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Pacific Crest Trail: Section J (Washington)


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The Pacific Crest Trail is more than just a pathway; it's an expansive saga that unfurls across the majestic landscapes of the West Coast, stretching an impressive 4,265km (2,650 miles) from the sunlit borders of Mexico to the rugged reaches of Canada, compromising adventure, resilience and determination. With every section, hikers encounter a medley of terrains, from sun-drenched deserts to alpine meadows and thick forests. Among these diverse trails lies Section H, an exhilarating expanse that runs from Cascade Locks (Oregon) to White Pass (Washington). This segment is not only a challenge; it’s a visual feast that takes you passed natural landmarks, including the rugged Hogback Mountain and the Goat Rocks, all while dancing with the views of Packwood Glacier and Mount Adams.
​
For most PCT-hikers Section H marks the transition into Washington, a physical boundary where they’re greeted with an unexpected reality check after the (apparently) relatively flat stretches of Oregon. It’s a revelation often captured in the humor of fellow trekkers’ trail notes scribbled on the signposts with markers, ranging from candid exclamations like “f*** these hills” to wistful remembrances of Oregon’s gentler slopes. For me, going southwards, it marked the final sprint towards the end of the Washington section, traversing an area that despite the elevation gains which left my quads screaming, offered extraordinary visual rewards. From the serene Cispus Pass to the vibrant beauty of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, each bend in the trail seemed to compete for my admiration. Section H demands respect with its rugged terrain and may test your ultimate limits if bad weather strikes (more on that later), but it also generously rewards every ounce of effort invested. Follow me through ancient forests and knee-weakening vistas, and discover why Section H might just steal your heart (and your breath).
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Section H (southbound): White Pass – Cascade Locks
 


Day 10: White Pass – Lutz Lake (half day)

Distance: 21.2km.
GPS: FarOut App.
Ascent: 874m.
Descent: 696m.
Terrain: Clear trail. Sometimes rocky and uneven surfaces, sometimes forest trails, but overall doable.
Water Situation: Regularly, sources are mapped and reviewed on the FarOut app, which is incredibly valuable.
Food Resupply Options: White Pass (Kracker Barrel) & Packwood (33km westwards). 
(Moderate climate, sunny)
 

There’s a certain kind of smug satisfaction in wringing every penny out of a pricey hotel stay, and I was basking in it in Packwood. I had rolled into town around lunchtime the previous day, settled into my cocoon of overpriced comfort, and declared war on time itself: I’d stay until the bitter last minute of checkout. Two half-days of lounging equals one full day of rest, right? Right. Of course, “rest day” still included the essentials: stocking up on groceries to get me through to Trout Lake and hitchhiking 33km back to the trailhead because, in case you didn’t know, public transport and the remoteness of these mountain villages don’t exactly hang out in the same social circles.

Fully rested and slightly overfed I rejoined the trail with renewed energy. Section I greeted me with a bit of a yawn (well-marked, but slightly uninspiring compared to the remarkable beauty of Section J I’d conquered just beforehand). Yet, fellow trailblazers Blueberry and Sparrow had hyped Section H as the pièce de resistance that’ll blow my socks off. In fairness, I could see their point as the trail began to deliver right from the get-go, while the weather was the type that makes a Washington-hiker weep with gratitude (dry and sunny). The day commenced with a demanding climb through cool, shaded forest trails, the kind that make you feel like Tolkien’s elves might pop out at any moment. An ascent that leads to the rugged heights of Hogback Mountain, where barren, wide-open views stretch out like a menacing badland. Oh, and there was Mount Rainier again, smaller and more distant now, but still slaying. Optional detours to Shoe Lake teased me, but I passed them by. Who needs an extra water source when nature’s faucet is turned on every few kilometres?
After soaking in the wide vistas, the trail dipped into the forest again, where sunbeams sliced through the canopy like they were auditioning for a motivational poster. It was a scenic descent, tranquil and meditative, even as my knees launched a formal protest. They gripped and groaned, but my mind was at peace, drinking in the stillness.
​
By the time evening rolled around, I had reached the shores of Lutz Lake, nestled in a cozy valley just before the exposed, notoriously windy terrain of the Goat Rocks. Shielded by trees and benefitting from the slightly warmer temperatures of lower elevations, it was the perfect camp spot. Or so I thought. Enter the uninvited dinner guests: mice. Armies of them. Brazen little acrobats launching themselves at my bear canister only to slide off its smooth surface in defeat, but not without trying again. Bold beyond belief, they prodded my feet and eyed my plate with unabashed hunger. Forget hanging your food or god forbid, stashing it inside of your tent; these furry ninjas will find a way (through your tent and backpack fabric, if they have to – trust me, I’ve been there). Invest in a bear canister not just to keep bears away, but to stave off a mouse-led siege.
 

