5th September
Mileage 28
Pear Lake (2494.3) to Bushcamp (2522.3)
Miles to Canada 137.8 (221km)
Today must rate in my top 5 best days on the PCT. That’s a big call considering some of the special scenery and experiences I’ve been party to. Maybe I was in a great mood due to not being snowed on or rained on, although I did get a small amount of rain.
My morning consisted of hiking through clouds with little or no views. I should have seen some stunning views of Glacier Peak but the Washington weather had other ideas. Slowly I climbed to possibly my highest elevation for the rest of the trail as I crested the high ridges of Glacier Peak Wilderness. The weather was still overcast and threatening.
While hiking I found a patch of blueberries. I had to stop. I ate as much as possible in about 15 minutes, then I started to get cold so continued hiking. There were lots of people camping and hiking in this area, it’s the labour day weekend so the crowds are out.
Crowds is not a good choice of words to describe the 20 or so hikers and campers in the area. If I lived in Washington I’d hike this area! In fact, considering how stunning this area is, why are there not thousands of people hiking and camping here.
I descended the high ridges and entered a bright green rainforest. Mountain streams, mushrooms and moss all protected by the large trees. There hadn’t really been any rainforest to speak of on this trip and I guess this is technically not really a rainforest, but it looked like one.
I stopped so many times to stare at a stream or just soak up the greenness of the forest. All too soon it was getting dark. I set up my tent alone among the greenness.
Next : Day 142 Hardest Day on the PCT
The Best information about the Pacific Crest Trail:
Complete Guide to the Pacific Crest Trail
Resupply Guide for the PCT
PCT Gear List
PCT Gear Review
With 60+ years of trail/climbing travel, this section indeed is among the best of the WA State PCT. But the best spot in the WA Cascades is arguably Cascade Pass, an out-of-the-way detour from the PCT. [Many spots in the N Cascades Nat. Park are just about as good.]
Now this is the gorgeous Washington i want to explore!!
This is one of the sections I can’t wait to experience.
Thanks, even in average weather it was stunning. Must be magical with blue sky.
It was stunning in average weather, it must be magical in great weather.
Thanks Brad for the reply on funds. I’ve been enjoying your photos and updates. What a hike you’ve had! Just keep going!
Amazing pics today!
Thanks
We’ve been hoping for updates; thanks.
If you haven’t finished already, you must be getting close.
Finally getting some updates in stay tuned
Beautiful photos, thankful you are safe and grateful you still share the journey here. Be well.
Thanks Jayne