NOTE: The Forest Service logs out this trail every June (this year it was 6/16 so we just missed it and suggest that you plan accordingly).
This is a fantastic trail and is rightfully one of the "100 Classic Hikes" in Washington. Three of us completed the north section in three days, made challenging due to trail conditions and our extra peaks. Water was plentiful!
Day One: After car camping at the excellent Deer Creek Campground and trailhead, we hiked ten-plus miles to Ryan Cabin Camp which is .3 miles from the crest trail but included plentiful water and two seldom used camp-spots. This was the most challenging day due to the number of downed trees - approximately 75 trees along the entire stretch - plus battling slide alder which is forcing the trail downhill. Nothing that a great trail crew could handle - but it should be done soon - before the grade continues to slide. Ticks were also numerous on this stretch, but few beyond.
Day Two: Ryan Creek Camp to Wapaloosie Saddle plus Mt Leona for a total of 15 miles. The trail between Ryan Creek and Copper Butte is in excellent shape with just a couple blowdowns. Copper Butte to Wapaloosie has just a few blowdowns but quite a bit of deep snow. We opted to camp at the saddle and melted snow for dinner.
Day Three: Saddle to Sherman Pass plus Columbia Mountain (great cabin) and Jungle Hill (wonderful historic summit register) for a total of 10 miles. This section has around a dozen blowdowns but is generally in great shape.
All springs had water plus some small creeks. This is a great time of year to explore this iconic trail!
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