Backpacking the PCT Section J South - Stevens to Snoqualmie

Planned this one with hiking buddy Frank, several months in the making, then asked our friends Eric, Justin and my brother Bob to come along for the nearly 70 miles, 6 days and 5 nights adventure. Good luck to the thru hikers we met heading north. A heart felt moment goes out to the fire fighters and their families who gave their lives against the fire storms here in Washington. Wawhiker Theme and Reprise is by Michael - Big Box of Paints.
Day 1 - Tunnel Creek Stevens Pass to Deception Lakes - 13 miles
Day 2 - Deception Lakes to Deep Lake - 14 miles
Day 3 - Deep Lake to Waptus Burn Trail - 13 miles
Day 4 - Waptus Burn Trail to Spectacle Lake - 10 miles
Day 5 - Spectacle Lake to Gravel Lake - 12 miles
Day 6 - Gravel Lake to Snoqualmie Pass I-90 - 7 miles

[@chemicalcraig69]

My all-time favorite stretch of any trail.

[@wawhiker]

+Chemical Craig It's become my too - with a lifetime of great memories with friends and family. Appreciate you watching, commenting and coming along!

[@garygoldsmith9844]

Beauuuuuuutiful. I miss Cooper but great to see you out with friends having a glorious time.

[@wawhiker]

Gary Goldsmith I missed Cooper too. He would have given it his all (and that was what I was most concerned with). He will be along for the next one, I promise. Thanks so much Gary!

[@codyandargo906]

Around 8:50.. that view of the mountains, the perfectly smooth lake and the lack of cars is why I LOVE to backpack. Is my absolute favorite thing, to wake up and see the mirror lake surface first thing in the morning.

[@wawhiker]

+Cody Ames Right on! I seek out those views whenever I can and spend hours watching it. Enjoy it out there!

[@SilentWoods123]

Hello Waw Hiker, For two weeks I follow the youtube videos. It's every night a treat to watch them. What a great picture and what a lovely voice to dream. I wish I so would have a beautiful backyard to hiking in. Thanks for all the info and wonderful adventures that you share. Regards Steven Kroon

[@wawhiker]

Thank you Steven! Can't wait to bring you along for many more...

[@spsmith1965]

Watched in disbelief. Too beautiful to believe.

[@wawhiker]

Scott Smith Very kind of you Scott, thank you!

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

Looks amazing! Our Scout Troop has done that for their 50 miler before. Hope when it's our turn we do that. Phenomenal adventure! Thanks for sharing!

[@wawhiker]

***** We hit it just about right - no bugs, water supplies, thru hikers - it really was a fun adventure - thanks for watching!

[@jldoyle1]

Great job Bill! Love the video. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@wawhiker]

***** Thanks Jodi! See what you're missing, haha!

[@WanderingBeast]

what a wonderful trip

[@wawhiker]

+Wandering Beast Thanks Beast! The smoke was getting thicker each day. Be careful out there buddy.

[@pr4runner]

Looks like a great experience.

[@wawhiker]

pr4runner I really was the best experience - appreciate you watching and commenting - thanks!

[@TomsBackwoods]

Awesome Trip! The PCT has some epic scenery! The forest fires are bad here too! Great to watch!

[@wawhiker]

+TomsBackwoods A hike with my brother and friends I'll never forget - it really was awesome. Thanks for coming along over to our side Tom! I'm sure you'll be over here soon for a few hikes with that nice travel trailer of yours.

[@Patriot36]

Just amazing man! I don't even know what to say... except, that I'm going to sit down and watch the whole thing over again tonight...hahahaaa! Thanks for that Wawhiker!

[@wawhiker]

+Patriot36 We didn't come close to your altitudes but the sights up high were amazing. Thank you for the very nice comment and viewings!

[@Patriot36]

+Waw Hiker No doubt about how difficult and rugged parts were though! ...and yes, the views and the artistry of the mountains were amazing and ever changing as the angles shifted. Just spectacular! Thank you again, my friend!

[@jamescolosi5714]

Excellent videos....I am doing section j in August.. I can't wait

[@wawhiker]

Thank you! You will be thrilled by the sights at every turn in the trail. Enjoy it out there!

