Arrived at the PCT North trailhead on a chilly, sunny Wednesday just after 10am. There were just a few other cars at the trailhead. The restrooms were open and reasonably clean when I started my hike… but they were locked and signed as “Closed for the Winter” when I returned! I prefer to take the Old Commonwealth Basin trail for the ascent from this trailhead but the steady stream of water running down the middle of the trail convinced me to stay on the PCT instead.
The first three miles of the trail were snow-free although there was a nice dusting of snow lining the trail most of the way. The water crossings were definitely more challenging given the recent rains – the most difficult crossing was at around the two-mile mark just below the waterfall. The main problem was that the exposed rocks were completely covered in ice, limiting your rock-hopping selections to slightly-submerged rocks. That being said, my trekking poles and mostly-waterproof hiking boots were enough to cross the stream without getting my feet completely soaked.
The views of Guye Peak, Red Mountain and Snoqualmie Mountain were beautiful today against the bright blue sky and the light dusting of snow. Just after reaching the clearing (and excellent viewpoint) at 3.25 miles, the trail became increasingly slippery and the wind started to pick up so I decided to turn around and use my extra time to check out all of the mushrooms I had quickly by-passed on the ascent. Even at my leisurely pace I did not see any other hikers during my entire hike!
6.5 miles, 3.25 hours, and 1,600 feet of elevation gain
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