White Pass to Chinook Pass — Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley

Great weather. Bugs not bad. Passed quite a few PCT thru hikers on their way to Canada, on the trail since April. Most beautiful section in my opinion is between Chinook to about half way to White Pass. After that, you are pretty much in the trees the rest of the way, with minimal wide open views. American Lake is a real gem. Cougar Lakes required a drop to get to, which at the end of a long hot day, felt like forever. Not much camping that we found at big cougar lake, so we camped at smaller one. Lots of "closed for restoration" signs. Best views were on day two. Left cougar lakes, made our way back to the PCT and headed south. This stretch from the cougar/american lake intersection with the PCT, south to crag lake, was the prettiest section in my opinion. Wide open views of the Nelson Ridge range, the Bumping Lake drainage, let alone the peaks around you. There is a 1.5 mile section that offers a choice of two trails. They join together a short distance later. (Interestingly, the junction to the north is nicely marked with a metal sign; the southern junction has no sign and has branches across it). One trail drops to "two Lakes" -- good for a water fill up as water is nil between Anderson Lake and Crag Lake (7+ mile distance). But if you are good on water, I'd stay high on the PCT trail itself, as it's up here that the views were the best. This 1.5 mile stretch was my favorite of the whole weekend. Camped south of the Fish Lake area. Climb about 500 ft in less than a mile to find a nice big camp sight along a fresh running stream. From here the third day was trees/ponds and more trees. Not much picture opportunity. Hiked out the last 12 miles in 6 1/2 hours. If anyone found my pink 'Crystal Mountain' bandana, let me know thanks.