Читать книгу Day & Section Hikes Pacific Crest Trail: Washington - Adrienne Schaefer - Страница 13

INTRODUCTION

How to Use This Guidebook

THE FOLLOWING SECTION walks you through this book’s organization, making it easy and convenient to plan great hikes.

The Overview Map, Map Key, and Legend

Use the overview map on the inside front cover to assess the exact locations of each hike’s primary trailhead. Each hike’s number appears on the overview map, on the map key facing the overview map, in the table of contents, and at the beginning of each hike profile.

The book is organized into three regions. The hikes within each region are noted as out-and-back day hikes, loop and semiloop day hikes, and overnight hikes in the map key (pages i–ii) and the table of contents. A legend that details the symbols found on trail maps appears on the inside back cover.

Trail Maps

In addition to the overview map on the inside cover, a detailed map of each hike’s route appears with its profile. On each of these maps, symbols indicate the trailhead, the complete route, significant features, facilities, and topographic landmarks such as creeks, overlooks, and peaks.

To produce the highly accurate maps in this book, I used a Garmin eTrex GPS unit to gather data while hiking each route, then sent that data to Wilderness Press’s expert cartographers. Be aware, though, that your GPS device is no substitute for sound, sensible navigation that takes into account the conditions that you observe while hiking.

Further, despite the high quality of the maps in this guidebook, the publisher and myself strongly recommend that you always carry an additional map, such as the ones noted in each profile opener’s “Maps” entry.

Elevation Profiles

Each hike also contains a detailed elevation profile that augments the trail map. The elevation profile provides a quick look at the trail from the side, enabling you to visualize how the trail rises and falls. Key points along the way are labeled. Note the number of feet between each tick mark on the vertical axis, or height scale. The height scales provide an accurate assessment of each hike’s climbing difficulty, so that flat hikes don’t seem steep and vice versa.

GPS Trailhead Coordinates

As noted in “Trail Maps” on the previous page, I used a handheld GPS unit to obtain geographic data and sent the information to the publisher’s cartographers. In the opener for each hike profile, the coordinates—the intersection of latitude (north) and longitude (west)—will orient you from the trailhead. In some cases, you can drive within viewing distance of a trailhead. Other hiking routes require a short walk to the trailhead from a parking area.

This guidebook expresses GPS coordinates in degree–decimal minute format. The latitude–longitude grid system is likely quite familiar to you, but here’s a refresher, pertinent to visualizing the coordinates:

Imaginary lines of latitude—called parallels and approximately 69 miles apart from each other—run horizontally around the globe. The equator is established to be 0°, and each parallel is indicated by degrees from the equator: up to 90°N at the North Pole and down to 90°S at the South Pole.

Imaginary lines of longitude—called meridians—run perpendicular to latitude lines. Longitude lines are likewise indicated by degrees. Starting from 0° at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England, they continue to the east and west until they meet 180° later at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. At the equator, longitude lines also are approximately 69 miles apart, but that distance narrows as the meridians converge toward the North and South Poles.

As an example, the GPS coordinates for Hike 1, Gillette Lake, are as follows: N45° 39.110’ W121° 55.888’.

For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov or refer to Steve Hinch’s Outdoor Navigation with GPS (Wilderness Press).

The Hike Profile

1 SAMPLE PROFILE: Gillette Lake

SCENERY:

TRAIL CONDITION:

CHILDREN:

DIFFICULTY:

SOLITUDE:

DISTANCE: 5 miles

HIKING TIME: 2–3 hours

GREEN TRAILS MAP: Bonneville Dam 429

OUTSTANDING FEATURES: Access point to Table Mountain, a good early-season hike close to Portland and Vancouver. Hood River, Oregon, just 20 minutes away, offers great grub at its many cafés, wineries, and brewpubs.

The cool shade of the forest canopy provides relief on a hot, sunny hike to Gillette Lake.

