This trip is part of the PCT Series. Mountaineers Members that ARE part of the PCT Series would normally have automatic “Leader Permission” to sign up for this starting May 14th based on their lottery trip choices.
However, for this particular trip, you also do need actual leader permission --- if you 'win' this trip in the PCT series lottery, please contact the trip leader via phone or email as soon as possible to jointly assess whether this trip is right for you --- and vice versa.
Individuals not part of the PCT Series may sign up for two PCT Series hikes or one PCT Series backpack per year, and may sign up for this activity no sooner than 10 days prior to the activity date (i.e., Sept 25th), if space is available and at leader discretion. Any questions regarding this policy may be directed to the PCT Series Program Co-Administrators, Steve LeBrun or Chris Caviezel.
In any event, please thoroughly review the Trip Description to see the logistics involved with the trip to determine if it's an appropriate adventure for you.
Trip Strenuousness: We’ll shoot for about 15 miles/day through rugged, scenic Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Up to 3600 feet gain / day. Trip is appropriate for experienced, fit backpackers.
If possible, participants should attend the “Trekking Fast & Light” presentation on June 4th, as we’ll be following the overall backpacking “style” presented in that seminar. If unable to attend, please make especially sure to discuss this aspect when talking with trip leader ahead of time.
Transportation: We will car shuttle; as such, we’ll need up to half of the trip participants to be drivers. We’ll drive first to Snoqulamie Pass, leave half the cars, then drive to Steven’s Pass from there to start the trip.
Direction: We will be going southbound on the PCT.
What will you see?
* The Pacific Crest Trail through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offers a feast of outdoor bounty. Flirting with the Cascade Crest past Lakes Josephine, Mig, Hope, and Trap, the trail's steeper ascents and descents lead past Glacier, Deception, and Hyas Lakes. Mile after mile, every ridge climb is daunting, every mountain view rugged, and every nook filled with a splendid body of crystal liquid. Lakes are the defining glory of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and the PCT defines a glorious route through the wilderness befitting the stature of a National Scenic Trail. *
this text from Woodmansee, Mike, Trekking Washington
Prerequisites:
Qualified participants will have backpacked on at least a 2 or (preferably) 3 day trip previously, and be in good physical condition. Plan on discussing your experience, fitness, gear (including base weight), goals, and concerns with the leader prior to the trip.
Estimated Itinerary:
6 days, 5 nights to do about 75 miles
- Day 1. Car shuttle, then hike Stevens to a bit short of Trap Lake, 10 miles, 2500 ft. gain
- Day 2. Hike to 3 miles south of Deception Pass, 15 miles, 3600 ft. gain
- Day 3. Hike to Waptus River, 13 miles, 1000 ft. gain
- Day 4. Hike to Lemah Creek, 15 miles, 2500 ft. gain
- Day 5. Hike to Ridge/Gravel lakes, 15 miles, 3400 ft. gain
- Day 6. Hike 7 miles to Snoqualmie Pass TH, 200 ft. gain
Maps: Note that a hiker named Halfmile offers excellent PCT maps online for free, at http://www.pctmap.net The maps for this trip on his site are the WA Section J maps. Print out on a color printer, trim, carry in a gallon ziplock.
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