Pacific Crest Trail Conditions Report

In my previous posts, I’ve written briefly about the trail conditions.  The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) goes into much more detail in the below text from their “Trail Closures” app.

For your information, the area the report refers to is the trail I hiked over the last, almost two weeks.

---

Pacific Crest Trail Association Trail Conditions Report

Glacier Peak Wilderness is a particularly rough, remote, and wild place. Immense effort has been made to improve access in Glacier Peak Wilderness in recent years. Still, much work remains. Unfortunately, wildfires have repeatedly impacted trail crews scheduled work.

The PCT in the area is largely not suitable for horses and stock until it is repaired. Some areas, especially in Milk Creek, present challenges to hikers as well. Serious caution is advised. Many people would be wise to plan trips elsewhere.

Broadly, the PCT between Baekos Creek (mile 2512 NOBO) and the Suiattle River Trail (mile 2544 NOBO) is impacted by numerous down trees, washouts, and narrow sections of trail tread. The bridge across Baekos Creek is broken and not passable for stock animals. Logs, some as large as 6 feet in diameter, make the trail especially difficult as you cross Vista Ridge (mile 2534-2537 NOBO).

Be aware that Kennedy Creek (mile 2515.5 NOBO) remains a permanently unbridged crossing. It has been many years since the bridge washed away. It will not be replaced. The ford of this opaque, glacial sediment filled creek is often difficult. The creek can rise dramatically during periods of high snowmelt as well as during and after storms.

Fire Creek Pass (mile ~2523 NOBO) is a particularly snowbound and steep obstacle for hikers early in the year.

The PCT through Milk Creek drainage (miles 2524-2532 NOBO) is heavily damaged. Reports indicate that sections of the trail are overly narrow, or washed away, on steep slopes. High brush chokes the trail. Some hikers report feeling that the area is dangerous.

A large avalanche path, choked with trees, off of Plummer Mountain (mile ~2553 NOBO) in the upper Miner’s Creek area blocks access for stock animals.