IN ADDITION TO A MAP, each hike contains a concise but informative narration of the route, from beginning to end. This descriptive text is enhanced with at-a-glance ratings and information, GPS-based trailhead coordinates, and accurate driving directions leading from a major road to a parking area convenient to the trailhead.

At the beginning of each hike profile is an at-a-glance box that gives you easy access to the following information: quality of scenery, condition of the trail(s), appropriateness for children, difficulty, level of solitude expected, hike distance, approximate hiking time, and outstanding highlights of the trip.

The first five categories are rated from one to five stars. In the example on the previous page, the star ratings indicate that the scenery is passable but not great, the trail condition is good (one star would mean the trail is muddy, rocky, overgrown, or otherwise compromised), the hike is accessible for able-bodied children (a one-star rating would denote that only the most gung-ho and physically fit children should go), the hike is easy (five stars would be strenuous), and you can expect to encounter people on the trail (you may well be elbowing your way up the trail on one-star hikes).

Hiking times assume an average pace of 2–3 miles per hour, with time built in for pauses at overlooks and brief rests. Overnight hiking times account for the effort of carrying a backpack.

Following the key info and star ratings is a brief description of the hike. A more detailed account follows, in which trail junctions, stream crossings, and trailside features are noted, along with their distance from the trailhead. Flip through the book, read the brief descriptions, and choose some hikes that appeal to you.

Weather

WHEN MOST PEOPLE THINK OF WASHINGTON STATE, the word rain usually comes to mind. The truth is, however, that Washington weather is actually quite varied. West of the Cascade Crest it’s mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s in the summer to the mid-40s in the winter. The official rainy season begins in November and lasts through April. Weather east of the crest is marked by a much warmer summer, with average temperatures in the 90s. In the winter, snow levels drop to around 1,500 feet and temperatures dip into the low 20s. Occasionally, the difference in these two climates is dramatic, with bluebird skies in the east and a thick, dark wall of clouds hovering directly on the crest.

What does all this mean for the mountains in Washington? Lots and lots of snow! Some of the heaviest snowfall in the Lower 48 occurs on the PCT. While snow enthusiasts love this, avid hikers scurry from trailhead to trailhead to cram in as much hiking as possible before the snowflakes fly. To take full advantage of a hiking season in the Cascade Mountains, consider the pros and cons of where to go and when to head out.

MAY–JUNE: Lasting Sunsets and Lingering Snow

As the days in Washington get longer and warmer, many hikers itch with anticipation to hit the trails. While hiking in June is not uncommon, you should be prepared for an adventure: lingering snowfields, downed trees, washed-out bridges, and high-river crossings are just a few of the challenges you may encounter.

Before you head out, research trail conditions. If you discover that the high country is still snowbound, consider exploring the southern trails of the PCT, which lie at a lower elevation, or trails that run east of the crest, where the weather is a bit warmer and drier.

JULY–AUGUST: Blooming Flowers and Buzzing Bugs

These are by far the most popular months to hike. The weather is warm (although I got snowed on three times in August one summer), the meadows show off their vibrant array of wildflowers, and many of the alpine lakes are just getting warm enough to swim in. The only drawbacks are having to share the trails with other Pacific Northwest hikers and trying to escape the buzzing, biting insects that swarm the hillsides this time of year. Longer loop hikes into the alpine country are a great option during these hot summer months.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER: Fall Delights and Frosty Nights

Fall in the high country is a special time of year. Cold, crisp nights turn entire hillsides into a canvas of warm colors: the deep, rich reds of the huckleberry bush, the golden yellow of the larch. It’s a quiet, peaceful time to be in the mountains but also a time during which you need to be prepared for below-freezing overnight temperatures and rapidly changing weather. Alternatively, take advantage of the numerous day hikes along the PCT.

Before any backcountry outing, check a detailed mountain weather forecast—if it doesn’t say sunny, be prepared for anything. Also, while the public lands in this book are technically open year-round, many facilities, trails, and access roads in and around them close for the winter, so check with the resources in Appendix A, for the latest information.

