June Backpacking Sierras + with a dog

[Robert L]

Leaving with fiancee and dog (used to multiple day hikes of about 10 miles at elevation (8kft) with elevation gains) on June 3 from AZ to meet friends on the PCT the next day. They are going to be somewhere in the southern Sierras. We plan to backpack south to meet them, then turn around and hike out over about 4 days. Then…? I am looking at a few 4-5 day backpacking trips on our way to Olympic National in WA and my fiancee flies out of Seattle on June 19. So, I thought the Trinity Alps (4 lakes loop) would be good, then maybe the Timberline in OR but might need to do the Rogue River trail if snow is too deep and then I am not sure what next if anything before we check out Olympic National. In Olympic, dog restrictions mean we don’t really have any options other than day hikes as far as I can tell. Also, consider one day of driving between trips.

I am not sure of the snow conditions, it looks like we might be okay. I do not want to take my two loved ones on a snow trek, but if we hit a few patches, no worries. Are these plans reasonable? Any other suggestions, esp. if the snow levels are lower than I think?

[Paul Wagner]

Yes, you’re a bit early for most of the Sierra….and you’ll need to avoid the National Parks.  No dogs allowed on the trails in Yosemite or SEKI.

Last weekend we were at 8,000 feet in the Emigrant Wilderness.  Snow was higher than that, but most of the trails are under snow for sections…

 

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[Lori P]

Yep, Olympic limits you to day hiking on three trails and a few beaches. And that’s generous, as national parks go. Most only allow them on roads and in campgrounds, leashed, no trails.

You would likely have to enter the PCT to meet your friends via Cottonwood Pass, from Horseshoe Meadows, to avoid the southern boundary of Sequoia NP. If they’re going to be north of there by then, you may have to change your plans… the next opportunity will be all the way north of Kings Canyon, Piute Pass. And you’d have to hike north with them and leave the trail before it enters Yosemite.

[Robert L]

Can anyone comment on the snowpack in Northen CA or OR? What I am finding online is that it looks to be somewhere about 50% of average in most spots. Also concerned about river fording as well if it is hot.

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