PCT Washington

For two days I hiked almost exclusively uphill. I’d ascend over 5000 feet from the trailhead just north of Stehekin through Bridge Creek Valley, up into Rainy Pass and then a big climb to the top of Cutthroat Pass.

After a challenging couple days I was ready for a break. Instead of hiking the long detour trail to Stehekin, I left Holden by bus to join my husband and friends on the Lake Chelan ferry. I was grateful to be with my friends and to have time off to rest, recuperate and to explore the unique town of Stehekin.

Taking the detour to avoid the fire meant climbing through one more pass. It was worth it though for the beauty on the other side! The alpine lakes were gorgeous and the trail took me to a touch of civilization in Holden Village.

One of my highest mile days around Glacier Peak included a young bear, old trees, rivers and creeks. It was an easy mileage day, but ended with a bit of unnerving news…

Halfway through Section K on the Pacific Crest Trail! I found myself on a roller-coaster of a trail, passing through river valleys and over wildflower filled ridges.

The best views of Glacier Peak are four days north of Steven’s Pass. My day started low and climbed up and up to scenic vistas and wildflower-filled alpine bowls.

My third day on trail was a day of epic proportions and a million photographs. I travelled through incredible alpine meadows, climbed through a transition zone and was stunned by the vision of Glacier Peak. 

I knew I needed to ease myself into my thru-hike. My second day on trail I had all day to hike 11 miles over and through forested and meadowy ridges. My day ended high in the alpine at the lovely Lake Sally Ann.

At the end of July I was back on the Pacific Crest Trail. I was determined to complete the Washington sections I had missed last year. My first day out was a ridge line wander from Steven’s Pass to Pear Lake.

Day 7: Lake Valhalla to Lake Janus.
The morning of my seventh day on trail I woke up in pain. My legs were so stiff, particularly my shins. As I got moving, got my pack on, and hit the trail, I realised that I likely would be unable to keep going. I came to the conclusion that it was the end of the road for my time on trail.