Washington State Trails Coalition

05/07/2026

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

📢 PSA: be prepared for long waterless stretches! Carry enough water.💧

The PCT can be rugged, remote, and hard. This is even more true when you’re walking sections that have little to no water. Make sure you study the miles ahead closely, so you don’t walk blindly into a bad situation.

✔Have plenty of water carrying capacity in case you need it. Depending on the length of the waterless stretch, how far you can walk per day, and the temperatures, you might want a six-, seven-, or even larger-liter capacity! Yes, that’s a lot of weight.

✔Know your limits: for many of us, some stretches are just too dry and hard – especially when it's hot.

✔Study the reports of others – seasonal sources dry up. Make sure you know where the next reliable water is. Don’t depend on water caches – when your safety depends on water, leaving it to chance isn’t a smart move.

☀️Dehydration, heat illness and hyponatremia are real threats on the PCT. Your safety is your responsibility.

What tips and stories do you have for others when it comes to managing water on the PCT?

Photo by: Kyle Tisdale

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

The road to Hart's Pass, a key Pacific Crest Trail access point, is closed due to storm damage. Graves Creek Road, which provides access to the Enchanted Valley trailhead in Olympic National Park, is closed due to erosion. Mount Rainier and North Cascades national parks are set to release more backc...

05/01/2026

Winter storms left widespread damage across the Okanogan‑Wenatchee National Forest, and crews are still assessing conditions as snow melts and seasonal staff arrive. Visitors can expect downed trees, washouts, and limited access in several areas. Work is already underway to restore access where possible, with larger repairs moving into planning.

One area seeing significant early‑season impacts is the Lakeshore Trail along Lake Chelan. December’s atmospheric rivers carved a deep ravine at Hunts Creek, severely damaging the trail. A trail crew will be on-site this month to accelerate repairs. Until then, hikers can still reach Stehekin with modified routes and ferry support.

What to know:
• Intermediate hikers: Start at Prince Creek → exit at Moore Point after crossing the Fish Creek bridge → take the ferry “bump up” to Stehekin. No shoreline access to the private dock.
• Expert hikers: Start at Prince Creek → expect a very difficult 8–10 ft bedrock ravine crossing at Hunts Creek → continue on trail to Stehekin.
• No cell service and no alternate trail routes.
• Local ferry operators will share “bump up” details and pick‑up times as seasonal use ebbs and flows.

More details and a map of the Lakeshore Trail route options are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/recreation/trails/lakeshore-trail-1247

Repairs to the Lakeshore Trail, as well as roads and other trails across the forest, are underway and we ask visitors to please stay alert, plan ahead, and check with local ranger districts or our website before heading out. We’ll share more information on impacts across the forest as additional assessments are completed.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/conditions

05/01/2026