Glacier Peak Wilderness Loop

[Russ W]

Planning a 9 day circumnavigation of Glacier Peak in Washington, beginning 9/1 and looking for update of general condition to expect. Ice melt, stream runoff, high and low temps, bugs, fires, etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks – Russ

[jscott]

That’s a great hike!

fires in September are pretty common. But the PNW had a wet winter. Best of luck.

[Russ W]

There is a fire to the east of Glacier Peak, and where they’ve closed the PCT is where I’m turning, so not an issue yet….you may see me back on this forum in a week or so looking for an alternative.

What are typical high and low temps around the 1st of September?

Thanks – Russ

[jscott]

I was in Stehekin in early september 2 (3?) years ago and the temps went over 100 degrees. That’s not typical. My experience is ancient–I was up there a lot forty years ago. Temps were usually in the 70s and 80’s as I recall. But I also saw that the glaciers in the mountains were much reduced from those long ago years. Hopefully someone closer will respond soon. I’m in California now.

p.s. smoke from a fairly distant fire can be horrible, so check air quality too. I’m sure you know this.

[Russ W]

Thanks for the comments. Hope I don’t see temps like that!

Yep… smoke is no fun. I was in SEKI summer before last and conditions changed rapidly…like an eclipse. I don’t want a repeat of that experience.

[BlackHatGuy]

Are you driving out here or flying and getting a rental?

[Russ W]

Flying and rental.

[jscott]

p.s. you can access the loop by taking the boat at Chelan and getting off at Holden Village.

[BlackHatGuy]

Russ, I live in Arlington, which is about an hour north of Seattle (I’m assuming you’re flying into Seattle), and west of Glacier. You’re welcome to crash at my house day before and day after to save on hotel costs and get a hot shower if you want. You just gotta like dogs (a dog), not mind tons of dog hair everywhere (she’s a Siberian mix, she sheds 24/7/365), and not mind sleeping on one of those big air mattresses.

[Russ W]

Thank you for the offer Humorless! That is incredibly nice of you. I have accommodations with a friend’s brother in West Seattle and a compressed schedule getting to and from the trail. Awfully generous of you though and I appreciate it. Thanks – Russ

[Alex V]

Bring rain gear including mitts. It can dump in September. Some of those trails can be overgrown so personally I’d wear pants. Resupply might be tough without support but you could go out of your way to get to Stehekin and pick up a box. There’s a shuttle off the PCT. Bugs should be minimal in Sept. hopefully no fires as stated we had a pretty wet spring and much higher snowpack than average. Daylight hours are noticeably shorter in Sept so be ready for that. In general for PNW I think Sept is an underrated time, esp the first half of the month

many beautiful locations along that route you will have a blast.

[Russ W]

Alex – Thanks for the insight. Especially along Indian Creek I’m trying to avoid bleeding and scarring, so currently  praying about the pants.

Any idea about the temp range? Planning a 20-30 degree quilt and trying to determine headwear and other accessories.

Thanks – Russ

[BlackHatGuy]

While not perfect for your trip, you might find this link somewhat helpful:

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/glacier-peak

[Russ W]

Well…. looks like the White River Trailhead is closed due to a nearby forest fire. This trip looking increasingly unlikely. Might need to figure out a Plan B. Rats!

[Alex V]

I would look at using the trinity trailhead or north fork Sauk if white river is still closed. Personally I would totally go 30 deg quilt and supplement with clothes I already had if needed.

[Russ W]

Thanks for the advice Alex, on all counts. I meant to respond prior to the trip and got distracted.  I did use a 30 degree quilt and only really got chilled camping near Lewis Creel Falls, which served as a sort of a natural air conditioner. Also, I did start counterclockwise at the Trinity Trailhead, whch was really perfect. Starting clockwise on the Indian Creek Trail would have be demoralizing! Mostly clear days and a few unfortunate smokey ones. All in all a wonderful trip and I’ll provide a report soon. Currently in Seattle and headed back to Charlotte tonight. Thanks to all that responded to my questions!

[Bonzo]

Looking forward to the trip report; I was on Baker over the weekend and the smoke was so thick that we couldn’t see Glacier…or much of anything else.

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