Pacific Crest Trail--Section J

Rainy Pass to Canada

August 26 - Sept. 1, 2006

Left, the Gang of Four at the trailhead at Rainy Pass(Point Man, Bullfrog, Fung and Scout). Right, the same gang after six days and 70 miles, at the U.S.-Canada border.
The last section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail has some of its best scenery--and some of its greatest challenges. When thru hikers arrive in mid-September, they can face snowy trails or forest fires--or both. Often creeks have dried up and hunter may be out in force. For the Gang of Four, we didn't think we'd face such obstacles, since we were heading out in late August. But we were going to be surprised by many of these late autumn conditions--everything but the hunters would come our way.

Once again it was a troop of college magazine editors and one token lawyer. This time we decided to use trail names--a time-honored PCT tradition. Usually, someone else gives you your name. Three years ago, my cousin Rick called me "Bullfrog" because of the sunscreen I use so frequently. Because Kevin is always head of the rest of the group, he became "Point Man." Bob is always the one to "Scout" the best campsite. As for Chuck, he told a dirty joke and ended up with one of the words in the punch line, "Fung."

Scout and I had hiked some of this section before in 1995. I was looking forward to a return, plus the sense of acomplishment as we crossed the border and I (mostly) completed the PCT in Washington.

Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
Day Six
Day Seven
Day Eight

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