[pct-l] Temporarily off-trail, looking for advice on finishing

[Bob Bankhead]

Cat:

My recommendation would be to re-start from Kearsarge Pass and continue
north to Cascade Locks and stop. Return next year to do WA state.

You did not mention how you were getting back to the trailhead or from where
you would be coming. For purposes of discussion, I am assuming you will be
depending upon public transportation. Accordingly, with an approximate Aug
01 start date from Kearsarge Pass, it is unlikely you can make Canada before
the really nasty weather hits WA state, so you might as well pick an exit
where public transport is readily available both for exit this year and
subsequent re-entry next year. Cascade Locks - at the Columbia River - is
such a spot.

It has public transport (from across the Bridge of the Gods in WA) that can
get you to and from the Portland airport.

It is right on I-84 in the heart of the Columbia Gorge recreation area, so
hitching into Portland is pretty easy as well.

It is at the lowest point on the PCT, so starting from there eliminates
immediate elevation acclimation problems. Note that the elevation gain going
northbound is MUCH slower than it is going southbound.

Portland is a major metropolitan area and transportation hub for Amtrak,
Greyhound, and most major airlines. You can get anywhere (and back) from
here.


Note that once you get north of the Columbia River, public transport options
are few and "involved" - only really available at Hwy 2 (Stevens Pass flag
stop for bus to Seattle) and at Steheken (boat to Chelan; bus to Wenatchee;
bus or plane to Seattle). White Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, Rainy Pass, and
Hart's Pass (via Winthrop) are devoid of public transport options; you'd
have to hitch.

Wandering Bob
Portland OR



-----Original Message-----

Cat wrote:

I was thinking perhaps going back to Kearsarge, and hiking through the
Sierras north to Tahoe, then flying up to Washington and starting
southbound. I figure then I'll avoid most of the snow... but I'm not sure
about that. I'd love to get some experience opinions!