I am planning on doing the Washington segment of the PCT to Canada. Looks like I will be starting in September 26th and aiming for 3-4 weeks. Is this a good time? What should I expect in terms of weather? Will I be hiking on a lot of snow?
Thanks!
Noel
It’s really a bit late. if you get lucky with a late summer, you could be OK, but I’d put the odds of that at like 20%. It’s not so much that you’ll be hiking “on” snow, but rather “in” snow and sleet and cold rain. You didn’t say which direction you’re heading, but if you go N->S that’ll help a little bit (not much, but a little). It’s not uncommon to get that first winter blast in early October in the mountains… then again, we’ve had many years where all of October is just stellar… If you could start even a couple weeks earlier, your odds of an enjoyable hike will rise quite a bit.
jonathan
Yeah, I was planning on going S->N. Men, I was afraid I would hit the snow which I am not comfortable with. I can’t really push the trip earlier. I would like to know my options for this kind of month long backpacking somewhere around Oregon/Washington for this time of the year. I heard the PCT segment of oregon was kind of boring with all this forest.
Noel
I have window period between Mond 24th to Aug 11th (19days). I was planning on using this period to train for the long WA hike. I need to be on the 12th at Medford OR. Since I live in Portland I could hike down to Medford using the PCT trail (~430miles) My only concern is not to be able to make it on time. I am in fairly good shape but I have little experience with extended backpacking trip. I heard the OR segment is the shortest and easiest but it is also the most boring with all the forest. Actually, I may not mind the forest.
I could also hike up the Oregon segment (S->N) starting Sept 20th, but once again I might hit some snow around Mt Thielsen or Mt hood. But in this case, I won’t be restricted in time.
Any suggestions?
Noel
I’m not sure I follow your schedule and such, but if you have a 19-day window “now”, I’d just hike WA (or as much of it as you can manage), and take a bus to Medford for when you need to be there. Why bother “training”? you can’t really train much for a long hike like this… so long as you’re in decent shape, that’s good enough. Whatever you do, the first bit will probably be a bit painful, but that goes away…
anyway, sorry I can’t be more specific, but any part of the PCT will beat a day in town :-).
Another option for an early autumn hike might be the Oregon coast trail… but that’s a different kind of experience, and maybe not what you’re looking for? you could always use that as a backup… I mean, plan on the PCT, but if the weather deteriorates, just bail and do “plan B”. Pretty much anywhere on the PCT, you can hike “out” in a day or so, and be in town. Good luck out there!
jonathan
is freaking beautiful ! the Sisters wilderenss and Jefferson were some of my favorite country and Crater lake is maybe the one most perfect view… hmm, that was awful English, sorry .Hike oregon if that is what you can get… you will love the state.
yappy
I would suggest that you seriously consider hiking the Oregon section instead of the Washington section during the time of year you will be hiking. I have always thought that people must be on crack when they say that Oregon is boring! Oregon is a very beatiful peice of the PCT, and it will be a more enjoyable hike during late sept-early october. You will experience snow and some very cold nights,morning and some days in the WA section if you plan on starting in late september and hikin for 3-4 weeks. if you are prepared for the elements then it could be a beatiful and enjoyable hike, but i would do oregon instead.
TYVEK
Jonathan,
My schedule is as follow: I am returning to Portland from a cycling event on Sunday August 23rd. Then I have another cycling event down at Medford (Southern Oregon) on Sept 12th until the 19th.
So I am thinking about hiking down the PCT from Portland to Siskiyou and then hike back to Medford (8/24-9/11). I can always have my girlfriend pick me up on her way to the cycling event if I am running late.
Then when I am returning on the Sept 19th. I can rest for a week before planning a little hike across WA or doing the Oregon coast line.
Thanks guys for boosting up my confidence and letting me know that Oregon isn’t so boring after all. I know I would have to cross lots of forest but it is alright when you have Crater lake waiting for you.
I will probably start a new post in this forum to ask for suggestion and tips on preparing for the trip.
Thanks again!
Noel