Water

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? One simple physiological fact should convince you to err on the side of excess when deciding how much water to pack: A hiker working hard in 90º heat needs approximately 10 quarts of fluid per day. That’s 2.5 gallons—12 large water bottles or 16 small ones. Pack along one or two bottles even for short hikes.

Some hikers and backpackers hit the trail prepared to purify water found along the route. This method, while less dangerous than drinking it untreated, comes with risks. Purifiers with ceramic filters are the safest. Many hikers pack along the slightly distasteful tetraglycine–hydroperiodide tablets to clean water (sold under the names Potable Aqua, Coughlan’s, and so on).

Probably the most common waterborne bug that hikers ingest is giardia, which may not affect you until one to four weeks after you drink tainted water. (Let’s just say that when it does hit, you’ll know it.) Other parasites to worry about include E. coli and Cryptosporidium, both of which are harder to kill than giardia.

For most people, the pleasures of hiking make carrying water a relatively minor price to pay to remain healthy. If you’re tempted to drink “found water,” do so only if you understand the risks involved. Better yet, hydrate before your hike, carry (and drink) 6 ounces of water for every mile you plan to hike, and hydrate after the hike.

Alpine vistas abound along Nannie Ridge en route to Sheep Lake (see Hike 5).

Clothing

THE OUTDOOR-CLOTHING INDUSTRY has carved out a hot, trendy market, and trying to put an outfit together for a day in the backcountry can be downright mind-boggling. Fortunately, there are just a few things you need to keep in mind when figuring out how to stay warm, dry, and happy in the woods—how you look on the trail is entirely up to you.

Two basic kinds of materials are used in today’s outdoor clothing: natural fibers and synthetics. Cotton, a natural fiber, is best left for the car ride home. When wet, it can even kill by absorbing moisture and robbing the body of heat. Wool, on the other hand, is an amazing natural fiber that insulates when dry, works when wet, and doesn’t absorb odor nearly as easily as synthetic materials. If the thought of it makes you itchy, you haven’t tried today’s wool products, which are much softer than their predecessors.

The latest and most diverse materials used in today’s outdoor clothing, synthetics range from those made of hollow fibers that trap air and heat to supertight weaves that allow vapor to pass through but resist water saturation. Gore-Tex, soft shells, and polypropylenes are just a few of the names and words you’ll see in discussions of synthetic clothing.

Because both synthetic and natural fibers work only as well as your ability to manage them, it’s extremely important to layer properly. Make sure that you pack enough cool layers that you don’t leave a trail of sweat when climbing to a pass and enough warm layers to enjoy an afternoon sunset from an alpine ridge.

Most important, be prepared for the full range of weather. Lightweight, breathable raingear is an essential piece of your layering system when it comes to hiking in the great Northwest. Even if it doesn’t rain, a lightweight shell can block chilly wind, trap in heat, and be a lifesaver against swarms of bloodthirsty mosquitoes.

Equipment

KEEPING UP WITH THE LATEST AND GREATEST ultralight gizmos and gadgets is not my cup of tea. My husband, on the other hand, can spend hours researching gear before he even sets foot in a store. No matter where you land on the technology spectrum, a few essentials should accompany you on every outdoor adventure.

Footwear

This is the most important piece of equipment that you’ll use on the trail. A 4-mile day hike can quickly turn into a blister-filled torture-fest if you don’t have the right shoes for the job. Many shoe companies are now making low-top hiking shoes, which are a little stiffer, have beefier tread, and are more water-resistant than the typical running shoe. These shoes work great for long day hikes with a light pack.

If you need a little more support, try a lightweight hiking boot, which is a good option if you’re hiking with a heavy pack, you have weak ankles, or you plan to explore off-trail. Regardless of the footwear you choose, make sure that you test it around town or on local trails before you head into the backcountry.

