PCT photos--Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass

The Road Less Traveled

Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass, the hard way

My last week on the trail was spent from Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass, Washington. One hundred twenty miles of widely varied terrain and weather, from buggy and hot to cold and rainy. All beautiful, all the time.

I'm so glad I didn't take the Pacific Crest Trail Detour around Glacier Peak, which has been in effect for five years. The traditional PCT was challenging, but the rewards were great: incredible scenery, solitude and adventure.

A fire in Glacier Peak's Foam Basin was active at the time. I could see the flames from the trail. However, a forest service rep. told me not to worry about it, the wind was blowing it up against the rocky face of White Mountain and they were letting it burn out.

Significant trail maintenance made the trail up to Kennedy Creek quite easy and enjoyable.

The trail continued to be good until near Milk Creek, where two washouts, approx. .5 miles from the creek, slowed me down. Heading north on the PCT, you'll see where you can bushwack steeply down, shortcutting the switchbacks to avoid the washouts, which would have been very treacherous to cross.

Milk Creek had two logs set next to each other, within a foot or so of the raging creek below. I chose to cross, crawling.

The next day was extremely difficult because of the total lack of trail maintenance from Milk Creek to the Suiattle River. Climbing from Milk Creek, the trail disappears in shoulder-high brush (bring your machete--really). From this point on, I had no dry shoes or socks, resulting in some pretty bad blisters.

High up, you get good views of the north side of Glacier Peak, then head back down into more brush, wildflowers and nearly imperceptible trail. The worst part is the last few miles crossing Gamma Creek, up to the Suiattle River. This section had huge blowdowns, at least one of which was as tall as a bus, requiring more of a rock-climbing ascent vs. a typical hop-over.

Gamma Creek had two trees down to cross on. The Suiattle River had one large tree across it, making for a relatively safe butt scoot, or dicey walk (I chose the former).

East and north of the Suiattle River, the well-maintained PCT provided excellent views and few obstacles. The Agnes River valley north of Suiattle Pass was fantastic! A hiker's paradise. Running to make it to Spruce Camp in the enveloping darkness, I fell and broke a couple of ribs, as I found out later. The final day--37 miles according to my Garmin, or 30 miles by the map--to Rainy Pass was the longest I've ever hiked in a day. I'm proud to have made good time--10 hours--in the cold rain.

Thanks to Dan L. Platter and wonderful hiking partner, also from Portland, for giving me their extra flashlight, which I had neglected to bring. Also, thanks to Bob Macintosh of Olympia, WA, for passing on the message to my wife that I would be late. And you were right, Bob, it took longer than I had expected to get to Rainy Pass on the last day.

Mt. Baker from Park Butte Lookout

It's a mighty movie file, but if you are patient, the rewards are great. (Link active from August 6 through August 13)

https://www.yousendit.com/download/Q01HRm95Z2doMlZFQlE9PQ

Sahale Peak in N Cascades Park, Wash.

Doubtful Lake

Sahale Mountain

Doubtful Brian

Views from camp

Watching the clouds roll in from behind the rock wall at 7700 feet. It rained, then pelleted ice and finally snowed in the morning.

Mt. Baker, etc., from Park Butte Lookout

Snow on Indian Heaven Trail

There's still a lot of snow in the Indian Heaven wilderness, which made for extremely difficult navigation. Hiked 60 miles last week and heading out now further south to greener pastures (hopefully). Check out the pics below, including a couple of the fire south of Mt. Adams.