PCT Washington

Day 6: Mig Lake to Valhalla Lake.
Today was a resupply day. My day was split in the middle with a couple hours’ break at Stevens Pass resort. I got to have coffee, a fresh lunch and took some time to refill and reorganize my pack.

Day 5: Deception Pass to Mig Lake (14 miles)
Today was a fantastic day for scenery and the trail reminded me a lot of hiking the John Muir Trail. I crossed over 3 passes and saw half a dozen alpine lakes.

DAY 4: Waptus River to Deception Pass (14.8 miles)
Today’s miles were fueled by berries. Thimbleberries, blueberries, and huckleberries carpeted the trail side. Not only did they help me keep going, but they gave me a reason to slow down. To see the little things that this world offers. The juicy, sweet, and tart little things. 

My second day in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness would take me 2500 feet up, through an alpine cirque, and then 2500 feet down. I’d pass through some lovely meadow, by a couple alpine tarns and then back into the montane forest.

DAY 2: Ridge Lake to Lemah Creek.
Today’s hike is brought to you by the word “wow.” Today’s section was a truly incredible trail. Already the Alpine Lakes Wilderness outweighed my expectations.

Section J of the PCT is a pretty popular backpacking route for Washington hikers. The trail travels exclusively through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass. I was ready to be back on trail and excited to traverse this exception section of Washington’s PCT.

I’ve had a number of hikers and non-hikers alike ask me what my routine is like when I’m on trail. I figured I’d share some of the details here, including morning stretches, ways to keep your brain busy, and my daily schedule.

Day 7: Powerline Corridor to Mirror Lake (13 miles)
Day 8: Mirror Lake to Snoqualmie Pass (8.3 miles) 
My last couple days on trail for Section I passed in a bit of a blur. There were a lot of ups and downs, dirt forest roads, clear-cuts, douglas firs, and the occasional stream crossing to keep it interesting.

Day 6: Blowout Mountain to Powerline Corridor. I woke up this morning to a windy, wet world. The cooler weather provided a bit of a relief from the sun. I also saw things a bit differently as I hiked my 15 miles for the day.

Day 5: Crag Rock Spring to Blowout Mountain. Today I hiked 17 miles. Seventeen!!! That’s the most I’ve ever hiked in a day. I’m definitely getting my trail legs. The trail has also mellowed out a bit, allowing me to travel more easily.