Scenic 120 mi section?

imported
#1

Hello everyone,

Buttercup and I are planning on doing about 120 miles of the PCT sometime either in May or late August (these dates correspond to the beginning and end of summer vacation, respectively). We though-hiked the AT in '03, but we’ve never done any parts of the PCT before. In fact, with the exception of 20 or so miles in the Grand Canyon, we’ve never hiked out West before either (we’re from Boston).

Anyone have any suggestions? We were ogling over pictures of Crater Lake, and that would be nice to see, but we’re open to lots of ideas. We wouldn’t mind seeing big mountains, but we’ve also never hiked at altitude before, either. We’re both in very good shape and still hike regularly, so strenuous terrain is not a problem.

Oh, BTW, Buttercup supposedly “hates” the desert and I verifiably hate the rain. Neither of us like bugs. Hope you can fit that in. :wink: (just kidding)

Thanks!

Oreo

Oreo & Buttercup

#2

Go in August. In late May you can only do the desert - and it will be very hot then. The rest of the trail will still be covered with snow until late June. Crater Lake is nice, in itself, but is very dry. Will you be in shape to do 25 miles to the first water source? Instead, you might consider the Sierras, where water is plentiful and the views are terrific, section P of California (Marble Mountain Wilderness), the Sisters area in Oregon, or the Cascades in Washington. If you go late in summer, bugs won’t be a problem. Rain could be a problem if you go to Washington.

Ginny

#3

In August, it would be very hard to beat the section from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass in Washington. This is about 75ish miles. The only leg in WA that comes close is Stevens to Stehekin, about 90 miles, but getting in and out is a little more difficult. Even better, hike from Manning to Stehekin (about100 miles). Don’t worry much about rain in August in Washington. The weather is pretty stable up to Labor Day, though every year is different and some people get soaked toward the end of August.

In California (also in August), I’m a particular fan of the Tuolumne Meadows to South Lake Tahoe run (about 150 miles).

If you want to hike in May, you might try the desert, as most everywhere else will be snowbound. Give the desert a chance, especially if you’ve never hiked in it before. It will be hot, so stay as high as possible. From Big Bear City to Agua Dulce would be nice and you’d stay mostly high until the end.

Suge

#4

I will look into both suggestions, Ginny and Suge-- August it is. Thanks for the info!

On the AT we had Wingfoot’s book-- is there an equivalent book for the PCT? I’ll also want to take a look at the terrain and trail maps, too, before I settle on anything. I guess I can find most of that stuff on the PCT website.

Also, in general, how acceptable is “stealth” camping on the PCT? I suppose it might vary from forest to forest, right? We try to stick to established sites if we can, but that’s not always an option.

Oreo

Oreo & Buttercup

#5

How about all or part of the John Muir Trail? Nothing is more scenic.

booger

#6

You can stealth or dry camp anywhere you can find a few square feet of acceptable terrain. Highly recommended in active bear areas with no bear boxes.

There aren’t as many rigid rules out west - no AT-like shelters, not as many towns or resupply opportunities, not as much civilization.

Don’t worry about the altitude - 13,200 ft (Forrester Pass) is as high as the PCT/JMT gets - and you will be acclamated before you reach it - either north or southbound. For the first 2-3 days, just take your time and accept the fact your energy level will be low - particularly later in the day.

booger again

#7

My vote (so far) is Panther Creek to White Pass Washington.

Splat!