PCT DAY HIKE | GRASSHOPPER PASS | 6 AUG

In the midst of fires across the state, getting outside was becoming difficult. With the growing Crescent Mountain Fire to the south and other fires in the area, smoke was thick as I drove through Twisp and Winthrop. I decided to continue my drive up to Hart’s Pass with the hope that the air would clear. The air slowly cleared, with the haze of the fires in the distance. I spent the first night at Hart’s Pass campground, as the clouds rolled in, making way for a muted sunset.

The next morning, I made my way to the Brown Bear trailhead. The goal for the day was short: Grasshopper Pass (4.7 miles), just before the switchbacks that drop you down into the valley. The weather was perfect, with minimal cloud cover and a light breeze. The trail is mostly exposed, walking along the mountain side and ridge lines, with an occasional dip into the cover of trees. It is well maintained and easy to follow. There was maybe one reliable water source a little over half way to the pass. I encountered a few PCT section and thru hikers and a couple other day hikers, but had the trail to myself for the majority of the hike.

Wildflowers were still in full bloom.

Grasshopper Pass

Sunset the night before.

The smoke had rolled in thick by the time I drop back down into Methow Valley.