Hey all, I’m looking to hike the WA section of the PCT this summer (NOBO) and I’m wondering what a good start day would be.
I’m also looking for any info people have on notable trail conditions to be wary of. I’m a very experienced backpacker but I’ll be hiking with someone who isn’t as experienced. Are there dangerous river fords or anything like that on this section of trail? Thanks!
AllorNothing
To miss the mosquito hatch - especially nasty in the Indian Heaven Wilderness - start north from the Columbia River the first week of August.
There are no river fords - dangerous or otherwise - as long as you stay on the trail. The old PCT crossing of the Suiattle River in section K will be dangerous now that the bridge is gone. Take the new, slightly longer PCT re-route to the new bridge downstream.
wandering bob
Agree with wandering bob. I thought about fording for about two seconds then took the re-route. Added about 5 miles but well worth it.
There are a couple of insanely steep spots near the Canadian border. The trail itself is fine but the drop-off is like a cliff.
Also, if you camp in any of the National Parks, be sure to obey rules about 200 feet from the trail or water sources.
There is a very diligent park ranger who will cite you for violations. Been there, almost done that.
bowlegs
Personally, i’d start a little later. The chances of the weather turning bad doesn’t get appreciably worse until about 9/21. The huckleberries are better the later you go, and the bugs fewer. You even get some fall colors in one or two low areas. I’d figure how long you’ll take and work backwards from 9/21. (E.g. 5-week hike, start 8/17.)
The Suiattle River ford isn’t that bad if you pick the right log, which is UPstream from where the trail peters out at the river bed. I’ve been over it twice, and i’ve never seen anyone regret going that way or wish they had gone the other way. But it is a log high over a river. A nice, wide log that many people have crossed on (some walking, some scooting), but it’s high up where if somehow someone managed to fall it would be serious.
markv