The journey actually begins on the gravel, windy road that leads you up one of the highest roads in Washington to Hart’s Pass and the PCT trailhead. Beautiful alpine meadows, rugged ridges and mountain peaks of the Paysayten Wilderness.
Route:
Follow the PCT north for about 18 miles to the junction with Rock Creek Trail #473. This section of the PCT offers incredible views and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.
The area offers rugged peaks, alpine lakes nestled in hidden basins, deep valleys surrounded by cascading waterfalls, and lush green meadows. Five or six miles of unmaintained trail that will require the traveler to have a background in navigation. The views and solitude are worth the “extra work”.
Start Point: Hatchery Creek TH on FS Rd 7905
End Point: Chiwaukum TH off Hwy 2
Route:
Leg 1: Hatchery Creek Trail #1577 to junction with Trail #1576 (3.0 miles) stay left and continue on Hatchery Creek Trail at this junction
From Long Swamp, the route begins a lollipop loop by running the 4 mile stick on trail # 342. Connect to trail #375, #341, and then #343. The trail then reconnects with trail #342, for the 4 mile return trip to Long Swamp.
Lake Tahoe is a place of spectacular natural beauty, but certainly one of the gems in her crown is Desolation Wilderness.