/ursack. Both rangers asked me if I needed any thing which I thought was really cool and considerate. I think they were out there to suprise overnighters without permits, not to harrass/bust thru-hikers. Both cases they really suprised me, they are camoflauged in those outfits they wear…just another reason to tread lightly and leave no trace.
Spigot
I only saw two also, besides the ones by LeConte and Evolution creek(very nice people happy to see us). One gave me a ride from Bridgeport to Sonora pass and was perhaps one of the coolest people I have met near the trail, the other in Yosemite who was way out of place (three miles from the road north of t meadow, straight out of a squad car bullet proof vest carrying nothing no water or pack and had a 9/10 yr old girl hiking with him also with no pack) he just asked for our permit which after takeing off our packs to dig them out said we were cool to go on hiking, then said “nice bear can, good to see” and we wondered on, wondering what he was doing with no gear to be seen.
Guino
Camping restrictions in WA state
We’ve had a long running discussion about this - just wondered if anyone else had a run in with camping regulation enforcement in Central WA on their way through.
Camping within 100 feet of the PCT or any lake is prohibited, and enforcement varies wildly. In the Norse Peak Wilderness and the William O Douglas Wilderness, enforcement can best be described as Draconian.
Just an FYI -
Prior to this, I have had nothing but positive experiences with the back woods rangers.
Kbatku