Backpack - Pacific Crest Trail: Chinook Pass to Norse Peak

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1. Though open to any qualified Mountaineers member over 14, this backpack trip is offered under the Backpacking Building Blocks and PCT Challenge programs.  If B3 students are signed up I will provide an extra level of planning, gear demonstration and coaching during the trip.   This trip is open to families with fit and experienced kids over 14, but they must be able to demonstrate that they are capable of traveling these distances with a pack on steep trail and a parent must be along to help them.

We’ll drop a car at the Crystal Lakes trailhead and drive on to start our hike at Chinook Pass.  Our first day will be a 10 mile walk on the PCT endless meadow ridges to the base of Norse Peak (with a little side trip up for anyone with extra energy!) before we drop down to Basin Lake to camp for the night.  Then we’ll retrace our steps back along the PCT 7 miles and go right at Sourdough Gap down to Crystal Lakes and on to find our shuttle car at the trailhead.  Those with the energy can take the 5.4 mile side trip to the top of Crystal Peak (1 mile from the trailhead).

This trip is listed as Leader Permission Required because participants must be able to demonstrate that they are in very good aerobic condition with the experience to pack light and walk with a loaded pack 10 miles or more on steep terrain.  If you haven’t at least dayhiked a trail of this length and challenge at a 2mph pace comfortably yet this season, this is not going to be a good trip for you.

Snow can linger on Sourdough Gap so microspikes and poles may be required.  As always in the PNW, there is a chance of rain so I will ask everyone to have a full tent and raingear.  More details will be arranged when the time gets closer.

We will need 2-3 drivers to make this trip work without long waits.  Preference may be given to people who are willing to drive and carry others.