Day 11: Lutz Lake – Lakeview Mountain

Distance: 30.6km.
GPS: FarOut App.
Ascent: 1232m.
Descent: 1261m.
Terrain: Very difficult and sometimes even dangerous. Steep drop-offs, sliding gravel and risky icy crossings (crampons are recommended, even in summer). Sometimes the trail becomes invisible.
Water Situation: Regularly.
Food Resupply Options: Nothing. 
​
(Heavy wind, heavy rain)

 
Today was going to be the most beautiful day of the Washington section of the PCT I’d be completing. Also the most challenging. Somehow these things go hand in hand. I was packed and walking before sunrise, a wise move considering the impending afternoon forecast of heavy rain. This put me at the foot of the notorious Goat Rocks early and with the sun still shining in my face. Yet, I hadn’t considered one other rather bothersome element: the wind… or the storm, more accurately. Ascending above the treeline my reality changed instantly. Suddenly I found myself in a barren landscape where the wind had nothing to impede its progress. The trail, already narrow and precarious, became even more challenging with loose gravel eager to send me tumbling into the abyss. It was a constant test of balance, leaning into the wind blasts with the steadfast support of my hiking poles. But the real kicker? Unexpected ice plates clung to the mountainside, demanding a delicate, crampon-less crossing with a rather unforgiving drop if I turned out to be unsuccessful. One wrong step, and I'd be one with these mountains forever. Yet, amidst this concerning hardship, the views were simply breathtaking. Unearthly? Perhaps. Or maybe exactly that earthly reminder of the raw, unfiltered beauty this planet has to offer. 
As the Goat Rocks began to fade in the distance behind me, a naive optimism bubbled within me, triggering thoughts about an easier trek ahead. Poor Steph. The trail, it seemed, had promptly decided to vanish altogether, leading me into every direction but the correct one. There was a moment, clinging precariously to a steep mountainside with my entire camping gear strapped to my back, that I genuinely questioned my life choices. Five hours in, and desperately craving a refuelling lunch, ominous pitch-black rain clouds gathered overhead, giving me a ten-minute window to inhale my sandwiches before the heavens unleashed their fury. Soaked to the bone in mere minutes, I had to battle a relentless downpour combined with ferocious winds for hours to come. My trusty old shoes, though comfortable, were also riddled with holes, transforming my socks into soggy sponges, sopping their way over the trail. Yet, the journey was far from over. For starters, I needed to reach the tree line… as if I would pitch my tent here, it would blow right of the cliff with me in it. Second of all, being completely drenched I needed to wait to pitch my tent until it stopped raining, as if my sleeping gear would get wet I’d risk hypothermia. Of course, the rain refused to relent, and to add insult to injury, my tent pole decided to stage a dramatic break (once again!) while I frantically tried to erect my shelter as fast as humanly possible. After half an hour of cursed repairs, I thought, "surely, it can't get any worse?" Turned out it absolutely could. My phone, utterly defeated by the moisture, officially gave up the ghost, leaving me stranded 2 days from civilization with a defunct GPS. Consider my parade officially and thoroughly rained on!


​
Day 12: Lakeview Mountain – Killen Creek

Distance: 32.6km.
GPS: FarOut App.
Ascent: 934m.
Descent: 638m.
Terrain: Clear trail. Definitely better than yesterday.
Water Situation: A few sources, but planning recommendable.
Food Resupply Options: Nothing. 

