Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike Episode 44 - Oregon

[@WI_Woman]

Jason, you are most definitely a PCT thru hiker!! You have no control over what Mother Nature throws at you. You are making smart decisions for your own safety. You're not "skipping ahead" just because you want to. You're doing amazing!!

[@BucksMom218]

Pct thru hiker- you dont earn respect (or extra points) for smoke inhalation or heat stroke. You have to avoid the fires…you have a family to go home to. You are a thru hiker…every mile is not possible w the conditions. Keep your wits, make good choices. We all love what you are doing!! 🥰🥾🥾⛺️

[@davefox1553]

You gotta do you man. In 10 years, are you really going to feel shame or embarrassment for missing, 10, 30 or even 100 miles of a 2600 mile trail? It's a MASSIVE accomplishment, but not worth it if you can't find the joy in it. You are obviously struggling with being away from your family. How could you not be?! But if you are going to be away, make sure you are getting the joy out of your hike to make being away worth it. If that means missing a few miles, I really don't think anyone is going to hold it against you. Screw them if they do. Walking from Mexico to Canada is such a monumental task regardless of what label anyone wants to put on it. I'll call you a thru hiker for sure! Thanks for the awesome videos. It's been a joy to follow. But it that is taking away from the joy, nobody will blame you for lightening that workload either. Cheers!

[@kevinballard9661]

Couldn’t be better said. I started to comment but then read his comment and it was everything that could be said. Enjoy the journey…..I’m sure every hike on the PCT is different from year to year…..it will still be an accomplishment.

[@livesoutdoors1708]

Frozen I’m an old timer. Please don’t second guess yourself about routes. The PCT was never built with the intention of it being a thru hike trail. I never had a year when there wasn’t detours. For those of us that have done it we are endurance athletes period. Even if for just four or five months. You do the best you can for the days you have and are forced to take each day as it comes. You are doing FANTASTICLY!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@dianamazzullo9065]

I wouldn’t beat yourself up about not being on the PCT every inch of the way…most of the trail had legit closures and the other missed miles were because of safety reasons. Look, you will walked from one end of the country to the other end…to me that is a thru hike, no ifs ands or buts about it. Congrats to you and Big Foot. ❤

[@bill8384]

You can only control what you can control! Just like weather! Primary concern is safety! You absolutely will be a PCT thruhiker!

[@akbauer2525]

If the PCT authorizing body has named an alternate for everyones safety it is their call. They decided that at this time the alternate is considered the existing PCT. Don't think about it for another minu...scratch that, another second.

[@niallpembery2774]

Embarking on the PCT is a monumental achievement, regardless of the challenges faced along the way. The true essence of a thru-hike lies not in the exact number of miles completed but in the perseverance, adaptability, and resilience demonstrated throughout the journey. The trail will always be subject to unforeseen circumstances like fires, and your decision to prioritise safety and well-being is a testament to your wisdom and strength as a hiker. For the time and days you are on the trail, you are completing your thru-hike by facing and overcoming the conditions presented to you. Remember, the PCT is not just a path on a map; it’s an experience, a series of moments and the personal growth you achieve. Celebrate your journey for what it truly is: an extraordinary accomplishment.

[@RyanSchell]

After watching Kyles hike I realized that the PCT is just completely different than the AT. So things beyond on your power because of fires or not having the equipment to safely go over a mountain, is very different in my book. To have so many alternates on the PCT tells you alone it's not a purest trail. The AT is more attainable to that standard. And all of that is not even considering having a family at home. I use to have to climb a cellphone tower at my work when storms messed up towers. The first time I had to climb to the top top after getting married, something changed in me and it was my last time doing it that high. You're a smart man doing an incredible thing!!

[@kellymccarter6032]

You are, you must adapt to the situations that are thrown at you. That is the trail, adapt and concur. And that is what you are doing, making smart and informed decisions. You got this!!!!!