Backpack

If you’re in the market for a new backpack, you’re in luck. You have probably 100 different styles, colors, and sizes to choose from. Although the task may seem a little overwhelming, the number of options out there allows you to find a pack that meets your specific needs. A pack that fits well won’t leave you standing in your living room debating whether or not you should save an ounce by leaving that extra chocolate bar at home. Spend a little more time and money to find a pack that works.

Essential Gear

Today you can buy outdoor vests that have up to 20 pockets shaped and sized to carry everything from toothpicks to binoculars. Or, if you don’t aspire to feel like a burro, you can neatly stow all of these items in your day pack or backpack. The following list showcases never-hike-without-them items—in alphabetical order, as all are important:

EXTRA CLOTHES Raingear (for the occasional rainy day), a change of socks, and depending on the season, a warm hat and gloves

EXTRA FOOD Trail mix, granola bars, or other high-energy snacks

FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP For getting back to the trailhead if you take longer than expected. Also bring along an extra bulb and batteries.

INSECT REPELLENT To ward off ticks and other biting bugs

MAPS AND A HIGH-QUALITY COMPASS GPS is great technology, but don’t rely on it as your sole navigational tool.

POCKETKNIFE and/or multitool

SUN PROTECTION Sunglasses with UV tinting, a sunhat with a wide brim, and sunscreen

TOILET PAPER and a zip-top plastic bag to pack it out in

WATER Again, bring more than you think you’ll drink. Depending on your destination, you may want to bring a container and iodine or a filter for purifying water in case you run out.

WHISTLE It could become your best friend in an emergency.

WINDPROOF MATCHES AND/OR A LIGHTER For real emergencies—please don’t start a forest fire.

A Few Extras

Some items that might be worth the extra weight:

TREKKING POLES OR A HIKING STICK A great way to save your knees

REPAIR KIT Safety pins, duct tape, extra shoelaces, and the like

FLIP-FLOPS, SANDALS, OR CLOGS When you’re hanging out at camp, casual shoes create less of an impact on fragile vegetation than heavy boots or hiking shoes—and nothing feels better than airing out your feet after a long day on the trail.

Shelter

For most people, tents are a necessity when it comes to backpacking in the Northwest. Not only do they keep you dry and warm in foul weather, they can also save you from mosquitoes and biting flies. July and August are about the only months in Washington when you can toy with the idea of leaving the tent at home. If you do, bring some type of emergency shelter or bivy sack and a bug net for hanging out and sleeping.

Even if you’re just out for the day, bring some type of shelter to keep you out of the elements if something should go wrong. Building a shelter out of twigs and limbs may sound romantic, but in an emergency you want something that will keep you relatively warm and dry on the shortest notice. Emergency blankets weigh next to nothing and don’t cost that much.

First Aid Kit

A TYPICAL FIRST AID KIT may contain more items than you might think necessary. These are just the basics. Prepackaged kits in waterproof bags (Atwater Carey and Adventure Medical make a variety of kits) are available. Even though there are quite a few items listed here, they pack down into a small space:

Adhesive bandages

Antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin)

Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil)

This well-prepared crew hikes along Cady Ridge (see Hike 23).

Athletic tape

Blister kit (moleskin or an adhesive variety such as Spenco 2nd Skin)

Butterfly-closure bandages

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), in case of allergic reactions

Elastic bandages (such as Ace) or joint wraps (such as Spenco)

Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe (EpiPen), typically by prescription only, for people known to have severe allergic reactions to hiking mishaps such as bee stings

Gauze (one roll and a half-dozen 4-by-4-inch pads)

Hydrogen peroxide or iodine

Hiking with Children

NO ONE IS TOO YOUNG FOR A HIKE. Be mindful, though. Flat, short, and shaded trails are best with an infant. Toddlers who haven’t quite mastered walking can still tag along, riding on an adult’s back in a child carrier. Use common sense to judge a child’s capacity to hike a particular trail and always anticipate that the child will tire quickly and need to be carried. See Recommended Hikes, for hikes that are suitable for kids.

