Today three women joined us on the hike to Lake Valhalla, bringing the total to six dogs. It was chaotic. "Dogs must be on a leash or under firm voice control" is the U.S. Forest Service regulation.

"There are SIX dogs up ahead with no leashes!" a woman on the trail said, appalled. I felt embarrassed to admit that was our group. I don't have a dog.

At Lake Valhalla, people ate lunch on a cliff above, afraid to join us on the beach with six dogs racing around, barking and tussling. Understandable.

"Just give them a soccer kick," Lisi told me. She did nothing to control her two dogs.

Thru-Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada

We hiked up to a pass, turning onto the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Then up over another pass and down to Lake Valhalla (5,100 feet). Seven miles total with 1,500' of elevation gain.

Met a young couple from Germany who were thru-hiking the PCT. They spoke impeccable English. "Washington State is beautiful," they said.

Also met a young woman from Illinois who was thru-hiking the PCT alone carrying a 53-pound pack. That's heavy.

Thru-Hikers Bypassed the Sierra Mountains Due to Heavy Snow

Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers bypassed the Sierra Mountains in California this year. The Sierras had 200% of normal snow-pack.

"The snow was up to my neck," the young woman said. "I didn't think about the rivers. The rivers were so high and fast with rapid snowmelt, 10 hikers drowned trying to swim across."

"Four or five thru-hikers are still missing in the Sierras," she said. "They found two dead bodies. People I talked to plan to come back next year to finish the Sierras."