Week 23 – Stevens Pass to Stehekin (mile 2462 to 2569)

I left from Stevens Pass on Saturday afternoon, to get in a few miles before dark. I woke up the next morning to an early season snowstorm, and the next two mornings after that to light rain/drizzle. But the weather generally was dry in the afternoons, and I was able to dry out then. Well, I guess no one really “dries out” in Washington…you just get less wet! :-p

Day 138: (Sept 5th)

image
Leaving Stevens Pass
image
Mountains are getting bigger again!

Day 139: (Sept 6th)

image
Why is it still so dark at 8am??
image
Oh, 2 inches of snow...
image
Miserable, wet slushy hiking
image
Washington has some crazy looking mushrooms. Kinda like the Super Mario ones

Day 140: (Sept 7th)

image
Another misty wet day

image

image
The sun is trying to come out
image
I found a random locked canister
image
The obligatory mileage photo. Only one more to go!
image
View from Red Pass
image
Must've been a powerful flood thru here!
image
More flood effects
image
The bridge was still functional at least
image
Glacier peak is trying to show itself

Day 141: (Sept 8th)

image
Another wet day in Washington
image
There used to be a trail here. Its a looong jump now
image
I found some enormous trees. Backpack set against the tree for scale.
image
Cool glacial river. Not drinkable, but the silt feels neat on the skin

Day 142: (Sept 9th)

image
Sunny dry day!
image
Nice smooth trail today, no washouts or broken bridges
image
Glacier peak view from Suiattle Pass
image
Land of the Marmots
image
Bridge in need of a tuneup
image
Nice lunch break by a waterfall
image
I just thought this sign was funny

Day 143: (Sept 10th)

image
View from my tent...good morning!
image
It was a short 4 mile walk to the Stehekin shuttle bus
image
View from our lunch table
image
A ham steak as a burger topping?? Yes please
image
We tried to hitch a ride on the plane

The hike thru Glacier Peak wilderness was beautiful, when the weather cooperated to allow a view. It was 108 miles of hiking without seeing a road or building, I think this was the most remote section of the whole trail. I’m gonna enjoy civilization in Stehekin for a day, before I get back on trail to hike the final 81 miles!
-R

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *