Day & Section Hikes Pacific Crest Trail: Washington. Adrienne Schaefer
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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