General Safety

TO SOME POTENTIAL MOUNTAIN ENTHUSIASTS, the deep woods seem inordinately dark and perilous. It’s fear of the unknown that causes this anxiety. No doubt, potentially dangerous situations can occur outdoors, but as long as you use sound judgment and prepare yourself before hitting the trail, you’ll be much safer in the woods than in most urban areas of the country. It’s better to look at a backcountry hike as a fascinating chance to discover the unknown rather than as a chance for potential disaster.

If you’re new to the game, I’d suggest starting out easy and finding a person who knows more to help you out. In addition, here are a few tips to make your trip safer and easier.

ALWAYS LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU’LL BE HIKING AND HOW LONG YOU EXPECT TO BE GONE. It’s a good idea to give that person a copy of your route, particularly if you’re headed into any isolated area. Let him or her know when you return.

ALWAYS SIGN IN AND OUT OF ANY TRAIL REGISTERS PROVIDED. Don’t hesitate to comment on the trail condition if space is provided; that’s your opportunity to alert others to any problems you encounter.

DON’T ASSUME THAT YOUR MOBILE PHONE WILL WORK ON THE TRAIL. Reception may be spotty or nonexistent, especially on a trail embraced by towering trees.

ALWAYS CARRY FOOD AND WATER, EVEN FOR A SHORT HIKE. And bring more water than you think you’ll need. We can’t emphasize this enough.

Signs warn hikers and horsepackers of precarious trail conditions below Old Snowy Mountain (see Hike 6).

ASK QUESTIONS. Public-land employees are on hand to help. It’s a lot easier to solicit advice before a problem occurs, and it will help you avoid a mishap away from civilization when it’s too late to amend an error.

STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS. Even on the most clearly marked trails, you usually reach a point where you have to stop and consider in which direction to head. If you become disoriented, don’t panic. As soon as you think you may be off-track, stop, assess your current direction, and then retrace your steps to the point where you went astray. Using a map, a compass, and this book, and keeping in mind what you’ve passed thus far, reorient yourself and trust your judgment on which way to continue. If you become absolutely unsure of how to continue, return to your vehicle the way you came in. Should you become completely lost and have no idea how to find the trailhead, remaining in place along the trail and waiting for help is most often the best option for adults and always the best option for children.

ALWAYS CARRY A WHISTLE, another precaution that we can’t overemphasize. It may become a lifesaver if you get lost or hurt.

BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL WHEN CROSSING STREAMS. Whether you’re fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a log, ford the stream instead: use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side isn’t worth risking your life for.

BE CAREFUL AT OVERLOOKS. While these areas may provide spectacular views, they are potentially hazardous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops, and make absolutely sure of your footing—a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.

STANDING DEAD TREES AND STORM-DAMAGED LIVING TREES POSE A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD TO HIKERS. These trees may have loose or broken limbs that could fall at any time. While walking beneath trees, and when choosing a spot to rest or enjoy your snack, look up.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF SUBNORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE, OR HYPOTHERMIA. Shivering and forgetfulness are the two most common indicators of this stealthy killer. Hypothermia can occur at any elevation, even in the summer—especially if you’re wearing lightweight cotton clothing. If symptoms develop, get to shelter, hot liquids, and dry clothes as soon as possible.

LIKEWISE, KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF ABNORMALLY HIGH BODY TEMPERATURE, OR HYPERTHERMIA. Here’s how to recognize and handle three types of heat emergencies:

Heat cramps in the legs and abdomen are accompanied by heavy sweating and feeling faint. Caused by excessive salt loss, these painful cramps must be handled by getting to a cool place and sipping water or an electrolyte solution (such as Gatorade).

Dizziness, headache, irregular pulse, disorientation, and nausea are all symptoms of heat exhaustion, which occurs as blood vessels dilate and attempt to move heat from the inner body to the skin. Find a cool place, drink cool water, and get a friend to fan you, which can help cool you off more quickly.