[@stevealcocer4862]

The answer to your questions: Can I consider myself a PCT hiker? Anyone who hikes as much as you can (even going around fire closures, closed sections because of a frog (or what ever reason.) Remember "hike your own hike." Can you hiking in the heat? Hike or do what ever it takes to survive. Even if it means taking a different trail, so you can cool down when needed. Because, you are hiking the hottest section of the PCT during the hottest time of the year. Keep up the hike, your are doing good and don't be so hard on yourself.

[@charlesmason-smith5763]

Hi Frozen - Greetings from England! My wife and I have been following you since your AT. We at the time were on the Camino de Santiago, and watched you in the evenings. There is a huge difference between then and now, now you have a wonderful family and you are absolutely correct to be prudent - they need you to be safe and healthy! You are definitely a thro-hiker. And you can always fill in the miles at a later date! You have been a real inspiration to us! It has been great seeing your PCT vlogs - Thank you and keep on doing what you are doing!

[@author.jessica.kemery]

I love that you ran into Kyle Hates Hiking! Fun.

[@WONDERWOMANSHELLEY]

I vote YES!!! You ARE definitely through hiking the PCT Frozen…. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise - most importantly yourself! 🥾⛰️🏕️ Cheers WW!

[@mattd9166]

I live in an area where forest fires happen a lot. That smoke is no joke. Your safety is more important than our entertainment.

[@papadoug2898]

You are wise to take the route with water amigo ! ….in my opinion your through hike is as legitimate as any👍

[@johnlong4987]

Jason...man you're a thru-hiker no matter what!! When a person walks thousands of miles without stopping...in my book thats a thru-hiker.

[@amberpittman6870]

Hey Frozen! Don't be so hard on yourself! You have done awesome and your choices were legitimately for safety reasons. Not a darn thing wrong with that! I commend anyone who makes a safe decision over a silly one! NO TRAIL IS WORTH A LIFE! Certainly not worth a family losing a loved one. YOU ARE A THRU HIKER! You guys hold your head high and keep keeping on as safely as you can and enjoy! Looking forward to the remainder of the journey. You all are awesome! Hi Bigfoot! Stay safe guys!!! 💪 💪😊😊❤❤🙏 🙏

[@futrspnshtrnsltr1]

I'm not a thru-hiker but found your channel back when you did the Appalachian trail because my husband and I went to Shenandoah for our honeymoon and then our 7 year anniversary and did some smaller hikes. Coming from someone who can't even fathom hiking as much as you have, I'd never hold it against you missing 100 miles, etc out of 2600! You should be proud! Stay safe for your family! Also...fellow Pennsylvanian here!

[@andyt5528]

I think you just need to do what you can and enjoy the journey. There's no law that says you need to do this in any particular way. You are so fortunate to have the time and ability to go on this adventure. Enjoy it for what it is, not for what it is not. :)

[@cherylbarns-y4m]

You met Kyle!!!Awesome. My vote thru- hiker with style and an intelligent thought process on your shoulders. You would not be human if you did not miss your family. We are all sharing your strengths and joys as we watch your videos. Vicariously walking with you. Congratulations for reaching Oregon border

[@angieblackwelder4951]

You are awesome! You are an inspiration to others who want to follow in your footsteps! Taking precautions is a smart move. You can always go back in the future and hit the areas you missed. Keep hiking! My husband and I, along with all of your fans, will continue to cheer you on!! Keep pushing through your doubts, fears, pains, etc. You got this!😊

[@pamelaburback9279]

We lived in southern Oregon for three years. Awesome mountain terrain there. Visited Ashland many times. Enjoy! Keep up the great work!!! And you are TOTALLY a thru-hiker. :-)

[@paulgoodman2924]

My two cents, first safety is the number one thing. You can't control the fires. The only thing you can do is keep going where you can. You will be proud of what you have done!

[@peteristead2528]

Safety first! It does not matter that you miss a few miles for safety reasons. It only matters that you finish it safely! And just enjoy yourself!! You have embarked on one of life’s great difficult adventures. Be proud of yourself😊

[@lawdawg1016]

This is West Coast summer hiking. You deal with not only fires but weather conditions that are severely unhealthy. It is a rare thru hiker that is able to complete every inch of the PCT. Don't judge yourself harshly, certainly none of us has the right to do so. Keep hiking man, looking forward to having you see Washington.

