29     Snoqualmie Pass - Skykomish   74 miles

Snoqualmie Pass

Dutch Meadow Horse CG              16.0 m

Deep Lake                                 27.0 m

Thunder Mountain                       19.0 m

Skykomish                                 11.7 m

All of us thruhikers were invited for dinner by a fellow hiker. We spent the night next to a Chevron station within earshot of the Interstate in a tiny bit of forest. In the morning we continued on the old PCT. This has become Goldmyer Hot Springs Trail. First we hiked through "Alpental" with street names like "Alpental North Strasse" and houses that are supposed to look like Alpine. Then a steep ascent to Snow Lake followed. Until there the trail was in a good condition. The descent down into Snoqualmie Valley turned out to be in a very, very bad shape. It was totally derelict. A very difficult descent. Subsequently we only made limited miles that day. Via Dutch Miller Trail we came back to the PCT again. The difference in trail quality was remarkable. There are many more hikers on PCT and it is much better maintained.

Next day a fellow hiker fell into one of the creeks while trying to cross. This crossing is supposed to be quite hard in most years and earlier in the year. I had no problems crossing. We could see all night the flames of a forest fire during the last night before arriving at Skykomish. It was on the other side of the valley. The air was very bad. Finally we went through a ski area down to Skykomish at Stephens Pass. I was lucky and soon got a ride the Dinsmore's in Baring. My food package was waiting for me. Also I had a shower and got my clothes washed. I spent the night in a bed at their Hiker Heaven. Next we went back up to Stephens Pass and down the other side to Leavenworth.

PCT trail marking

Rocky PCT

One of many creeks in Washington

Waters force is hard to stop

Difficult to ford creek in most years

We could see the wild fire all night long

First signs of fall

Baring shop and Post Office opposite of Dinsmore's hostel

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