Travel | Feds warn Pacific Crest Trail hikers about crossing U.S.-Canada border | Seattle Times Newspaper

Travel | Feds warn Pacific Crest Trail hikers about crossing U.S.-Canada border | Seattle Times Newspaper





As one of the handful of hikers that goes the other way, I personally have and will start at Hart's Pass or the Northernmost point one can drive (just off trail near that giant lookout tower...), hike northbound, sign the register at the trail terminus which is on but not over the border, and begin South. This adds 30 miles+, but doubles your photographic opportunities and chances of the weather not being socked in Washington's most spectacular scenery.

Last year I was treated to amazing daily thundershowers. I saw the fire start by lighting west of Woody Pass, late last July. Of course the biggest reason for this year is that my camera was broken thru this section unbeknownst to me, as can happen when one is shooting film. Damn fiddly old Minox pocketcameras...had to give up after too much attrition and go with a heavier old Olympus for my Kodachrome. And new this year, my cameraphone as digital backup...at least until I've had it with gadgets and their entourage. To people who questioned my going without technology last year I submit that there is really not much cell reception on the trail anyway. That is to say on the Northernmost 850 miles, but I'm looking forward to forming an opinion on the 2/3 of the trail I've not yet done.

Last year like a dork, I toted all that food, this year I'll be very motivated to try my first cache; probably near Hart's Pass so if it goes awry I've a potential hitch into Mazama to the delightful store with the great deli and delicious demon coffee.

Civilized Canada has a simple permit process in place to enter via the PCT. It is free but requires some advance planning; scanned copies of passport, drivers license and birth certificate, travel itinerary, probing questions about inadmissibility... Last year I got one just in case I had to enter due to emergency. Note that it is worthwhile to get a certified copy of your birth certificate well before it's needed, as (at least in Washington) they are notoriously riddled with typos that take time to be corrected.

ps still in preplanning waiting out snow, some early hikers turned back, one skipped an amazing albeit snow covered section, opting instead for clear roadwalk but missing one of my favorite sections thru Granite and Cuthroat Pass--of course I wouldn't want to hike it in the snow, but that's why I'm waiting to battle it out with the blackflies. a large sounding party left late June, the one guys Spot puts him past Stekekin and sadly I suspect they skipped this jewel of a trailtown. Either that or they are making killer time...so looking forward to their report...