SOBO PCT - Pacific Crest Trail

imported
#1

Anyone out there experienced in hiking the PCT sobo starting in early June? Are axes and crampons necessary given the lack of snowfall in the NW this year? What are the snow conditions now…any recommendations?

LB

#2

I was in the Alpine Lakes last weekend, to the east of where the PCT runs (east of Waptus Lake), near Leavenworth. Snow level seems to be around 6000 feet there, so I’d probably make it a little less near the PCT. There were a couple of feet of snow.

You can see some pictures at

http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/faculty/cwillett/local/weaselbutt/index.html

If I was going to do a SOBO PCT hike, I’d start in mid June with all the bugs and just bring an axe. If you want to move it up to an earlier date, consider snow shoes rather than crampons.

Suge

#3

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mesonet/getobext.php?wfo=sew&sid=HRPW1&num=168&raw=0

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mesonet/getobext.php?wfo=sew&sid=RAIW1&num=168&raw=0

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mesonet/getobext.php?wfo=sew&sid=SVNW1&num=168&raw=0

Look At pct-l for SOBO roll call.

Nate

#4

Thanks folks! How do I find the roll call?

LB

#5

http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/2005-April/subject.html

It was posted around April 16th. The last I heard was that about 20 people have planned to start a SOBO from June 1 thru 15. There could be close to a hundred flip-floppers starting about the same time too (going by the hardships writen in NOBOs journals).

Currently, (afternoon of 5/8)the snow at Harts Pass WA is about 27" with a cold rain falling on it. It has been melting fast.

Nate

#6

I herd fro Pancake. He was the only southbounder in 2003 (which was about average snowwise in Washington).
He wrote it was totally possible to hike the washington section in June.
He started June 6 and did encounter quite alot of snow but he was always able to
get through.
He adviced me to carry an Ice axe or at least minimalist crampons
He started the hike with snow shoes but sent
them home when he got to winthrop (rainy pass) because they simply were not practical for
the amount of side hilling that the PCT route use’s.

He also had serious navigational problems due to the trail coverd by snow and adviced carrying a GPS, but route finding shouldn’t be a problem to anyone except the first southbounder (which should be there around late May) as the rest of the hikers can follow the first guys foot prints in the snow.

If You want Pancake’s e-mail write me and I’ll sent it to You. I didn’t want to post it here without asking him.

Pesonaly J.C. and I are planning to leave Manning around June 15 and not carry an Ice axe at all

roni

#7

My hiking partner Rain Queen and are also thinking of a SOBO hike starting around the 15th of June hope to see you all out there.

Peace

jymbeam

#8

Thanks for all the advice. We are starting the 9th but with the condition we are in you all will catch us soon! Keep on the sunny side! :slight_smile:

LB & F