[@SilentNW]

well done....

[@wawhiker]

SilentNW Thanks so much!

[@shcmoly]

I bet those mountain blueberries were awesome.

[@wawhiker]

The blueberries came at the right moment on the trail, very refreshing. Thanks for coming along with us!

[@erickillg811]

Thank you for sharing your video. I will be doing this hike this summer. Sounds like I will be staying at the same places as you guys did. My dad and my grandpa did it 10 years ago, my grandpa was 84 when he did it. I could not go at the time, so this is my adventure honoring him in his passing a few years ago.

[@wawhiker]

Your hike on this same route would be a touching and indeed a great honor to your grandpa. I'm sure he will be with you every step of the way. Thanks you for sharing what this hike will mean to you. Enjoy it out there and let me know of your adventure.

[@dabaird12]

thanks for sharing your guys adventure ;) you sure do live in beautiful country

[@wawhiker]

+David Baird A pleasure sharing our adventure and part of the country with you David. Thanks for coming along with us!

[@garycloud9631]

Great hike with spectacular scenery. I too missed Cooper but it's understandable why he didn't go. Thanks for the journey.

[@wawhiker]

Gary Cloud Thanks Gary! There were some extremes I did not want to put Cooper through - the endless scree paths were grueling.

[@t.w.milburn8264]

morning, Waw-Hiker; This was By far the best I have had the enjoyment of watching in awhile. Thanks 4 sharing & give Lil-Cooper a scratch hind the ear 4 us here, Friend. Happy Trails From The Maritimes In Canada ATB Terry God Bless

[@wawhiker]

+T.W. Milburn (skillet210) Scratch to Cooper given, warm and friendly compliment taken, and blessings to you and yours Terry - thanks so much my friend!

[@rasputin0452]

Just got round to watching this one Bill, really is beautiful country. You must of had the time of your life, shame Cooper wasn't there with you but nothing is perfect in life hey ! atb Ken

[@wawhiker]

+rasputin0452 Yes I did Ken - it was a thrill to see very bit along the trail. And the company was really darn good too, though I did miss Cooper. Appreciate you coming along!

[@christinafoster1922]

Fantastic! I will admit to suffering a moment of disappointment at the beginning when you said that Cooper wasn't along this trip, but the scenery quickly dashed that away. :-)

[@wawhiker]

Christina Foster I missed him the whole way. I'll make it up to him. Thank you for watching Christina!

[@sammax5824]

outstanding, miss cooper, but outstanding

[@wawhiker]

sammax I missed him too. I felt if I spared him on this tough one, he would be around for many more to come... Thank you for coming along!

[@EatCarbs]

WOW!! Amazing views! I've never done a hike like that. Not sure I am in shape for it. Thanks for the video!

[@wawhiker]

+Eat Carbs The views truly were amazing, thanks for coming along. I've never done a hike like that too, until now, haha!

[@dylanfleming2903]

awesome! subscribed

[@wawhiker]

+Dylan Fleming Thank you, very much appreciate!

[@dcordry]

Wonderful video, my friend, your best film yet! ATB - Dee

[@wawhiker]

Multi-Tool School Means a lot coming from you Dee - thank you!

[@whodatbitch]

Those "blueberries" were actually blue huckleberries! So delicious!

[@wawhiker]

Thanks for the corrections. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@PacRat69]

Great Trip! I'm Jealous!

[@wawhiker]

+PacRat69 Thanks - my pleasure sharing it with you!

[@cornice08]

I almost turned the video off when I heard that Cooper wasn't coming. ha ha. Glad I didn't that was beautiful. I'd love to do something like that someday. Not sure if my nerve damaged foot will let me. You can always hope.

[@wawhiker]

+cornice08 I thought it was best to be right up front with Cooper's friends ; ) Thanks for coming along anyway. My knee let me know I won't be doing another like this one in the future. The shorter ones will all include Cooper for sure then - and that's not so bad...

[@justinburrell4979]

Comment Number 2, I haven't watched it yet but I feel like I have been there already

[@wawhiker]

Justin Burrell ...and you were - thanks for being there!

