Editor’s note: Explore contributor Gensheng Tian hiked a part of the Pacific Crest Trail in July. This is the first of two installments. The Pacific Crest Trail is not only a scenic trail but also home to thru hikers who are traveling the entire route.
Once you step onto the trail, their fantastic stories will inspire. The trail, often called the PCT, is 2,653 miles crossing California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, Canada. Washington has five sections of trail, and we completed a portion of one section.
Day 1 Vipin filled out the wilderness permit form at the White Pass PCT trailhead. We planned to backpack to Chinook Pass for three days and two nights, hiking 28 miles with 5,050 feet elevation gain. The trail was dry, quiet and easy.
Huckleberry bushes were scattered along the path. Flowers blooming beside the trail mirrored our happy feelings. Lingering snow patches reminded us of winter's remnants.
We had walked less than a mile when we encountered a young PCT hiker named Medicine Man, who worked in Shenandoah National Park. "Are you guys doing the PCT?" he asked, looking so happy. "No, we're just doing this short section," I said.
"And you?" "PCT. I just finished the Wonderland Loop, it was stunning." The Wonderland Trail near Mount Rainier is 93 miles with 22,000 feet elevation gain and takes 10-14 days.
“I’ve done the Appalachian Trail in 2021 in 99 days and the Continental Divide Trail in 2023 in 100 days. I think I’ll finish this in 100 days." Medi.