backpacking

As a woman hiking, camping, and backpacking by myself I often get asked  “You’re going alone?” This question is usually said in an incredulous voice. Yes, I do. “But aren’t you scared?” No, I’m not afraid. In fact, I’m free.

September is one of my favourite months for hiking. I often visit the local areas that I avoid during the peak of summer. The trails are quieter, the air is cooler, and there aren’t any bugs! The weather this past month was so fantastic that I actually managed to convince my hubby to join me for a couple overnights. Our first overnight was on the Chain Lakes Loop at Mount Baker. 

I had only been home from the PCT for about a week before I started thinking about what we could do for Labour Day weekend. I got the all clear from my physio to hike again and chose the Heather Trail in the north end of Manning Provincial Park. We could drive up to about 6000 feet and start the trail in subalpine meadows. We’d keep our mileage low and take it easy on the trail.

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.

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.