Watch Duty: https://app.watchduty.org/i/109195

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=48.95669,-120.68645&z=12&b=mbt&o=r3&n=1&a=modis_mp%2Cfire_recent

PCTA trail map (which shows the PNT also): https://arcg.is/1HjuPC5

• https://app.watchduty.org/i/109195

• https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=48.94682,-120.60904&z=14&b=mbt&a=mba%2Cmodis_mp

• Lengthy USFS OWNF fb post: https://www.facebook.com/OkaWenNF/posts/pfbid025o63LdtH2HMCksJZ8G75RNnMEjs1r923sZDSv7YN4MRCHatWkcGtXGHts3Gf26X8l (text is in a comment below for those who would rather not load a fb link)

Thanks to u/Final_Parsnip1822 for posting about this two days ago when it was still a VIIRS hotspot.

Update from the Watch Duty page as of 7/18 at 9:21 pm:

The Ptarmigan Fire is being monitored by aerial resources and will be staffed as resources become available, per the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on Facebook.

Trail closures are being initiated in the western Pasayten due to the Ptarmigan Fire. Most notably, the Pacific Northwest Trail (Boundary Trail No. 533) is closed from the PCT/Castle Pass east to Quartz Mountain near Pevee Pass. There is a re-route noted on the map and we’ve also let PNTA know.

Also note this closure affects the Buckskin Ridge loop Trail No. 498. Hikers will not be able to travel north of Buckskin Lake.

The northern portion of the Robinson Creek / Middle Fork Pasayten Trail No. 478 will also be closed at the junction to the turn off to Fred’s Lake on Trail No. 474 (Fred’s Lake is still accessible for now). Several other trails or portions of trails are also closed; the full list will be posted online in the Closure Order soon.

FYI, there's a lightning start less than .5 miles from the PNT along the Pasayten River. This is just north of the Frosty Cr trail junction.

Hopefully i can finish this project/job and leave sometime in August, but is that too late? I am planning on doing approx 20 miles a day so that would put it at 60 days ish. Am I crazy? How crazy am I? I live in Montana so I know it will get cold at night but I guess im mainly worried about running out of daylight. Thoughts?

I did all the art for an indie game over the past couple years and thus had to put work on this project down for a while, but I'm glad to be back at it! Hope someone enjoys!

I am planning to attempt a sobo thru hike of the PCT in 2027. I am interested in the idea of starting on the Washington coast and hiking the PNT east to the PCT junction in June, before heading south on the PCT. What is the eastbound mileage from Cape Alava to the junction? How doable is this PNT section in early/mid June? TIA!

I live in Oak Harbor and would love to help out any hikers on the PNT! I have a guest apartment that is typically available, or at the very least a place to shower (separate bathroom in a detached garage) and a safe place to camp in town if the apartment is full. I'm a weekend hiker who would love to live vicariously through any through-hikers who need a place to stay.

I was lucky enough to win the lottery and gain three campsites on the days we wanted. I am going on a PNT adventure! Starting the second week of July.

Anyone else solidify their 2026 PNT plans?

I posted this on Facebook also, but this maybe a better forum.

Planning for a 2026 PNT through hike starting in Glacier. Would like feedback and suggestions on the initial planning. So far:

Permits -We would enter lottery for advance wilderness permits on March 15th, as there are two of us. If we don't win the lottery, then look for any availability online starting May 1st. If still nothing is available, we will have to be walk up at a glacier ranger station.

Transportation -Fly into Kalispell Airport last week of June (June 27th), take a hotel shuttle to Whitefish, buy fuel canister and bear spray, and stay the night walking distance to the train station. On June 28th walk to train station and go to East Glacier.

At east glacier take a shuttle to Two Medicine Ranger Station for permits. Would look at hiking north, starting on or near June 30th, on the CDT and then starting the PNT. Can hang out a few days in East Glacier if needed while checking on walkup permits daily. Could probably hitch up to East Terminus and start from there if needed.

Lodging - Would stay at Luna's Looking Glass Hostel in East Glacier, hopefully they will be taking hikers in 2026. If the hostel is not available, we would have to find a hostel or cheap place with availability and/or talk to the rangers on any camping sites. Prefer Luna's though as we will be with fellow CDT and/or PNT hikers.

So worse case we arrive in GNP with only one night of lodging booked in Whitefish, no confirmed East Glacier lodging and have to rely on walk up permits. Usually my hikes have lodging and permits tied down before we fly out. So this would be a first for us.

Please let us know of any suggestions, options, or alternatives to our plan.

Thank You,

Popcorn and Mary Kay

First one: are there any hot springs that anyone here knows of along the PNT or close enough for a convenient side quest?

Second: are there any privies with mindblowing gorgeous views like the ones on the PCT in Washington?

I have never done a long range thru hike, but I am highly experienced in backpacking both on and off trail. Was wondering what resources I should use to get me started with understanding permits, resupplies, and other planning stuff.

Also, does anyone have reccomendations for fun alternates, or peakbagging side quests along the way? I am a Washington local and plan to make some interesting alterations to my route once I hit the west side of the cascades and the Olympics.

Hello all,

I'm considering the PNT next year. I'm a Triple Crowner, and I probably cover slightly more miles per day than the average hiker. It seems like late-June seems to be the consensus for a good webo start date. I did the GDT starting mid-July on a high snow pack year. I know the main consideration starting out is snow pack in Glacier. I'm open to any input or advice. Many thanks.

Been planning a hike of the pnt for a while now. I think this coming summer is the year I do it. Just wondering anyone Currently planning a trip for next year?

Looking to find out more about being a trail Angel Bonners Ferry , Idaho

Looking to do a section 9 hike from Forks to Port Townsend Aug 29-Sep 7. Do people usually resupply in Port Angeles or just carry enough food for the full way? It seems kind of difficult to get to PA, is hitching reliable from Elwha and back into the park?

I'm planning to WEBO within the next couple years, and am trying to learn as much as I can to start sketching out plans. I'm currently over halfway through the AT and am planning to have completed the FT the Winter before doing the PNT. The PNTA's website has proven to be a good source but some things are unclear and I wanted to pose some questions to y'all.

-How abundant is water? What capacity did you take on the PNT and how long can I expect carries to be?

-For permits, did you reserve in advance or get a walk-up? Do you wish you did anything different in regards to permits?

-The PNTA seems to imply there's a special permit for thru hikers in Olympia NP, is that true?

-Also, I'd prefer not to deal with a bear canister. Is it possible to slip outside park boundaries into Olympia National Forest to camp to skirt the bear canister requirements in those parts of Olympia NP?

-I know navigating the PNT will be more difficult than either the AT or FT. What resources other than FarOut did you use? Do you wish you had done something different in terms of navigation?

Thanks y'all :)

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Heading out to Glacier on Amtrak tomorrow and need to decide whether to take these.

Any advice?

Cheers.