Day & Section Hikes Pacific Crest Trail: Washington. Adrienne Schaefer

      Poisonous Edibles

      Berries, mushrooms, and other edible plants thrive throughout Washington. These tasty natural treats are a true delight, but if you have even the slightest doubt about whether a plant is safe to eat, stick to your trail mix.

      Poison Oak and Poison Ivy

      These rash-producing plants are notorious for ruining a fun outing. Fortunately for those interested in exploring the PCT, poison oak and poison ivy have a difficult time growing above 4,000 feet. The downside to that upside: many PCT access trails begin at elevations much lower than this. Being aware of poison ivy and poison oak is key to having a safe, rash-free outing.

      Poison oak has three oaklike leaflets, grows as a vine or shrub, and is the most common rash-producing plant in Washington. Poison ivy has three leaflets and can be a climbing or low-lying vine.

      The body’s reaction to the plants’ oil, called urushiol, results in swelling, redness, blisters, and intense itching. Avoiding contact is the most effective way to avoid a rash. If you break out, resist the urge to scratch—dirty fingernails can cause sores to become infected. Oil-contaminated objects will continue to cause a reaction for at least a year, so thoroughly wash everything that may have urushiol on it, including clothing, boots, and pets.

      Poison ivy

      Poison oak

      Tips for Enjoying the PCT in Washington

      GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO ENJOY AN AREA. Washington is a large state, and many of the trailheads along the PCT lie in remote areas. The last thing you want to do is spend an entire day in the car only to find that you have to practically run the trail to finish in time. Many of the hikes in a given region in this book leave from the same location or are a short drive from one another. Plan an extended weekend so you can truly enjoy these areas. I found that giving myself enough time allowed me to discover things I would have overlooked, from hidden alpine lakes to isolated backcountry camps. Having a little extra time also lets you check out some of the small mountain towns scattered among the foothills of the PCT.

      Ever heard the saying, “Slow and steady gets the turtle to the top?” It’s a little mantra I learned from my high school cross-country coach, and it’s one I find myself muttering when I have to climb a pass or hike a long distance. The tendency for many of us is to overexert ourselves by attempting to get a steep hill or series of switchbacks over with as quickly as possible. These sprints will force you to stop every 5 minutes to catch your breath and will leave you sweat-drenched by the time you reach your destination. To avoid overdoing it, pace yourself and enjoy your surroundings. For long climbs, plan a break every hour or so and hydrate and refuel each time you stop. When you do finally make it to the top, reward yourself with a “hill pill,” such as a chunk of chocolate or a gooey piece of caramel.

      As every Pacific Northwesterner knows, it’s important to take advantage of good weather in Washington. Most of us, however, can’t control our schedules, and it isn’t surprising for our days off to coincide with a forecast that calls for “mostly to partly cloudy with a chance of showers.” While not ideal, this kind of weather has its perks. The crowds are quieter, the hiking temperature is cooler, and there’s nothing more beautiful than watching clouds pour over a jagged ridgeline at sunset. While it’s not advisable to go out in a blizzard in June or a severe thunderstorm in July, a little drizzle shouldn’t keep you indoors all weekend. Of course, if you do head out in less than ideal weather, plan accordingly by reading a detailed weather forecast and bringing along all the necessary clothing and equipment to do so safely.

      Backcountry Advice

      IF THERE’S JUST ONE PIECE OF ADVICE I can pass along to hikers, it’s to plan ahead. Whether it’s the first time you’ve set foot in a wilderness area or the 500th time, doing a little homework before you hit the trail will ensure you get the most out of your backcountry experience.

       CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME. Access, particularly in Washington, can be a nightmare come spring, when the snow begins to melt and the damage of winter is revealed. Throughout winter and spring, avalanches rip from mountainsides, knocking over large, old-growth trees as if they were matchsticks. Heavy spring rains and upper-elevation snowmelts flood rivers and create landslides, washing out vital sections of trails, roads, and bridges. Local forest and park-service ranger stations have a wealth of information on current conditions as well as on seasonal facility and road closures.

       CAREFULLY REVIEW LAND-ACCESS REGULATIONS. Once you know where you want to go, the next step is figuring out the rules and regulations that apply there. As you’ll quickly learn, each agency differs in how it manages public lands. For example, you must have a Northwest Forest Pass to park at many U.S. Forest Service trailheads, and while Mount Rainier National Park generally charges an entrance fee, North Cascades National Park does not.

       MAKE ARRANGEMENTS IN ADVANCE FOR BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING. Permits and rules also vary among agencies. North Cascades National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area require you to register and to camp only at designated sites. Dogs are not permitted on trails in national parks and in some wilderness areas.

      As you can see, remembering the rules and regulations can be challenging. To assist you in planning your trip, we provide a contact list for each hike in the back of this book.

       TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES. To help minimize your impact on the land, please camp at designated sites wherever they’re available. Otherwise, look for places that other hikers have clearly already used, and camp on sturdy surfaces such as grass, rock, dirt, or snow. Avoid camping and hiking in fragile alpine meadows.

       DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY. Pack it in, pack it out. Take all trash, including toilet paper and hygiene products, with you when you go. Bury human waste at least 200 feet from water sources, camps, and trails in a cathole 6–8 inches deep. Cover your cathole with plenty of dirt, and disguise it with needles and leaves when your business is finished.

       MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS. Campfires, particularly in the backcountry, are unnecessary these days, especially with the wide assortment of lightweight stoves available for cooking. If you do decide to build a fire, know the restrictions for the area you’re visiting. Fires are often prohibited near lakes, in high-use areas or alpine zones, or whenever bans are in effect.

      Trail Etiquette

      WHEN IT COMES TO BEING CONSIDERATE on the trail, keep in mind that it’s the small stuff that counts. While you may not initially see the problem with trampling a lupine or feeding a chipmunk, over time these actions have significant detrimental effects on the environment. The following tips describe just a few ways you can help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the wildness of the wilderness.

       APPRECIATE WILDLIFE FROM A DISTANCE. If you’re fortunate enough to see wildlife, try to avoid spooking or startling it by quietly observing from a safe distance. Keep your food away from animals by storing it securely and making sure no scraps are left behind. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources so that wildlife have constant access to drinking water.

       BE CONSIDERATE OF THOSE AROUND YOU. Most hikers are looking to get away from the