I was worried about that, and then I got the washington & oregon guide book, and now I’m scared.
is it really as difficult as they make it our to be? is it even possible for someone who is not a US citizen?
and if not - what other way is there to get to the trail, other than taking the bus from vancouver?
ladybug
Write to the PCTA for your permit. Bring a picture ID and passport or copy of your birth certificate just in case. You should be fine. We had no problems at the PCT border crossing, just at the road crossing where the custom station is. Post Sept. 11th it’s better to have all your ducks in a row, and yes, they may do a cursory search so get rid of anything you might be “embarassed” by.
Cross Country
I did a 2-week trip in Manning Park/the Pasayten Wilderness in summer 99. We actually didn’t come in through the PCT, but through another Manning trail. We had no problem, didn’t see anybody at all. I’ve wondered if it’s monitored more closely post-9-11.
Bunchberry