[@davidkeel]

The best video youve ever done. Wonderful remarkable scenes. That's my opinion anyway. All of the editing was worth it. It's a pity the trail has a name like 'Section J' though. It should be renamed Heavenly Section. Thank you again for the video.

[@wawhiker]

+David Keel David, I gratefully respect and thank you for your opinion - very nice of you. If this makes Section J sound better to you, it's located within the region of Washington State known, recognized and preserved as the Alpine Lakes Wilderness - and yes, I agree with you, it is truly heavenly.

[@davidkeel]

+Waw Hiker : Alpine Lakes Wilderness ... sounds very awesome !

[@Mountainbum1876]

Beautiful country! All those high mountain lakes and peaks. Just outstanding. I have to go watch a video with Cooper in it now I missed the little fella. Thanks and Take Care.

[@wawhiker]

FarWest Colorado Haha - thank you! Cooper will be along for many more to come...

[@CampfireTalk]

What a ride! That scree section when the weather started to roll in made me want to howl like a wolf. I live for that kind of stuff as it always stands above everything else in my memory. Those minimus shoes are seeing some mighty good adventures. Glad they are working well for you. Same here on my end as well. I really enjoyed this one as I was truly happy for you and your crew, while feeling a touch of envy : ) Take care buddy!

[@wawhiker]

CampfireTalk Remember - the Snow Peak stove I carried was your review too. I absolutely enjoy the shoes! I hear you. The extremes spark a wild side. Many thanks!

[@GARYMANDIEVAN]

Awesome hike with perfect views, Thanks

[@wawhiker]

+GARYSGUNS Appreciate you watching and commenting - thank you!

[@Butchrknife]

Wawhiker Thanks for sharing your trip! I can't wait for the 27th of Aug. We will be following in your foot steps across the Mts to have cold beers and burgers at the Pass. Happy Trails

[@wawhiker]

Three days and counting for you Butch - enjoy it! Be sure to keep plenty hydrated. Water sources were not a problem for us. Take it safe and easy - you'll do fine.

[@CavemanOutdoorsMissouri]

Epic adventure, I thoroughly enjoyed watching. Thanks for sharing

[@wawhiker]

Caveman Outdoors I'm thrilled you enjoyed it. Always happy to share my adventures with you - thanks!

[@Survivalist2008]

Great 6 day adventure, thanks for taking us along. I enjoyed it. Lovely trail and views. Take care!

[@wawhiker]

Survivalist2008 An adventure I'll never forget and proud to share with you. So happy to know you enjoyed it - thank you!

[@MeetMeOutside]

Just amazing ! I'm at a loss for words ! Thank you for taking the time to share.Peace

[@wawhiker]

+Cragdwella Enough said my friend, appreciate you coming along!

[@mountainwanderer]

Loved this video! I really want to hike that section myself. A couple of years ago we went from Stampede Pass to Snoqualmie and it was great. I keep hoping that I will run into you up in the mountains of Washington. I won't know what you look like, but there is no mistaking the voice (and Cooper would be a give away). Great job!

[@wawhiker]

+Mountain Wanderer I'm sure we'll wander into each other at some point in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie region - it keeps us coming back for so much more. We're very fortunate to enjoy our mountains. Stampede Pass is a great area. Just started hanging out in the area a few years back as well. Section J, our first, is truly amazing - you would be awed! Appreciate you coming along and commenting - thanks!

[@DonMilligan]

Great group of guys, glad you shared with us and yes of course missed Cooper, I'm glad he agreed to let you take the spotlight this time :p

[@wawhiker]

+Don Milligan Cooper understood we would have many more together and sat out this long one. He was great company for Mrs. Wawhiker btw. Very happy to share this one with you Don, always a pleasure having you along.

[@potpie1987]

Jealous! That was astounding! I need to get in gear and get over there!

[@wawhiker]

+Honey Bear Thanks! A very memorable hike, with some fun buddies. You really should go for it.

[@asiam7436]

To do list: thru hike the pct

[@wawhiker]

You would be one to do it too ; )

[@asiam7436]

Your vote of confidence means a lot to me. Thank you Wawhiker!

[@AvoidingChores]

Great outing!