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can cause convulsions, unconsciousness, and even death. If you should be sweating and you’re not, that’s the signature warning sign—your hike is over at this point. Other symptoms include dilated pupils; dry, hot, flushed skin; a rapid pulse; high fever; and abnormal breathing. If you or a hiking partner is experiencing heatstroke, do whatever you can to cool down and get help.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, TAKE ALONG YOUR BRAIN. A cool, calculating mind is the single most important asset on the trail. Think before you act. Watch your step. Plan ahead. Avoiding accidents before they happen is the best way to ensure a rewarding and relaxing hike.

Animal, Plant, and Insect Hazards

THE FOLLOWING LIST is by no means intended to scare you off of heading into the mountains, but rather to inform you of potential hazards and advise you on ways to mitigate them. In all likelihood, the only bear or cougar you’ll encounter is the one pictured on the information board, ticks will choose to hang out in the bushes, and beautiful sunsets will replace memories of biting mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes and Biting Flies

The peak of mosquito season in the Cascades is usually around July. As the snow melts, stagnant water and warm temperatures combine to create the perfect mosquito habitat. The best way to handle these pesky insects is to wear long sleeves, bring a tent with good ventilation, and, as a last resort, use some type of insect repellent.

Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting West Nile virus, which is most commonly spread from mosquitoes that have fed on an infected bird. The first case of the virus in the United States was reported in 1999, and it was not reported in Washington until 2006. Most people who carry the virus don’t get sick. A few people report flulike symptoms and even fewer have severe reactions. If you find yourself feeling ill after being exposed to mosquitoes, see a doctor immediately.

Biting flies are another one of nature’s nuisances. Horseflies and deerflies are large, and their bite delivers a mighty punch that can itch for days. Midges, also known as no-see-ums, have a vicious, itchy bite out of proportion with their tiny size. Follow the same precautions as for mosquitoes.

Ticks

Blood-feeding parasites that are related to spiders, ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses. Cases of tick-related diseases are few in Washington State, but it’s more than worth your time to take the necessary precautions, because extracting ticks from your skin is anything but fun.

The easiest way to avoid a tick bite is to wear a tightly woven long-sleeve shirt and light-colored pants so you can easily spot the tick’s dark body on your clothing. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pant legs inside your socks or boots, and if you’re traveling in a tick-heavy area, consider using a tick repellent.

Lastly, make sure you do a thorough body check after hiking. When empty of blood, ticks are extremely hard to spot, so inspect yourself carefully, especially in warm, dark areas such as your armpits, groin, head, neck, and ears. Symptoms of tick-related illnesses resemble the flu, so see a doctor if you feel sick after hiking in tick country.

Bears

Two types of bears live in Washington State: the grizzly and the black. Black bears, the more common of the two, roam the Cascade Mountains. Grizzlies, on the other hand, are rare, and sightings of them even rarer. They are on Washington’s endangered-species list, with reports estimating between 10 and 30 grizzly bears living in the northern part of the Cascades.

Most encounters with bears are brief, and you’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse of their rumps waddling away as they run off toward safety. Remember: they’re trying to avoid you just as much as you’re trying to avoid them. To reduce your chance of an encounter, make plenty of noise when hiking, don’t travel by yourself, hike with your dog on a leash (dogs may bring out defensive behaviors in bears), cook away from camp, and hang/securely store your food at night.

If you do have an encounter with a bear, try your best to remain calm, speak in a firm voice, and slowly back away. If you plan to travel in areas frequented by bears, particularly areas with grizzlies, you might consider carrying bear spray, which will more than likely remain in its case.

Cougars

If you should ever spot a cougar, feel honored. These big but timid cats work hard to remain unseen, and sightings of them are uncommon, especially in the wild. Nevertheless, you may encounter cougars that have accidentally stumbled into urban areas that are encroaching on their ever-shrinking habitat.

