Way back in the 1990’s, I cut my teeth backpacking in the Washington Cascades. Ever since then, I’ve been dreaming of exploring this section of the PCT. But It’s rugged and remote. Truth be told, I figured that if I started the PCT at the Mexican border and walked all the way to Washington, I’d finally have the legs and the stamina to really be able to do this section justice.
Luckily, my plan worked! It’s been an amazing section of hiking; my legs and stamina were up for the challenge and so were a few of my friends!
First, at Snoqualmie Pass, an old high-school friend helped me with my resupply and off-loading of my extra pack weight, offering to mail some of my extra luxury items home for me. It was great to meet up with Jim over lunch!
After that, I was ready to tackle the first five days of rocky terrain and steep ascents between Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass. This section also included some gorgeous forests and high alpine lakes – I went swimming many times!
At Stevens Pass, Eliza, a friend from my volunteer days with Heifer International, joined me for an afternoon on the trail. Thankfully, she brought me some “real food” and more snacks to supplement my resupply box, which I had previously sent to the ski resort.
At Stevens Pass, most PCT hikers were hitching around another fire closure in the far northern reaches of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Having backpacked a little in this area before, I knew this back country was not to be missed, so I continued north until the boundary of the fire closure to see more of the area around Glacier Peak. The views, despite a little forest fire haze, did not disappoint! Quite possibly, this has been my favorite section of all. Another hiker from New Zealand, Esther, joined me for the adventure.
After 40 miles, Esther and I descended off the PCT onto the North Fork Sauk Trail.
Luckily, another friend was waiting for us here. Kinzee, who I met in Peace Corps Ecuador, graciously drove us around the fire closure and over to the east side of the Cascades where I re-entered the PCT from the town of Stehekin.
The Canadian border is getting really close now!
Nancy Kilcullen
You are truly amazing Becky!! These photos of your journey are absolutely stunning!! Our country is extremely vast and beautiful!
Andrea Scharf
i think this is my favorite part of your journey! Stunning dramatic scenes–and the fungus among us is stunning too! I have NEVER seen a bolete that huge. Taking steroids??? Is your last picture of Stehekin? It’s one of my favorite places. It just grabbed me! But there were almost no cars there when i was there…um…20 years ago!! It’s one of those special places that i would hate to see get ruined by too much tourism. Cars do not bode well!! Stephanie and I stayed there when she came off her hike from Canada to Rainy Pass on the PCT. Maybe not 20 years then….Well, i will be thinking of you on this last leg of the trail! How will you ever adjust to ‘civilian’ life??? 🙂
Becky Wandell
Hi, some cars in Stehekin, but not so many. The last photo is in Lake Chelan.
Annie Falconer
Absolutely stunning photos! Love the photo of you sitting by the water! Swimming must feel so good after hiking so far. Thinking about you on your last leg before Canada!