Pass to Pass – Hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail for Parkinson’s

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We completed 3 successful hikes in August 2020 between Chinook Pass and White Pass. Here is a compilation MP4 video by Eric Matson of Hike #2.
We are recruiting Parkie and Support Hikers for 2021.  Donations pay for the llamas and  most hike expenses and there is no registration fee. Participants are expected to supply their own gear and food. Transportation help can be provided to trailheads from Sea-Tac or Portland airports for out of state hikers who are flying in. Parkies do not need a support hiker, however, if you wish we can match you with one of our volunteer support hikers. For more information, contact us at passtopass.org/contact.

PasstoPass.org 2021 Trip Schedule Planning

  • Washington Trip #1  White Pass to Chinook Pass (Northbound PCT) July 30- August 4, 2021- difficulty rating moderate, 30 miles- Trip Leader Dave Baumgart 425-462-1155 evenings
  • Washington Trip #2– Chinook Pass to White Pass (Southbound PCT)  August 4-9, 2021-difficulty rating moderate, a little less elevation gain than trip #1, 30 miles Trip Leader Linda Lee 425-210-0216
  • Washington Trip #3– Goat Rocks, Berry Patch to Walupt Lake  August 10-15, 2021-difficuly rating moderate’ plus, 25-32 miles with options Trip Leader Linda Lee 425-210-0216
  • Washington Trip #4  Walupt Lake to Berry Patch August 15-20, 2021 difficulty rating moderate plus, 25-32 miles with options, George Tribinov 425-753-4103, evenings
  • Oregon Trip #5  Three Sisters Wilderness  Devil’s Lake to Lava Camp (Northbound PCT ) August 6-11, 2021- difficulty rating easy, 25 miles Trip Leaders Rich Denman  503-709-3054, Julie Chapman 503-638-2430, and  Jerry Jones 503-516-0058
  • Oregon Trip  #6 Three Sisters Wilderness Lava Camp to Devil’s Lake (Southbound PCT) August 11-16, 2021- difficulty rating easy, 25 miles Trip Leader Derek Torry 626-826-7298
  • California Trip #7 A section depending upon permits of John Muir Trail- Horsehoe Meadow to Onion Valley Trailhead, July 6-14, 2021,   most difficult,  51 miles, full packs not llama supported, Trip Leader Derek Torry 626-826-

Testimonials and Stories

PasstoPass.org History

In  early 2016, Bill Meyer met with Ken Kisch to discuss  how to make it easier for people with Parkinson’s Disease to backpack. We decided to use pack animals to carry some of the gear and  have support hikers to help as needed. We knew we would need sponsors and donors to fulfill our mission and keep it affordable.

The first year (2016) our hike was from Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass with pack train, wranglers and horses. The second year (2017) we hiked from Rainy Pass to Suiattle River trailhead with llamas and the llamas were more flexible and still carried enough weight to ease the packs of the people with PD. The third year (2018), we did two hikes Harts Pass to Rainy Pass and Rainy Pass loop through Stehekin and Rainbow Pass. The fourth year (2019) had a Spring trip at Joshua Tree and 3  relay hikes from Chinook Pass Southbound  124 miles through Goat Rocks. Year 5 (2020) had three loop hikes from Chinook to White Pass then back to Chinook then back to White for a total of 90 miles.

MISSION STATEMENT:

  • Raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease and its symptoms
  • Demonstrate the benefits of exercise in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
  • Provide opportunities for people with Parkinsons’ Disease to participate in backcountry activities

Sponsors

Show your support to sponsors who gave so generously to our event. Click on the logo below to learn more about them.

selkirk