[blue_tuberosa]

Hello folks, I was wondering if anyone knows when the PCT was constructed through Washington State. More specifically, I am interested in information about the streatch spanning the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. I know that it was designated one of the first scenic trails in the National Trails System authorized by Congress in 1968, and was dedicated in 1993. I think trail construction in the ALW happened sometime in the late 60s through mid-70s.... Any tips would be appreciated!

[Schroder]

It was the Cascade Crest Trail originally through Washington. Some sections go back to the 1800's. Kendall Katwalk was built in the early 70's. The old trail went over Red Pass to Goldmeyer then to Dutch Miller Gap. The ALW section was all completed in the 1930's.

[blue_tuberosa]

Thanks Schroder!

[Schroder]

CCC projects built a lot of trails through the Cascades during the depression.

[Quark]

[blue_tuberosa]

I'm putting together a presentation about Waptus Lake for next week and these are the main points I'm making for History & Land Use: Sahaptin word “Wáptas” meaning “feather” 1800s to mid-1900s: Natives, miners, & trappers 1905: USFS land management begins 1930s – 1970s: CCC trails & fire lookouts 1976: ALW designation (Ford) 1980s: USFS enforces regulations (i.e., group size & packstock setbacks)

[Quark]

Blue, will you find a way to show it here in Seattle for us???? That sounds like a really cool presentation.

[Quark]

From what I understand, the old Crest trail was mostly comprised of a bunch of lesser trails and then connected. People took various routes when there was a choice to do so, but it was still considered doing the CCT. Snoqualmie Pass is an example - they had a choice - either over Red Pass, or they took Snow Lake/Rock Creek, or they dropped down to Gold Creek - 3 different trails, but still the CCT, later the PCT route - now we have Kendall Katwalk. Harvey Manning rants in the old 100 Hikes books that came out around the time the FS decided to blast the Katwalk - he favored the Gold Creek route and predicted hikers would drop to their deaths on a regular basis. One man did die in the building of the Katwalk. I cannot find out who the Katwalk was named after (or if I did find out, I couldn't find information on the guy other than his name). Mt Thomson was named after R.H. Thomson an early Seattle civil engineer (fascinating guy - I have a secret crush on him), and Lundin Peak was named for J.W. Lundin, an early forest ranger. Guye is named after a miner.

[blue_tuberosa]

Well I suppose since I've never made it to a social, that I should show up sometime.... so yeah, maybe we can work something out. I spent the last 3 years researching Waptus Lake "CHANGES IN SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION, IMPACTED AREAS, AND USE OVER TIME" for my master's thesis. The presentation next week is my defense.

[blue_tuberosa]

I think Watson Pass was named after a guy killed in a blast on the trail.

[Quark]

Wooowwww! Send it to me, willya? When you're done? That sounds so SO COOL! I have an old report from the mid 1960s - about human and horse impact on Image Lake. Interesting stuff. Congrats and good luck!

[Quark]

[Phil]

[Dayhike Mike]

So you'll soon be Dr. Tuberosa?

[blue_tuberosa]

Cute Mike! Not Dr., just Tubarosa, M.S.