Cathedral Rock, Nosh Nosh Wahtum, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section J - Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass & Deception Pass — Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024

   I challenged myself to a loop hike starting at the Cathedral Pass TH, with a side trip to Peggy's Pond, back to the PCT to Deception Pass, then taking the Deception Pass trail back to the TH. My mission was to delivery some cold snacks to the WTA crew working near Hyas Lake in the afternoon.
   Parking was crowded at the TH when I arrived at 07:15. I had to repack some things and finally got going at 08:00. Cathedral Pass trail is in good condition. I was able to steadily gain elevation to Nosh Nosh Wahtum. I wish the WTA hiking guide would mention the meaning of the lake name. More steady elevation gain to the junction with the PCT. Head south for just a bit, then branch off to Peggy's Pond trail, which is a narrow boot trail traversing around the base of Cathedral Rock. You get a great view of Deep Lake below.
   I arrived at Peggy's Pond around 10:45. I saw two groups had set up camp, and two guys were fishing. I took some photos and headed back to the PCT junction. There I started to cold soak my lunch and continued on. 
On the PCT, berries were ripe! I snacked on a few handfuls at a few good patches. Delicious! On the map there are seasonal streams but the first one I came across had dried up. I checked the Far Out app and saw that the next stream was also dry and the next water source was  3.3 miles from the junction, the stream/creek feeding into Hyas Lake. I started with 1.75 liters but I had drunk it all. Thankfully it had been all downhill from the junction. The sound of rushing water sounded heavenly when I arrive around 13:15. There I filled up on water and took my lunch break. 
   After lunch I continued on, crossing the creek on rocks. The PCT started to climb again but a few more berry breaks helped me ignore the climb. There were portions where the tread was slipping. Some brushing would also be helpful. I arrived at Deception Pass at 14:30. From there, the trail would be all downhill! I kept a steady pace. The trail is in good condition but could use some brushing. I started seeing brand new puncheons and finally saw the WTA campsite at around 15:35. I delivered the cold goodies to the seven member BCRT crew. We chatted for a bit, exchanging volunteering stories.
   I bid the crew farewell and headed out around 16:05. I was back at the TH parking at 17:15.
   Total miles walked, according to GaiaGPS was 16.9 miles with 3828 ft of ascent and descent, and 9hr 15min on trail.

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=14.4/-121.1418/47.5928&pubLink=XMNqEeVHdjX3ZBMNfLzynIxv&trackId=df0665ba-0dba-4295-a83a-6d5aebf789e7