In the unlikely event that you encounter a cougar, remain calm. Speak to the cougar in an assertive voice, and try to make yourself look large and intimidating. Don’t make any sudden movements, and keep your eyes on the animal at all times. If you have children with you, pick them up or move them close to you. If an attack ensues, fight back.

Rattlesnakes

The western rattlesnake prefers a warm, dry climate, such as is found on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. These rattlers hibernate during the winter in large numbers, tucking themselves into rock crevices on south-facing mountainsides, and slowly begin to emerge between March and May, dispersing to their summer habitats.

Like cougars, rattlesnakes are shy and prefer to hide from larger animals (including humans) to avoid being preyed on. Bites are extremely rare, and when they do occur, it’s usually because someone was stupidly trying to capture or provoke the snake. If you hear a rattle, know that the snake is just alerting you that you’re entering its territory.

Poisonous Edibles

Berries, mushrooms, and other edible plants thrive throughout Washington. These tasty natural treats are a true delight, but if you have even the slightest doubt about whether a plant is safe to eat, stick to your trail mix.

Poison Oak and Poison Ivy

These rash-producing plants are notorious for ruining a fun outing. Fortunately for those interested in exploring the PCT, poison oak and poison ivy have a difficult time growing above 4,000 feet. The downside to that upside: many PCT access trails begin at elevations much lower than this. Being aware of poison ivy and poison oak is key to having a safe, rash-free outing.

Poison oak has three oaklike leaflets, grows as a vine or shrub, and is the most common rash-producing plant in Washington. Poison ivy has three leaflets and can be a climbing or low-lying vine.

The body’s reaction to the plants’ oil, called urushiol, results in swelling, redness, blisters, and intense itching. Avoiding contact is the most effective way to avoid a rash. If you break out, resist the urge to scratch—dirty fingernails can cause sores to become infected. Oil-contaminated objects will continue to cause a reaction for at least a year, so thoroughly wash everything that may have urushiol on it, including clothing, boots, and pets.

Poison ivy

Poison oak

Tips for Enjoying the PCT in Washington

GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO ENJOY AN AREA. Washington is a large state, and many of the trailheads along the PCT lie in remote areas. The last thing you want to do is spend an entire day in the car only to find that you have to practically run the trail to finish in time. Many of the hikes in a given region in this book leave from the same location or are a short drive from one another. Plan an extended weekend so you can truly enjoy these areas. I found that giving myself enough time allowed me to discover things I would have overlooked, from hidden alpine lakes to isolated backcountry camps. Having a little extra time also lets you check out some of the small mountain towns scattered among the foothills of the PCT.

Ever heard the saying, “Slow and steady gets the turtle to the top?” It’s a little mantra I learned from my high school cross-country coach, and it’s one I find myself muttering when I have to climb a pass or hike a long distance. The tendency for many of us is to overexert ourselves by attempting to get a steep hill or series of switchbacks over with as quickly as possible. These sprints will force you to stop every 5 minutes to catch your breath and will leave you sweat-drenched by the time you reach your destination. To avoid overdoing it, pace yourself and enjoy your surroundings. For long climbs, plan a break every hour or so and hydrate and refuel each time you stop. When you do finally make it to the top, reward yourself with a “hill pill,” such as a chunk of chocolate or a gooey piece of caramel.

As every Pacific Northwesterner knows, it’s important to take advantage of good weather in Washington. Most of us, however, can’t control our schedules, and it isn’t surprising for our days off to coincide with a forecast that calls for “mostly to partly cloudy with a chance of showers.” While not ideal, this kind of weather has its perks. The crowds are quieter, the hiking temperature is cooler, and there’s nothing more beautiful than watching clouds pour over a jagged ridgeline at sunset. While it’s not advisable to go out in a blizzard in June or a severe thunderstorm in July, a little drizzle shouldn’t keep you indoors all weekend. Of course, if you do head out in less than ideal weather, plan accordingly by reading a detailed weather forecast and bringing along all the necessary clothing and equipment to do so safely.

