Section H - WA PCT in Southwest WA. 21.4m, 3,244’ elevation

PCT SOBO - Crest Camp to FR68. The road to the TH was in great shape. Some potholes after the pavement ends but nothing major. The trail coming out of crest camp edges along a large lava field - it’s hard to capture with photos. Interesting area! There are a few camp sites between the TH and the saddle just below Big Huckleberry Mtn. There is a primo camp site at the saddle below BHM with an amazing view of Mt Adams. The forest to the south of BHM is super amazing - lush and full of flowers. Bear grass was blooming throughout the hike, along with lupine and arrowhead balsam root. There are a few view points of Mt Hood further south before the turn around point at FR68.

PCT SOBO - into Oregon! Started at the bridge of the Gods parking area. The trail gains a massive 6,434’ over 18miles (out and back). The trail contains a number of water falls and a mix of interesting vegetation - bear grass was beginning to bloom out! There was also quite a bit of Oregon poison oak in the Columbia basin side of the trail. Portions of the trail that burned in 2017 now have thick undergrowth in areas, so keeping an eye out for the poison oak was important! Some great views of St Helens and Adams, as well as peek a boo views if Mt Hood. A PCTA work crew was out maintaining tread and brushing - thank you!! 

Whistle Punk Trailhead to FR 68 segment. Trail in excellent condition; there is active maintenance of the trail between Whistle Punk and Wind River, and more active maintenance above Panther Creek CG - thank you to whom ever is doing the work! There are a few (~4-5) medium sized blown downs between the Panther Creek bridge and FR 68. There aren’t really any dramatic vistas on this segment, but the forests are constantly changing and there is some wonderful old growth trees near Panther Creek and the hillside above. There’s also an interesting pocket of stunted oak tree habitat at ~2,000’ elevation - which was unexpected! Also heard a few wild turkeys in that same area. 

Day hike from Whistle Punk trail head SOBO to appx Snag Creek (a LONG day hike). The trail is in lovely condition throughout this segment of the PCT. Only a few very minor blowdowns, all easily stepped over; the largest blowdown appears at about ~1m from the Trout Creek bridge (easy walk around). The first part of the PCT south of the Trout Creek bridge crossing is the loveliest forest part of the trail, it’s a wonderful stand of old growth. There is another small stand of old growth at about ~4m in from Trout Creek. Only peek-a-boo views of Adams and Hood along the higher parts of the trail. There is another small stand overlook at around mile ~3 of the trail, but it’s not vastly scenic per se. The trail crossings of Lookout Mtn road indicates (by signage) that the road is decommissioned. The Sedum Ridge trail appears to still exist, but I did not go down that segment to assess conditions. Only saw one trail runner in the last 15 minutes of the trip. Road to Whistle Punk TH is paved and nicely packed gravel, suitable for all vehicles. 21.1m, 4,771’ RT. 

Hike from CG2000 road crossing of the PCT SOBO, to approximately 1m from Table Mountain. 05/01/25.
Formal start point: 45.76206, -122.04036

Formal turn-around-point: 45.70155, -121.99927

Also included a small portion NOBO from CG2000 to Snag Creek.

CG2000 road is in excellent condition, hardly any washboard or potholes up to the trail head. 

PCT is in great shape in this segment. A few small diameter blow downs - easy to step over and under. Snow is nearly all gone; small sections of snow at about 3,000’ south of the turn off for Three Corner Rock. While I did not hike to Three Corner Rock, my best guess is it’s either snow free or will be very soon. 

I did encounter TICKS in an overgrown (grassy) segment above Table Mountain. Did not expect that! But seemed to be isolated to that area only (near the turn around point - listed above).