(Sunny, windy)

 
I woke up and the world had changed. What was that glowing ball above me? I vaguely remember it as being the sun… I desperately needed this. All my hiking possessions had achieved peak dampness, and as any seasoned camper knows: There's nothing quite like packing up a sopping wet tent at dusk… or worse, pitching a still-wet-tent at dawn. To add to my luck or compensate for yesterday’s misery, my phone showed signs of life after its impromptu rice bath. The screen still resembled a Jackson Pollock painting in monochrome, and black lines appeared on the entire screen after 20 seconds of using it, but this gave me a window to quickly check the directions or the distance to the next water source and even snap a few photos for your viewing pleasure. The trail itself seemed to sense my renewed optimism, transforming into a delightful mix of well-worn paths and sandy stretches (though still bearing the occasional muddy souvenir from yesterday's monsoon). You see, even after the rain stops, the forest continues to weep for a solid 48 hours. Buoyed by the kinder terrain and transformed weather, I practically whistled my way through the day, mentally recovering from yesterday’s distress.

I eventually made camp at the foot of Mount Adams, a majestic, and still active, volcano (relax mom, the last eruption happened over a 1000 years ago). My camping spot, nestled beside a private waterfall, was undeniably scenic, but also situated in a wind tunnel of epic proportions. The howling gusts kept me awake all night with anxious sorrow, fretting over whether my jury-rigged tent pole would serve me a tad longer. It did.
Day 13: Killen Creek – Trout Lake Junction

Distance: 24.9km.
GPS: FarOut App.
Ascent: 330m.
Descent: 964m.
Terrain: Clear trail. Sometimes rocky and uneven surfaces, sometimes forest trails, but overall doable.
Water Situation: A few sources, planning recommendable.
Food Resupply Options: Trout Lake (21km from trail junction). 

(Sunny, clear)
 

I woke up with black circles under my eyes, proclaiming my exhaustion. But the day held lots of promises. Civilization was a mere 25-km hike away, where I would be greeted by the beautiful smile I see every time I close my eyes. A siren song in the wilderness. In my mind, I was already there, sipping a cold drink after a refreshing shower and telling tales of the trail. This, of course, made the actual 25k feel like an eternity, especially as I traversed a recently scorched landscape. It was like hiking through a charcoal sketch of the apocalypse, a scenery of blackened trees and specks of ashes. You see, forest fires in the US are, unfortunately, becoming more frequent and intense due to a combination of climate change (longer, hotter dry seasons) and, ironically, decades of fire suppression policies that have led to an accumulation of flammable underbrush. This particular burn area had only opened up a few days prior, forcing earlier PCT’ers into a detour due to its clear dangers. So I was definitely grateful. Yet, the trail didn’t hesitate to throw a strenuous river crossing my way, where the current nearly swept me off my feet. Add to that some creatively misleading trail markers, causing a few needless kilometres.

But finally, there I was! Ehhh, where exactly? On a deserted road. No traffic in sight, which is kind of essential if your only means to get outta here is hitchhiking. As I slowly started walking towards Trout Lake over this godforgotten road, luck sprinkled another little dash upon me: Within 15 minutes, the roar of an engine broke the silence, and a car screeched to a halt. PCT hikers are the most common local wildlife in this area, filling the friendly locals with joy and sympathy.
Day 14: Trout Lake Junction – Blue Lake

Distance: 38.4km.
GPS: FarOut App.
Ascent: 1166m.
Descent: 937m.
Terrain: Clear trail. Mostly pleasant forest trails.
Water Situation: In some sections regularly, in some sections long stretches with nothing at all. Use the FarOut App to plan this well.
Food Resupply Options: Trout Lake (21km from trail junction). 

