Trails

Hiking

We encourage everyone to share their experiences, expertise and opinions on topics posted here. Check out this season's question: What is one of your favorite trail stops? This could be on any trail.

To submit send to Webmaster

We encourage you to send us some of your images from the trails. We would really like to have a collection that could eventually lead to a photo of the day. To submit send to Webmaster

What does the Summer Hiking Season Have in Store for You?

Never Fear, There is Hope, yet.

Although the snow fall throughout the west was generally high this past winter the main element, water content, was actually close to average. According to the California Department of Water Resources the average statewide water content in the mountains is only about 67% of normal as of May 1, 2008. While that may be encouraging for the early hikers and the PCT thru-hikers. It does mean a real water crisis for California.

The North Cascades are another matter. According to the NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center the snow depth is currently 209 inches- yes, that is almost 17.5 feet- at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood in Oregon. White Snoqualmie Pass is recording 100 inches and almost 77 inches at Rainy Pass where the PCT crosses the North Cascades Hwy.

Those snow depths convert to 89 inches of water at Mt Hood, about 40 inches of water at Snoqualmie Pass and almost 30 inches of water at Rainy Pass.

All of this means that at the current rate of melt we will probably experience some snow in the upper elevations well into July and maybe August.

On another note:

"Early to mid May should be the wettest and coolest portion of the spring season, especially in the Northwest. The rest of spring looks like sun and showers. The summer should be dry, but not as dry as last year and not quite as hot." This is according to our local climatologist and weather forecaster , Randy Mann. Again, Randy and his partner Cliff Harris are known for the accuracy of their long range forecasts. Check their website for more information on all they do. They provide our information as a courtesy.

What is the Triple Crown?

The Triple Crown is recognition of the dedication, commitment and achievement of those who have completed the three major National Scenic Trails; the Appalachian , Pacific Crest, and the Continental Divide Trail. ALDHA-West is the only organization that officially recognizes the accomplishment of these few intrepid hikers. A the Gathering, held each fall, the Triple Crown honorees are recognized and awarded a plaque noting their achievement.

The recognition and honor of the Triple Crown was initiated more than 15 years ago by Ray Jardine, a highly accomplished hiker and one of the first to complete the Triple Crown. ALDHA-West continues to carry on this tradition. In 2007 the largest number of Triple Crowners (22!) were honored in the history of this organization.

If you are looking for something different for a change...

One of the great experiences of hiking is giving back to the trail community. Try volunteering for a stint on a trail crew! The work is often rigorous, hot, challenging and dirty, but worth the opportunity.

Contact the PCTA for information on trail work along that great trail.

If you live closer to the Continental Divide then check out trail crew opportunities by the Continental Divide Trail Alliance.

The Appalachian Trail provides a number of volunteer activities try the Appalachian Trail Conservancy or any of the other AT clubs.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is sponsoring its 3rd Annual Trails and Outdoor Leadership Training on May 16-18th, 2008 at Galena Creek Park,NV The training will feature Maintenance, Construction, and Crew leadership courses with three tracks for beginners, advanced trail builders, and crew leaders. The course will include in-class instruction with a focus on field work experience. Field experiences will be rotated for all trail builders and crew leader trainees will have the opportunity to lead a crew. Mountain bike trail skills will also be incorporated into the field projects.
Contact jillf@tahoerimtrail.org or call 775-298-0239 for more info

Plan on attending the 2008 Gathering this Fall!

The 2008 ALDHA-West Gathering will be held at Lake Wenatchee, WA. Just miles off the PCT, and about 110 miles east of Seattle, the Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp once again provides the scenic and peaceful setting for this years' Gathering. Mark your calendars for Sept. 19-21, and the 2008 Gathering!

Other News

Request for Triple Crown recipient photos. If you are a past Triple Crown recipient and would like to have you photo included with the rest of the honorees please send the photo or digital image toWebmaster. Be sure to include your name and the year you completed the trails.

Calendar Of Events

Date	Event
May 16-18th, 2008	Tahoe Rim Trail Association 3rd Annual Trails and Outdoor Leadership Training, Galena Creek Park, NV
September 19-21	2008 ALDHA-West Gathering at Lake Wenatchee, WA, YMCA Camp