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

      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.