Backcountry Advice

IF THERE’S JUST ONE PIECE OF ADVICE I can pass along to hikers, it’s to plan ahead. Whether it’s the first time you’ve set foot in a wilderness area or the 500th time, doing a little homework before you hit the trail will ensure you get the most out of your backcountry experience.

CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME. Access, particularly in Washington, can be a nightmare come spring, when the snow begins to melt and the damage of winter is revealed. Throughout winter and spring, avalanches rip from mountainsides, knocking over large, old-growth trees as if they were matchsticks. Heavy spring rains and upper-elevation snowmelts flood rivers and create landslides, washing out vital sections of trails, roads, and bridges. Local forest and park-service ranger stations have a wealth of information on current conditions as well as on seasonal facility and road closures.

CAREFULLY REVIEW LAND-ACCESS REGULATIONS. Once you know where you want to go, the next step is figuring out the rules and regulations that apply there. As you’ll quickly learn, each agency differs in how it manages public lands. For example, you must have a Northwest Forest Pass to park at many U.S. Forest Service trailheads, and while Mount Rainier National Park generally charges an entrance fee, North Cascades National Park does not.

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS IN ADVANCE FOR BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING. Permits and rules also vary among agencies. North Cascades National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area require you to register and to camp only at designated sites. Dogs are not permitted on trails in national parks and in some wilderness areas.

As you can see, remembering the rules and regulations can be challenging. To assist you in planning your trip, we provide a contact list for each hike in the back of this book.

TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES. To help minimize your impact on the land, please camp at designated sites wherever they’re available. Otherwise, look for places that other hikers have clearly already used, and camp on sturdy surfaces such as grass, rock, dirt, or snow. Avoid camping and hiking in fragile alpine meadows.

DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY. Pack it in, pack it out. Take all trash, including toilet paper and hygiene products, with you when you go. Bury human waste at least 200 feet from water sources, camps, and trails in a cathole 6–8 inches deep. Cover your cathole with plenty of dirt, and disguise it with needles and leaves when your business is finished.

MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS. Campfires, particularly in the backcountry, are unnecessary these days, especially with the wide assortment of lightweight stoves available for cooking. If you do decide to build a fire, know the restrictions for the area you’re visiting. Fires are often prohibited near lakes, in high-use areas or alpine zones, or whenever bans are in effect.

Trail Etiquette

WHEN IT COMES TO BEING CONSIDERATE on the trail, keep in mind that it’s the small stuff that counts. While you may not initially see the problem with trampling a lupine or feeding a chipmunk, over time these actions have significant detrimental effects on the environment. The following tips describe just a few ways you can help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the wildness of the wilderness.

APPRECIATE WILDLIFE FROM A DISTANCE. If you’re fortunate enough to see wildlife, try to avoid spooking or startling it by quietly observing from a safe distance. Keep your food away from animals by storing it securely and making sure no scraps are left behind. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources so that wildlife have constant access to drinking water.

BE CONSIDERATE OF THOSE AROUND YOU. Most hikers are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life—respect their wishes by giving them plenty of space and keeping loud noises to a minimum. Also, try to leave an area in its natural state so that others may enjoy it.

TREAD LIGHTLY. Stay on existing trails whenever possible, especially near lakes or campsites. Avoid blazing new paths, further contributing to the maze of social trails (nondesignated trails that hikers create over time to access water, check out a viewpoint, get to a campsite, and so on) in these areas. A lot of hard work and money went into creating these amazing trails, so do your part by respecting closures or areas that are being restored.

DON’T PICK THE FLOWERS. Wildflowers, particularly those in alpine environments, have a very short growing season and are therefore easily destroyed. Please don’t eat or walk, camp, rest, kneel, or nap on these fragile gems.