Historical Description of PCNST
Somewhere I found and copied this interesting historical description of the
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. I would credit, but I don’t recall where
it came from.
PCNST - Washington
In 1928, the Forest Service began studying the high country looking for a crest trail
route and in 1935, a thorough reconnaissance of the entire route was completed. But
not until 1968 was the Pacific Crest Trail System designated by Act of Congress as a
National Scenic Trail.
The PCNST covers some 2,350 miles along the mountain ranges of the west coast states
from Mexico northward to Canada. The Forest Service employs trail crews each summer,
striving to provide a good trail system for the entire route which may now be traveled
without undue hardship.
Parts of the trail were traveled by trappers, miners, stockmen, foresters, and pioneers
at one time. But long before the coming of the white man, Indians’ moccasined feet picked
out the path. The PCNST also crosses historic routes of the frontiersmen who broke through
the wilderness of the Cascades in the last century.
The Washington portion of the trail follows the backbone of the Cascade Range from the
Columbia River, on State Highway #14 at the "Bridge of the Gods:, north to the Canadian
border, at Monument #78 a distance of over 450 miles. To complete the entire trip requires
about one month.
From the PCNST there are several shorter trails leading to nearby mountain lakes and
other attractions, as well as down into the valleys below. The larger lakes have excellent
fishing and nearly all of the smaller ones on or near the trail have been stocked with
trout. Mountain goat inhabit the highest and most rugged country were a few elk may also
be seen. Blacktailed deer are common on the ridges and creek bottoms to the west; mule
deer travel the country east of the summits.
There are few improved camps along the route. Campers should remember that they are in
the wild country and will probably find no accommodation except wood and water and perhaps
a few rough fireplaces or woodsmen’s tables. Most meals will have to be eaten from the
lap, a rock, or a leg. In some areas along the trail where drinking water from lakes and
streams may be temporarily contaminated from heavy use, it is suggested the water be boiled
for 10 minutes.
Much of the pleasure of any trip depends upon the planning. Annoyances and disappointments
will sometimes mar the trip, because the plan was incomplete or some little thing was
forgotten.
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