[@edwinbear7065]

You're a through hiker. The AT is unique in a ton of different ways - There is a robust and active conservancy that is able to spend a ton of time on the trail, aided by the fact that there are the Appalachian Mountains, which ARE mountains, but they're not Sierra Nevada mountains. There's no blocked by snowpack on the AT. Most water crossings won't kill you on the AT. And I think most importantly, the AT doesn't experience widespread wildfires -- which at this point the PCT does every year. I am a youtube hiking enthusiast, I love to follow people doing the big trails. I have never seen ANYONE make it 100% through the PCT the way you did the AT. Like the circumstances are just different, and it's a different trail. It's not the way the trail works. Also, the AT is amazing in that it is fully continuous, like it's really well done to be able to see every blaze. The PCT is a choose-your-own-adventure. There are multiple points where you have to choose which way you personally feel like going, and in many cases you have to pick the way to go that won't kill you. The CDT has even LESS continuity. Like the CDT isn't even 1 trail. I have followed many people that go back and hike fire closures in years following. That would be a great option for you in the coming years, because it won't require so much time away. You are putting in the work, and having the experience. You are a through hiker. Don't let anyone tell you differently, including yourself.

[@amkboyd]

@@edwinbear7065 this! I have been following hikers for years. The PCT is something entirely different than the AT. It would be a miracle to get through this trail without at least one wildfire a season. If it’s that important come back and make up those steps. Be proud of the 2400 plus miles you get. It’s a thru hike, it counts!

[@edwinbear7065]

@@amkboyd Totally agree.

[@kittywhitmire1905]

Think of your family…don’t take unnecessary risks. Safety is #1. I respect your decisions!

[@sjldfilms5126]

The end of the day, having the experience, enriching your life and making new friends is the goal. Your hard work is so appreciated and inspiring. ❤❤

[@CMC-ni2cf]

Set your priorities: 1 - Stay safe 2 - Have an adventure 3 - Enjoy your hike. Also, thanks for sharing with all of us - that is extra work man!

[@michaelcrawford9425]

You are definitely a PCT Thru-Hiker man! You are doing awesome.

[@christinereber1861]

You ARE a PCT Thru-hiker! You are doing your best to walk the miles, and no one expects you to risk your life or suffer ridiculously to be called a thru-hiker. You got this! Keep going!

[@carolynnkimmes1166]

The trail is not removed from its surroundings. The Earth is holistic. You are still walking in the direction of Canada. You are still doing the hike!

[@BOSmith1958]

More good hiking sir. Not sure of the definition of a thru hiker but from where I stand and see from years of watching you, you probably fit the description lol. It is mental from all you are dealing with, thats all. Relax brother because you are good and I hope you realize that. It takes a badass to do a thru hike.

[@dmac2094]

Are you kidding me?? What you are doing is absolutely incredible! You are walking from one country to another country, through America. Insane. Enjoy it my friend. You are doing something very few people can or will. Thank you for putting up your videos each week. I'm sitting at working watching these with envy. And I know how much extra effort, time, and thought it takes to record and produce all of this content while lying in a tent in the middle of a strange new land. You are crushing it. Bravo!

[@LWilli5]

Since you asked: the PCT is not the same as the AT, connecting footsteps on every mile of the trail is virtually impossible. Fires happen along the trail every year and they seem to be getting worse. You should follow the suggestions of the PCTA and follow alt. routes wherever necessary to stay safe. You’re right, you don’t want to make the news! None of the fire circumstances make your hike less of a thru-hike.

[@BOF7431]

Don't worry about what others may think. Know thy body, know they self mentally and know your limits. As an old Chiropractor instructor told us once in class: Body, heal Thy Self ! Hopefully you won't get more fire detours as you go north but as of this day, 950 more miles to go - go Team go !

