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. Individua... More

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: Trip is appropriate for experienced, fit backpackers. 29.9 miles total (24.7 PCT miles). Additional Cautions: Some of the trail on this trip is on a trail on a very narrow ridge, with a significant dropoff on both sides and insufficient room for two people to pass in places. If you are afraid of heights, please discuss options with me if you would otherwise like to come. Even in late August, this trip may cross snowfields. Get high into the snowy contours of Goat Rocks Wilderness on this 24-mile leg. Highlights include Shoe Lake, Elk Pass, McCall Glacier, Cispus Pass, Sheep Lake and views of Rainier and Adams. 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. Car Shuttle: We can work out the car pooling as we get closer to the backpack. Seattle to Walupt Lake Campground: 141 miles, 3.5 hours. Walupt Lake Campground to White Pass: 43 miles, 1.5 hours. Direction: Southbound, but if the weather promises to be dicey for the Goat Rocks section (which is fairly exposed), that could change. Estimated Itinerary: 3 days, 2 nights For Day 1, we will do a car shuttle. We drive to Walupt Lake campground and leave a car there. We will then drive to White Pass trailhead and start the hike from there. • Day 1. Hwy 12[2300mi] to McCall Basin[2290mi, 5100']. 10 Miles, 2500 gain. • Day 2. South to Sheep Lake / Nannie Ridge [2277mi, 5600']. 13+ miles. 3200 gain. • Day 3. Nannie Ridge to Walupt Lake Campground. 4.5 miles. Loss 1800 ft. 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 H maps. Print out on a color printer, trim, carry in a gallon ziplock. Books: •Schaffer, Jeffrey P., and Selters, Andy. Pacific Crest Trail: From the California Border to the Canadian Border OREGON & WASHINGTON, 7th ed. 2nd printing, Wilderness Press, Section H, pp. 236-239

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