(Clear, cold, windy)
 

The break in Trout Lake was just what I needed. Actually, it wasn’t in Trout Lake, but in The Dalles, very close to the end (or beginning) of the Washington section of the PCT (Bridge of the Gods) and already in Oregon. Let me tell you, the scenery shift was dramatic. One minute you're traversing lush Washington forests, the next you're staring at this stark, brown Oregon moonscape. It felt like I'd teleported to another planet altogether, America’s sheer diversity is remarkable. I thoroughly enjoyed the company, road trips, real food (no instant powder meals!) and as we happened to be in one of America’s wine regions: of course a tasting. 
A full recharge! To such a degree that the very next hiking day I smashed out a whopping 38.4 kilometres, uphill no less! It was a crisp, clear day, a prelude of a snowy winter being on its way. Yet, for now, I enjoyed autumn’s beautiful color palette vividly popping through, turning the forest into a cozy celebration. It was overall a cracking day out in the woods, just what the doctor ordered. We're talking stunning views, comfy forest paths that were kind to my weary feet, and another dose of Washington’s ridiculously scenic lakes. On a warmer day, a dip in those would be inviting, but on nippy days like these they made for excellent water stops. After a considerable trek, I decided to aim for Blue Lake as my final destination. Due to the blustery winds finding a sheltered spot took some doing, but my brand-spanking-new tent poles provided the peace of mind for a solid storm-proof shelter. The entire day I hadn’t seen a single soul and the forest seemed to be mine… with the lake, the mountains and the trees as my dinner partners I enjoyed a perfectly tranquil night in the outback, before plunging into the deepest of sleeps. 
Day 15: Blue Lake – Panther Creek
​
Distance: 37.5km.
GPS: FarOut App.
Ascent: 670m.
Descent: 1816m.
Terrain: Clear trail. Mostly pleasant forest trails, but also some rocky uneven sections.
Water Situation: In the valleys there is plenty of water, but there’s nothing around higher up. Plan it well. 
Food Resupply Options: Nothing.

(Clear, sunny, cold)
 

I woke up feeling like I'd been resurrected. It's always rather fascinating how a mere night's sleep can perform such a comprehensive system reboot. You're basically starting with a clean slate, like nothing ever happened. Today promised a sun-drenched yet bracing day, overflowing with panoramic mountain vistas. Just when I thought I'd seen the best, another breathtaking view lurked around the bend. The only slight hiccup? A rather unfortunate depletion of my camping gas reserves. I'd anticipated this by packing an empty jar, following the online advice of other PCT-hikers embracing the lightweight ethos by not packing any cooking gear. This means: Indulging in the culinary "delights" of cold-soaked meals. These are the moments one can't help but wonder why some people seem to hate themselves. Not only do you already have to accept the simple, severely limited, and powdered meals which form part of the thru-hiking cuisine... but now they're also served entirely cold and chewy. Food enjoyment drops to absolute zero, which seems like actively seeking out unnecessary suffering. Luckily, today’s sheer, overwhelming beauty of the landscape provided a welcome distraction from my gastronomic woes. I pressed on towards Panther Creek, nestled invitingly in the valley below. This was a calculated move, as it promised both a welcome water source (absent at higher elevations) and a more temperate climate for the night. It did involve tackling a painful, knee-punishing descent right at the end of the day when I was already exhausted and my feet were begging to stop. But, as it turns out, the camping conditions were indeed worth the trouble: a secluded, verdant oasis, tucked away from the world, evoking a certain "Jungle Book" vibe.
Day 16: Panther Creek – Three Corner Rock

Distance: 32.4km.
GPS: FarOut App.
Ascent: 1579m.
Descent: 860m.
Terrain: Clear trail. Mostly pleasant forest trails, some bridges. Parts are intersected by roads, as you’re slowly getting closer to civilization again.
Water Situation: In the valleys there is plenty of water. Keep in mind that the section in between Trout Creek and North Rock Creek Falls contains a long stretch of nothing (check the status and FarOut feedback of the seasonal streams), better be prepared for that. 
Food Resupply Options: You could potentially get something delivered to Stabler, reached by the Carson Guler Road that crosses the PCT.

(Clear, windy, sunny, cold)
 

I awoke to the quiet satisfaction of having nailed the camping spot lottery. Waking up on the banks of Panther Creek was a gentle reminder of why I chase these trails. The area also boasts a paid campground, but right beside it, tucked alongside the creek and cleverly concealed, are a handful of secluded havens that capture the truer, wilder spirit of the Pacific Crest Trail. Matching my wilder spirit.