[@ethanmathes62]

Be easy on yourself. What you're doing is badass, true thru hiker. The days of doing every step of the PCT may be over, seems impossible for conditions to be perfect for the whole trip anymore. Embrace and enjoy, you earned it. P.S. San Wah Keen ;-)

[@alfialho7722]

Congratulations on your border crossing! As far as a true thru hike, I think fire closures are the new norm on trail. You’re doing your best to use the alternates. I’d say, finishing the trail is an incredible accomplishment despite the closures. You guys are doing great!

[@stevelarsen965]

The pct is not fixed in its route or pure for anyone who wants to hike uninterrupted steps. Conditions require some flexibility and changes. You are doing you best to hike the whole trail without shortcuts or interruptions. That makes a genuine thru hike. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your own sense of integrity and what seems reasonable based on the actual conditions you face.

[@davidzarubin6912]

Dude, lets reel back a second, you are a guy who established a goal of hiking from the US/Mexican boarder to the US/Canadian border via the pathway called "The PCT" which includes and not limited to, detours, re-routes and closures, (kind of sounds like life itself "detours, re-routes & closures). PCTA never guaranteed or mandated a "continuous foot path" on your permit. Hike your trip on the PCT and then pivot if the PCT is not available due to safety concerns. The term Thru Hiker means "an end-to-end backpacking trip" which is exactly what you are doing, so keep up the good work hiking your hike and don't worry about the detours that come with life. Your first priority is to your wife and family, your safety is of the utmost importance to them and your primary responsibility. Taking a detour and breaking your "continuous footpath" around the Etna fires was a wise and responsible call. You can always go back after reaching Monument 78 and connect the 36-39 miles of walking, maybe slack pack it in one day. Keep it up, and stay positive.

[@knitturn3422]

You are definitely a thru-hiker on the PCT. You did official PCT alternates. If you make the news that means that you didn't walk from Mexico to Canada cause you died or got injured on the way. Plus being safe not only protects you, but also the people that would have to rescue you.

[@sjldfilms5126]

Drove through a mountain fire in Tennessee last year. It was terrifying. You are doing the right thing.

[@jasonbean4895]

you're killing it bro. don't overthink the whole "thru hiker" thing. whatever you're doing, it's inspiring. good luck with the fires moving northward.

[@kenwaldenville3467]

Frozen you have hiked what Mother Nature has give you to hiked at this point. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@markrico1917]

I personally think that PCT thru hikers are those who have hiked the whole trail ... aside from any detours, reroutes, or necessary skips due to act-of-God hazards. At this point in your journey, there's not any realistic way to say you're NOT a thru-hiker. PCT is a different beast than it used to be because of these yearly fires. *Edit* Also, 28 miles on a massive uphill day?!? You rock.

[@whmmswrrld]

You're getting from south to north. You're dodging hellscapes left and right with extreme heat trying to kill you. You're walking the best PCT you can. The route doesn't matter. You're making the journey.

[@DebCamPhoto]

I think the parameters of what constitutes a "thru hike" have changed over the years. I don't know if there are any more hazards now than when the trail was first created, but I do know every year there seems to be more and more hazards and challenges. You have proven yourself time and again and your health and safety is what is most important. So, all that being said, I think a Tru hike is hiking as much of a trail that is open and is safely possible. Please, never doubt that you are a thru hiker. You are!

[@Lewman211]

Hi Jason! 🙂 I was listening to your thoughts at the beginning of the video. It's called my friend, "Common Sense." You and Bigfoot were wise to 'miss those miles' for the sake of your health,' and as you eloquently said: "I don't want to be on the News." As far as being a PCT Thru-Hiker, even with the re-routes and the closures, look at all you all have accomplished on the trail together. You should be VERY PROUD, to call yourselves "Thru Hikers." I know that you are missing your family, i would be to, but while you are there take time to enjoy everything around you, and when you look back one day, you can tell your kids: "Yeah! Dad did that!" Hang in there and happy hiking! 🙂 P.S. count the "Walk-by" miles with your camera, and viola! The missed miles add back up! 🙂

[@Flipperwi715]

Through hiker all the way. That's what you are. Post looking at comments... I notice arm chair surfers being judges, who are fans and watching your travels. I challenge them to walk around the block. Personally, I wish but could not do what you accomplish. I won't share my story, but you and other hiking channels motivate the heck out of me.

