PCT - Section J - SOBO, Washington

July 8th 2018
After blisters, scrapes and bruises, I completed my 76-mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail through Washington's Central Cascades. This year was a high snow year for the Cascades. Night temps. ranged from 28 - 42 degrees depending on elevation. Elevation gain and loss was over 16,400 feet! I started southbound at Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie with one additional trail.
Backpackers who complete the Stevens - Snoqualmie Pass segment of the Pacific Crest Trail will hike through some of the most remote and diverse mountain country along the entire 2650-mile trail.
- WTA tinyurl.com/puuucoj
Virtual View of this section: • PCT Section J, WA - (v...
Music: Scott Holmes
RUMTUM
Blue Friction
Cedar Skies

[@pathalderman7051]

So beautiful! I like the music and that you seem so calm and let the viewers enjoy the journey with you. Thank you!

[@craigsmith6446]

NIce job, I enjoyed this video immensely. Epic music!

[@Avi_K_dog]

Great video 🍀😎

[@teddpreuss]

Thanks!

[@cookiekrisp3004]

very cool! I am thinking of this section for late summer 2020. what was your average daily mileage? I'll be flying into Seattle so trying to decide nobo or sobo? Any advantages for one over the other? Any ticks? Bear canister? Thanks!

[@teddpreuss]

Thanks! I really enjoyed this section. I averaged around 14 miles a day even in snow. SOBO easier than NOBO for the first day on the trail. NOBO you’ll have a big climb. I also made a virtual trek video SOBO kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5DZh2aKqJJqrKs with my camp spots. Just a heads up, there’s no phone service, but apps like Guthooks (PCT-Washington) or AllTrails work fine off-line. I always carry my InReach for emergencies…I also use it for texting family while hiking. I saw a few ticks, but never had one on me. I sprayed Sawyer’s Permethrin Spray on my clothing including socks and hat…it helps with mosquitos too. For food storage I used Zpacks Bear bag hanging kit. This year I switch to OPsak ziplocks inside a Ursack Major tied to a tree a good distance from my tent. Have fun and be safe!

[@erickillg811]

Thanks for sharing your journey. I’m planning on doing this hike this summer. It looks like early spring some white in the mountains what time are year were you there .

[@teddpreuss]

Hi Erick, I started my hike July 8th. I kept an eye on the live cams at Stevens Pass until the snow was almost gone. www.stevenspass.com/site/mountain/cams/resort-cams Have a fun trip!

[@kristinabrooks2813]

What time of year did you do this? I'm looking at hiking this section this summer.

[@teddpreuss]

I started July 8th of last year. I watched the snow levels from the live cams at Stevens Pass Resort. www.stevenspass.com/site/mountain/cams . Snow levels look lower this year. You also check out Facebook group “PCT SOBO 2019” Some of the hikers might be on the trail already. Have an awesome trip!

[@tamiboelter2833]

Can I get your itinerary. I am doing this section end of August 2021

[@teddpreuss]

Hi Tami, I started at Stevens Pass, late morning. Day 1 - 12 miles - Campsite at the top of pass next to Trap Lake. (PCT mile marker 2452) Day 2 - 12 miles - Campsite next to stream. (PCT mile marker 2440) Day 3 - 10 miles - Campsite on Waptus Lake, hiked down 1/3 mile to lake from the junction. (PCT mile marker 2430.4) Day 4 - 19 miles - Campsite just pass Delate Creek Falls (PCT mile marker 2411.7) Day 5 - 11 miles - Campsite at Ridge Lake (PCT mile marker 2400.7) Day 6 - 7 miles - Snoquaimie Pass. (PCT mile marker 2393) Have a great time!

[@tamiboelter2833]

@@teddpreuss Thank you!

[@tamiboelter2833]

@@teddpreuss You reference PCT mile marker 2440. Were you using an app that showed mile markers? or a paper map?

[@teddpreuss]

@@tamiboelter2833 I used both, paper maps and Guthook app. Here’s a link to the paper maps…start with page 8 (Stevens Pass) and work backwards to page 1. drive.google.com/file/d/1Vt3oK-2CXxqOC5_dB-j5Bgirg6lCGXdk/view?usp=sharing Guthook app is more updated with water sources. It shows where you are on the trail with no cellular signal (off-line). It’s $7.95 for PCT Washington sections. atlasguides.com/pacific-crest-trail-map/ Ps. Most of this section has no phone signal.

[@johneason6540]

Hi Just watched your video March 9 2020 I'm trying to plan to hike this section in june,july or august. Are you interested in hiking this section again this year. I'm looking for a hiking partner? If yes send me a message. Also what were the dates you made this hike. Thanks

[@teddpreuss]

Hi John, Glad you enjoyed the video, it’s one of my favorite sections of the PCT. No plans to hike it again in the near future. Heads up, there’s little to 0 cellular service, best to a GPS messenger device. Good luck!

[@willdriskill9530]

Is there any thing u brought and wish you didn't? Or was there something u wish u had with You? I've been planing for 4 years to do this part and finely get to late aug.

[@teddpreuss]

Hi Will, good questions. I was pretty happy with the gear I brought. I learned the hard way about some of the spicy food I brought. They were great when I sampled them before the trail, but was too hard on my stomach after hiking all day. Two things I wish I brought, microspikes for the time of year I hiked and a InReach GPS communicator so family can track and text me. Here’s my gear list for this year lighterpack.com/r/2urvur Have a fun trip!