[pct-l] Manning Park to Rainy Pass Conditions

[conniedavis at earthlink.net (Connie Davis)]

Lookout, Mongous, Skittles, Cedar, and Recess left Manning Park on June 
16 and arrived June 19 at Hwy 20 (Rainy Pass).  The views along this 
section were stunning!  Snow conditions were very similar to what was 
experienced in the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains at the 
beginning of May.  Most of the passes between the Canada-U.S. border 
and Hwy 20 have some snow which was soft, but very little post-holing 
was experienced.  The passes were relatively easy to traverse.  We 
didn't carry ice axes.  As reported by others, the switchbacks at 
Granite Pass are still mostly obscured by snow and we kicked in better 
steps to get back on the trail.  The snowy bowl between Granite and 
Cutthroat is steep and could be difficult if icy.  Hikers need to be 
prepared for hiking in Pacific Northwest weather!  Hail, sleet, and 
rain (i.e. wet and cold conditions) are possible for days at a time.  
Many, many thanks to trail angels Marmot and Trail Dog for the great 
barbecue at Rainy Pass which was very much appreciated by us and quite 
a few other thru-hikers.  Thanks also to my husband and step-daughter 
for driving up from Olympia with our resupply and great camping 
company.

- Lookout