[@nalonabrato8900]

How 😎 to see you with Kyle!

[@kmcgoeshiking27]

You are an amazing through hiker!! You do your best to hike the trail as its suppose to be but understand there are changes that happen. You are through hiking from Mexico to Canada!!!!! Keep on keeping on!!!

[@baskets8429]

doing great! happy hiking looks like a Epic adventure

[@jasonmoon2942]

You have walked "Thru" every state from California to Washington. You indeed sir are a "Thru" hiker!!!! Not a year goes by that there are not closures on the trail!!! Almost there!!!!

[@garylindenmuth7468]

Omg glad to see you two ran into each other fans of both your channels be well.

[@DavidonEarth]

Dude, just enjoy your time in nature. If it won't be engraved on your gravestone; if no one will mention it in your eulogy, it doesn't matter. Anyone who judges you is a nobody. Embrace the moment. It's the journey, right? Close your eyes and be thankful for all the great things in your life. Celebrate every decision because every past decision brought you to where you are right now. Really. (I give myself this same advice almost every day) Appreciate your honesty and candidness.

[@LauraJ-qh7vr]

Worry about it later. Just enjoy your hike. You will get a better perspective of it later. Just remember you are walking from Mexico to Canada! What you would you tell your kids if they were doing that hike? Would you say that they weren't really thru hikers or that they did an amazing job? Personally, we think you are a thru hiker for sure!! We were surprised to see Kyle there. We watch his channel all the time too, and like your channel, we are subscribed to his as well. Congratulations on making it out of California and into Oregon. Well done!!!!

[@charliem5332]

When there are serious dangers, you have to avoid them. I would consider that part of through hiking.

[@danedanforth1207]

You are being too hard on yourself. Simply finishing the trail is a stupendous accomplishment. Would like to see return to the joy you had when you show so much appreciation about nature and the privilege you have to be where you are. You can do it- stay strong

[@lynnmccormick6418]

Quit beating yourself up Jason! You ARE a thru hiker! It's 112 degrees. You are doing it!! And it's beautiful! AT Trip

[@Wanderinginthewilds]

Congrats on making it to Oregon 👏👏👏👍👍🤙✌️

[@rasmusklitgaard3648]

Hike your own hike, Frozen. Hi Kyle! Flossy is still the MVP 🙂

[@miquerto]

You are 100 percent through hiking the PCT as far as I'm concerned. There's a difference in what you are doing and whatever color blazing skipping whole sections by car just b/c you don't feel like it. You are making decisions based on whether the conditions are safe or not. I like what another comment said about being an endurance athlete b/c thats what you gotta be to walk from Mexico to Canada. That's what you are doing, and you are a through hiker. Just my 2 cents. Don't let some silly doubt cheat you out of what you have accomplished. Also, thanks for sharing it. I really enjoy watching along.

[@edschultz5718]

It is what it is, better safe than sorry. You are still a thru hiker, no question. Don't forget to stop at Thunder Island brewing in Cascade Locks! Good Luck!

[@Ann13ford]

Frozen, you're doing amazing!!! Safety first, mister! If you're bugged by miles skipped, then perhaps someday you connect your footpath, as done by other thru hikers, who faced fire closures. Keep up the good work!

[@SilverVagabonds]

Seriously, the heat and smoke are deadly! I know this video is a week or two ago, but just this weekend 7/21 3 hikers died in Utah from heat and lack of water. We were just in Canada and the fires/smoke was so bad, we had to leave and come back to the US. So…be careful and you have given this your all….in my mind you are a thru hiker!

[@JamesGolden-co5ox]

You definitely made the right call. Hiking in smoke in dangerous and you would have been miserable anyway. Sure it would be nice to do a continuous footpath, but sometimes Mother Nature throws you a curve ball and there ain't nothin' you can do about it.

[@rickputnam8816]

San Joaquin is pronounced San Wah KEEN. Spanish adds a nice flavor to what we name our places.

