The Pacific Crest Trail Series is designed to introduce Mountaineers members to sections of the Pacific Crest Trail that they might not otherwise get to hike on. In particular, the PCT Section from Green Pass to Stampede Pass is significantly under used and in need of conservation efforts.
This program is sponsored by the Foothills Hiking and Bacpacking Committee and program participants will have access to a series of day hikes and back packs throughout the hiking season, starting... More
The Pacific Crest Trail Series is designed to introduce Mountaineers members to sections of the Pacific Crest Trail that they might not otherwise get to hike on. In particular, the PCT Section from Green Pass to Stampede Pass is significantly under used and in need of conservation efforts.
This program is sponsored by the Foothills Hiking and Bacpacking Committee and program participants will have access to a series of day hikes and back packs throughout the hiking season, starting in July. In many cases these will be point to point hikes. In some cases, a backpack may be involved, or an overnight stay at a lodge such as the Mountaineer’s Meany Lodge.
Trips
Actual Hikes and Back Packs will be determined in March, 2012 Program participants will have first choice on trips offered.
Awards
Program participants will receive awards based on unique miles hiked on the PCT in Washington State. The awards are will be in 75 mile increments. It is only expected that people will be able to meet the first award in the first year. In 2010 and 2011 we offered approximately 300 unique miles of hiking / backpacking on the PCT. For those people that don’t make a 75 mile unique mile award, an Annual award of 50 PCT miles (not necessarily unique) is awarded.
Our goal is to schedule a hike or backpack on every weekend starting in Mid July and running through the end of October. Hikes outside of those time frames will be “bonus” hikes. Only hikes and back packs taken on a PCT Series hike are eligible for an award. Some participants may be able to hike the entire length of the PCT in Washington State in about 5 years through this program.
Requirements
Program participants should be able to comfortably do a 15 mile hike with about 3,000 foot elevation gain by Mid-July. Actual hike distances and elevation gains will vary.
What to expect (typical logistics)
Most participants will want to do a hike on Saturday, car camp, and then do a hike in the same nearby area on Sunday. This method would likely garner you an award in 3-4 weekends. You will likely spend a lot of time driving on Forest Service Roads to get to these trail heads. Due to the logistics, you are likely going to meet at the designated Park & Ride at 6:00 a.m., and it is likely to take 3-4 hours to get to the Trailhead and arrange for car shuttles. Our goal is to be on the trail by 9:00 a.m. Even if doing just a day hike, do not make plans for the evening after the hike. In most cases, a dinner stop will occur on the way home.
How to Enroll
Enrollment to this program is limited to 50 participants. Enrollment ends in the middle of May. You are encouraged to sign up early. Program Fee: $50.
Carpooling
As with all club hikes, participants are expected to pay the current car pool rate as established by the Mountaineers Board of Directors. Due to the nature of this program, it will be desirable to utilize AWD or 4WD drive vehicles as we will be spending a lot of time on Forest Service Roads. Accordingly, riders should be very respectful and appreciative to the drivers and their vehicles.
Additional Information
Your course fee includes access to all of the following, Hikes and Back Packs are first come first served and picks are selected by lottery. For additional information please also visit the PCT SERIES WEB SITE. Point of Contact for the PCT Series is Monty Pratt, westseattle207@yahoo.com.
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