[pct-l] New PCT at Suiattle River

[Noah Strycker]

Hi hikers,

Just arrived at Stehekin. Wanted to mention that the new PCT route is officially open across the Suiattle River; I crossed it yesterday and the trail crew had completed the bridge just a couple hours earlier. They were packing up to be airlifted out on Thursday, mission accomplished.

The bridge is three miles downstream of the original crossing. Unfortunately, this new route adds 4+ extra miles, but it is easy walking and incorporates a stand of impressive oldgrowth with 700-year-old trees. The two miles of original trail around the original crossing will no longer be maintained.

A Forest Service employee apologized for the extremely overgrown section around Milk Creek, citing an "access issue" for why trail crews didn't get there this summer. Win some, lose some!

The entire section between Stevens Pass and Stehekin is essentially snow-free. Easy to follow the trail even across the passes, with just a few small (<100 feet) snow patches to enhance the scenery.

Happy hiking,

Noah

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