[@johncostello4833]

U doing the right thing.. just enjoy what u can… yes u are a thru hiker period.. some stuff u cant control

[@gregharmon3797]

Doing great and staying safe at the same time, hell yeah your a thru-hiker

[@falingsky5731]

You’re over thinking the thru hiker thing, it doesn’t matter, just hike, learn, enjoy, struggle, challenge yourself!

[@stevendorsey4882]

To me, a "through hiker" is one who uses his or her best judgment in hiking as much of the trail as possible. Starts at the start and finishes at the finish, without skipping sections for no good reason. In your case, on the PCT this year with the fires, you need to use good judgment to avoid danger. You and Bigfoot are doing the best you can and being smart while doing it, so, yeah, you're true through hikers.

[@agilegold]

You don't need to risk your life. You need to continue making sensible decisions. "What is it?" (you just asked that in the video) > It's a decision made by a sensible adult. Part of thru hiking is making reasonable decisions based on day-to-day conditions. Quit worrying about covering every inch of the official trail. You're awesome!

[@NightHawk59]

I agree with @davefox1553 being smart doesn't detract from the accomplishment of walking from Mexico to Canada! Keep safe, hike smart.

[@lulamarie6218]

Dude, you’re a thru hiker, so don’t forget the most important thing “The Journey is The Destination “ Enjoy your time, it will come to an end before you can blink an eye.

[@karenanddogs6645]

Welcome to Oregon!!! I picture you and your children and wife coming back to hike sections of the pct together someday now that you know the terrain better. I bet they would love being out here with their dad! 😊

[@suzannemarshall7458]

You are definitely a through hiker!!!! Fires happen and heat has too. Feeling well and safe is part of hiking too!!

[@davideverett5214]

Isn't there guidelines on what is considered a thru hike? I would say abide by the suggestions! Hard things are hard, nothing is guaranteed! You're doing great!

[@mikepowers8607]

I'm going to agree with what everyone else is saying. PCT (from watching your videos and bits and pieces of other's videos) is a TOTALLY different breed of cat compared to the AT. Different trail, different standards as to "what is a thru-hiker". So yeah, you ARE a PCT thru-hiker. As Lanny Frattare used to say when he was calling the games for the Buccos...there is noooo doubt about it. (You are old enough to remember him, aren't you?)

[@wandawilloughby6052]

How cool you met Kyle.

[@MarlinGawith]

It would be interesting to know the last time someone actually walked an uninterrupted footpath on the PCT in a single year. I'm on the 17 year plan.

[@tonybabcock655]

Quit doubting yourself and your decisions. The AT can be done as a Purist. The CDT is a choose your own adventure. The PCT with fire and weather changes has become a get-thru hike. If yo make it to the end by making wise decisions, that’s most of the battle. Making decisions that don’t end your hike. That’s the challenge.

[@gboltonatrail1099]

What I’ve learned about a Thru Hike… You can’t compete against the trail, it will beat you up, burn you up or injure you so you can’t win! Instead you must flow with the trail and let it provide the path you are to follow and experience the journey meant for you. As long as you don’t quit, Skip miles for no reason other than to speed boat ahead of others without a viable reason other than to push yourself further along the trail and closer to a “finish” of the trail. Skipping miles just to skip miles. Also, don’t confuse the over all term, Thru Hiker; with various types of Thru hikers. Such as, Purist, continuous steps, slack packing, flip flippers, NOBOs, Sobos etc. yet, realizing that when you hike your own hike, you may decide to aquablaze but not agree with Yellow blaze or think that both are cheating YOUR meaning of Thru Hiking. However, for right now, “You are not Through Hiking”, So you are not a “Thru Hiker” but a Section Hiker Trying to complete the entire trail in one go to become a Thru Hiker. Just Keep the Faith and Keep HikN!

[@KatWoman_]

I so look forward to your videos.

[@AJKPenguin]

Jason, back when you hiked the Appalachian Trail, you were not a husband and a father. Since you are one, you are doing the right things. You are a Pacific Crest Thru Hiker, should you reach Canada. You are more than welcome to hike places you wish to be reacquainted with again. I tip my hat to you and your family. And I tip my hat to Bigfoot for traveling about halfway across the globe to traverse the Pacific Crest.