[@wawhiker]

+Jim Cyr My best and longest - it was a blast. Thanks for coming along Jim!

[@Olympia_Outdoors]

shoot, didn't realize you from WA too :)

[@wawhiker]

+Olympic Outdoors Dad Yup, just east of your Olympics.

[@Olympia_Outdoors]

+Waw Hiker nice buddy. I'm here in Olympia, now. suuppper cool channel though glad I found it, take care!

[@Olympia_Outdoors]

+Waw Hiker It has actually been hard for me to get out into the backcountry as I'm raising a two year old...so getting to watch vids like this is really cool for me...happy hiking stay safe bro!

[@thetrout529]

Great video. I got all the maps printed out and been looking at doing this for a few years now. I was trying to get a hiking partner but may end up just doing it solo. This is supposedly the best section of the whole trail and we truly are blessed to live in this state.

[@SOTAGoats]

Wawhiker - were there sufficient size trees at all your camp locations to do this section with a hammock sleep system? -SOTAgoats

[@wawhiker]

Yes - there are hammock hanging trees for this section, every over night along the way. If I were to do over, I would/could hammock without hesitation. Thanks for asking and watching!

[@SOTAGoats]

Thanks for the reply. I have my first hammock on order and may become a convert! I slept in one and can't believe how comfortable they are!

[@Adam_Outdoors]

Wow such awesome views/scenery. Absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing! Just wondering were you sourced your windshield?

[@wawhiker]

+AdamOutdoors Thanks! I picked-up the windscreen from Four Dog Stoves. They make several different sizes to match the cook pot you have. They have an online store you can order direct. Appreciate you watching and asking.

[@AbrahamChan88]

Hi Big B! Long time no watch/comment =) I have been busy and have not been posting many videos. We had a friend hiking the NCT around the same time we were hiking the WCT. Let's do a switcheroo next summer! hah ha Looks like you had a blast with good friends. We share the same thoughts for our fire fighters in BC as well. Check out my WCT August 18th - 25th hike video - it is on the other channel; search "Abraham Janice WCT". Hope the Mrs and pooch are doing well =)

[@wawhiker]

+phr1sk37 Hey A! It has been awhile. Yes - you too up North have had a time with the fires too - we were getting some of the smoke from the earlier one. I will most definitely head over and catch-up on your adventures. All the same and best to you, the Mrs, and pooch too - haha!

[@pro2ndcitizen427]

question friend, my guy friends and i are wanting to get into back packing and wilderness camping and i was wanting to get some gear tips from you, mainly tents and sleeping bags. It seems like everyone i look up has a warning about them both containing chemicals, typically flame retardants, which cause cancer and other illnesses. Do you buy a specific brand or know of one that doesnt have this problem?

[@wawhiker]

+Pro2ndCitizen Happy to help out. What works for me - the lightest gear is the easiest to carry, of course. On this hike, my tent is a ZPacks cuben fiber tarp and bug net with bathtub floor. My sleeping bag is a Marmot Helium 15 degree down bag. Not sure about harmful chems - but down is natural - both the tarp and bag are light and airy. Not a lot of time is really spent confined within all the materials. Most of the lighter tents nowadays are mostly bug-netting (to reduce weight and condensation) and have removable rainflys. Many offer the fast pitch option, using just the tent ground clothe, tent poles and rainfly - even more light and airy. I just picked up a Big Agnes tent for that option. I prefer side exits vs front doors and vestibules (so you're not crawling over others to get in and out). Hope this helps. Let me know your thoughts... Thanks for asking, watching and commenting!

[@pro2ndcitizen427]

+Waw Hiker Cool, thanks for the advice :)

[@kan-zee]

😜 👍

[@wawhiker]

To borrow a few friendly gestures, haha! 👍👍 Thanks!

[@EMERYE77]

It's just not the same without Cooper.

[@wawhiker]

Emery Bowden You are so right on - I felt the same.

[@bigr65802]

When i first started watching your vids... I saw that your hands were dark. I thought you were maybe black. I still have not seen your face yet but, I seen at the end of this video your brother is white. Is there a picture of you anywhere on the KZbin? I love the Cooper vids...