Hard to get reports on the west side conditions other than just bits and pieces from PCT sites. I'm wondering if anybody on here could post a trail report, some images or a description having done it recently?

I am going in via Cottonwood Pass from Horseshoe Meadows at the end of next week. I've seen that the water crossings basically all along the way are high from the fast melting snow so hitting them early is necessary but would appreciate some information on the snow itself along this route. Full crampons still necessary for this route? Microspikes enough? Poles vs. ice axes?

For reference, our route is mostly along the PCT/JMT and we're planning on camping at the following spots:

Night 1: Chicken Spring Lake area
Night 2: Rock Creek area
Night 3: Either Crabtree Meadow or Guitar Lake

Any information on these areas is appreciated!

Thanks in advance!


PCT Thru-Hike 2015
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