[@garylindenmuth7468]

Hike on

[@allisongriffin8983]

Given the annual fire season and record heat that is now the norm in the west, skipping parts of the trail is now part of the adventure of hiking the pct. Do what you can. stay safe. Maybe consider bringing the kids in a decade or so to hike those missing sections with you.

[@ScottMichaels-r8i]

You can't control the weather or fires or terrain or elevation, you can only adjust and accept it. It's not your fault if you have to skip sections. That's life.

[@LeahWriter]

I personally wouldn't sweat missing a few miles. It's not like you haven't risked your life in numerous spots. You are still a thru-hiker, in my armchair opinion! Cool that you ran into Kyle lol

[@CruzCruz-nw7fi]

sooo cool seeing Kyle Hates Hiking, I love how the YT hiker community all knows each other,,I would consider you a PCT thru hiker even with the missing miles , I think it’s a personal thing like if it burns u up that u skipped the 39 miles or the other 10 miles that u can revisit those spots later if you are so compelled to do so

[@davidherdman6181]

IMHO an individual’s thru hike is making day to day decisions on what is safe, ie the Mission Creek difficulty, find a way around it. What is open, is the trail closed due to fire.? Skip around it. Skill level, mountaineering experience in traversing steep angled snow, should you take an easier less dangerous route? It’s all down to the individual really but when claiming a thru hike it should have a caveat attached, I skipped ‘so and so’ due to fire closure etc. Simply enjoy your journey. Good luck with the final PCT miles.

[@chrisedwards8681]

ADAPT & OVERCOME! IT IS WHAT IT IS! STAY SAFE!

[@kenbaker4528]

When you finish you’ll be a PCT through hiker in my book.👍

[@trailslug893]

Hey you can't control the environment so you do the best you can do and if it bothers you come back and make up those areas. Dixie missed a some of trail when she through hiked the PCT due to closures and she came back later to connect the dots. Either way you are a through hiker in my book all day long. You keep up the moving north and skip what has to be skipped and you'll be a hero to a lot of people closures or not.

[@Mikey-Likes-It_101]

I checked all the maps, and this segment of the Seiad Creek Trail (USFS road 48N20) is actually labeled on many maps as “Pacific Crest Trail.” In fact, in the Seiad valley area, there are multiple valid Pacific Crest Trail designated paths. That said, from Mexico to Canada there are many places where the trail changes every year. So if you think you’re going to hike an exact Pacific Crest Trail through hike, you will never hike the same hike each year. Even for Eric Ryback in 1970, he had to circumnavigate the trail in many places, especially in the North Cascades National Park since he was a southbound hiker and it was all snow in June. To me, the true PCT through hiker is someone who works as hard as possible to have continuous footsteps from Mexico to Canada. You are doing that. Skipping ahead as necessary because of fires or bridge outages. Safety is number 1. There’s no way to avoid it in any year. If you want to be the perfectionist that you are, then come back in another year and hike the section that you had to skip. Just keep in mind that once a fire burns in area, it’s often three or four years before that path opens again. you are doing a great job, you are honest, and you’re documenting your work. Hike on!

[@claramullen]

Jason missing miles for safety because they close the trail is something you have to do and don't feel bad about it.

[@nashbateman2061]

You can’t complain about that drive haha I was sitting in the trunk for an hour, you were definitely not the most uncomfortable person in that car 😂 and she drove great, I was watching, remember I spotted that turkey before anyone from all the way in the back. That was really clutch of you though to secure that ride for everyone. Enjoyed hiking with you guys, definitely missed y’all at trail days

[@FrozensAdventures]

Good to hear from you man! How'd your finish go?

[@pg3453]

Fires are just a thing for now on in the west. Just do the best you can and it counts.

[@amyhess5029]

Comparing the PCT and the AT…it’s comparing apples to oranges. The PCT is a totally different beast and the rule with continuous steps does not apply. The sooner you can make peace with doing your best, you can enjoy the trail.

[@PSUhorty1]

Thank you!