September 23
I hiked down from the shelter that I slept in last night here at Highbridge. As I cross the bridge, I look down on the river and I can see salmon spawning in a shallow still area. I pass the Ranger residence and enter the northbound PCT with the final food load on my back. There are a few dark clouds in the sky. It seem to be moving in the direction that I am. I pray they will hold off on any rain until I complete this adventure. I pass the PCT emblem at 6:50 AM.
I’ve come to Howard Lake, the first lake of the day that I will pass.
I’ve reached the boundary for the North Cascades national park
Today is primarily an uphill day with small drops and leveled areas. As I go up, I look at the mountains around me.
The trail brings me across this small stream
The trail parallels a large stream far below in the valley. As I continue down trail, I slowly drop into that Valley closer and closer to the river. Eventually I cross it on this suspension bridge.
After the suspension bridge I immediately climb high back up above the river valley.
The trail leads me to Maple Creek. It’s a good place to stop for a second breakfast, today more like a first lunch, since it is garlic parmesan ramen.
A third Washington fire closure is the blue lake closure. This is where the sign should be at the Twist pass, alternate. There is no signage. Yesterday in Stehekin information was that the national forest service had opened up their portion of Trail. The state park may not have at this point. I’m assuming it’s all open since there is no closed signage. I will walk through
Up on the hillside, I see some light smoke in one of the drainage is that I assume is residual from the blue lake fire.
I Cross Bridge Creek on this fairly new looking substantial footbridge.
As I get close to the Rainy Pass Trail head I come to this neat log water crossing. Soon I will be crossing Highway 20 at Rainy Pass.
I am arriving at Highway 20 at Rene Pass and crossing the highway. This is the last major roadway before Canada. What is Mile 2592 coincidentally, as I arrive at rainy pass. It is begun to rain much harder than a light sprinkle. I had earlier this afternoon, just after crossing the highway I stopped, pulled out my rain gear, put it on, and when I stepped out from under the tree the rain has stopped. Not the first time this has happened. I’m sure God is laughing.
As I head up to Trail from the Rainy Pass Trail head, there’s a cool mountain on my left. Shortly thereafter I come to a beautiful stream on the side of the Trail.
Soon I have another pretty mountain view with fog hanging low in the valley
An interesting thing I’ve noticed on this stream, and the previous one is how all of the rocks are a sandy color that’s a change that I haven’t seen before.
I arrived at the campsite I had decided on for tonight it’s still early. The rain has stopped and is holding off. I’m going to try to push on a little bit more. I’m heading towards Cut throat pass. The mountains are incredible.
I cross cutthroat pass, the views on both sides are beautiful.
I continue from cutthroat pass around the side of a mountain. They continue to have incredible views. I drop down a bit into a valley and then wind back up to the area I will now camp. I arrived at 7:30. Had just enough light to quickly pitch my tent. It started to sprinkle right after I got it up. I got everything inside made my dinner and set up my sleep system. It was dark and sprinkling.
Today’s PCT miles hiked 29.0
Total PCT Miles hiked to date 2601.9
Miles left: 51.7
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