[pct-l] Southbound from Canada into Washington

[Ken Powers]

When we hiked the Idaho Centennial Trail we ended at the Canadian Border on 
a trail that did not cross into Canada. We had to backtrack to a very remote 
dirt road. Guess who was in the first (only?)car along the road that night - 
Border Patrol. They had been monitoring border traffic in an area probably 
more remote than the PCT crossing. The border patrol agents didn't disclose 
what tools they were using (other than a the ATV's on their trailer) and 
they didn't say why they were monitoring such a remote place. They did talk 
about the increased border security after 9/11 and drug smuggling.

Interestingly these 2 agents had previously been stationed near the southern 
terminus of the PCT and the CDT so they were familiar with thru hikers.

My guess is that there is some sort of border monitoring near Manning Park.

Ken

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dan C. aka Thumper" <dofdear at cox.net>
To: <Pct-L at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2012 11:18 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Southbound from Canada into Washington


My experience driving across the border is that the customs agent, on both 
sides, does not log you in or out.  They only review your passport/ID , ask 
some questions and pass you through.  We were careful not to indicate our 
intentions and stated we were only hiking locally.  Our driver returned next 
day after receiving a SPOT OK message without a problem.

So the question of how a USFS Ranger or USBP Enforcement Officer would know 
whether you crossed the border or just hiked to it and returned.  Well they 
could eye witness the action first hand.  Foot prints are a great indicator. 
In CA, NM and TX there is embedded technology such as sensors (motion and 
IR) cameras and various foot and air patrols utilized to combat wrongful 
border crossing.  It would not surprise me if they would use similar tactics 
considering the recent publicity the PCT and SOBO hikes have received.

My recommendations are; 1) be prepared to turn back, 2) have a verifiable 
story in place, 3) be prepared for a detention and fine that could destroy 
your hike, finances and possibly your future (especially if you have a 
career that requires a security clearance), 4) not do it.  Starting at Harts 
Pass and hiking north should only add 3 days depending on snow and weather. 
And it's 3 days of some of the most beautiful portions of the trail, 5) star 
at Harts Pass SOBO and not worry about it.

Be careful.

Dan C. aka Thumper
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