The day unfolded like a well-written adventure novel. The trail, a graceful swirl of forest paths and crackling wooden bridges, wound its way southward. Natural landmarks and waterways like the Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot, the cascading North Fork Rock Creek Falls, Snag Creek and Rock Creek punctuated the journey, offering moments of pause and reflection. The hike itself, however, was a relentless upward trajectory, heading southbound. The opposite direction is therefore primarily downhill, yet I encountered plenty of notes of a few former northbound hikers expressing their discontent with the elevation gain compared to Oregon. It eased my nerves about the sections I aim to complete in the future (although I gaze at the Sierra Nevada with a serious stare).

As usual, the higher I climbed, the sparser the water sources became. My chosen campsite, situated at the correct distance of today compared to tomorrow’s final sprint, perched high on the mountainside and was therefore distinctly arid, necessitating a rather strenuous water haul. I eventually settled in at the intersection of Tree Corner Rock. A side trail beckoned towards the Three Corner Rock itself, but reports of a dried-up water source down below dissuaded me from undertaking the extra trek. My last night on this Washington Section of the PCT was spent on a slightly tilted patch of ground, resulting in a slow-motion slide show of me throughout the night. Not ideal, but life can’t always be perfect. That said, what the campsite lacked in architectural perfection, it more than made up for in panoramic views. Just a short hop away was a prime lookout point, the perfect stage for a sunset dinner. And there, bathed in golden light, I realized that the most valuable things in life really are free: a sky painted with fire, a belly full of dehydrated cold-soaked misery, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing you've earned every step
Day 17: Three Corner Rock – Cascade Locks (Oregon)

Distance: 23.6km.
GPS: FarOut App.
Ascent: 430m.
Descent: 1370m.
Terrain: Forest and gravel trails. Parts are intersected by roads, as you’re slowly getting closer to civilization again. Not always clear signage or obvious directions, I lost the trail more than once. Lest stretch covered in nettles, so you could consider taking the road.
Water Situation: Limited sources, but plenty of sources once you’re getting closer to Oregon. Proper planning from source to source (FarOut) is recommended.   
Food Resupply Options: Cascade Locks.

(Slightly misty, sunny, cold)

 
October was whispering deadlines into my ear. The days shrink, the sun dips lower, and suddenly, the ambitious thru-hike fantasies morph into a frantic race against the light. As such, with the promise of a comfy Seattle bed and a warm embrace as my North Star, I decided to cram as many miles as possible into yesterday’s stretch, setting myself up for an easier sprint to the finish line. To aid the cause, I also forced myself to wake up before sunrise, a concept usually reserved for punishments involving alarm clocks and Mondays. But oh, the payoff! The sunrise welcoming me into this bright and shiny day was practically a recruitment poster for morning people. Almost tempting enough to trade in my night owl nature. Almost! It painted the landscape in a soothing color scheme of purples and pinks, a masterpiece made all the more captivating by strategically placed clouds. I'm a firm believer that a good cloud formation can elevate any vista from "pleasant" to "breathtaking," and this morning was a prime example. It was as if the PCT itself was conspiring to guarantee my certain return. It worked.
Picture
The trail presented a delightful variety of volcanic terrain, a welcome change of pace. I passed the stoic Sacagawea and Papoose Rocks, silent sentinels watching over the landscape, formed by ancient volcanic activity. I marched alongside Table Mountain, a flat-topped behemoth with a history as dramatic as its silhouette. And then there was Gillette Lake, one of the last (or first) of Washington's signature lakes, reflecting the sky with serene perfection. Yet, my ultimate objective of the day was the iconic Bridge of the Gods. This steel span arches gracefully over the mighty Columbia River, which marks the border between the states of Washington and Oregon. And what a looker it is!
​
Distracted by today’s last glory, the distance flew by. Before I knew it, the end of my Washington section was within reach. Fired up by sheer excitement I sprinted the last few meters (or should I say “yards” now?), a ridiculous little cheer escaping my lips. Yet, despite the accomplishment, I found myself remarkably composed. Even though I completed quite a distance already, I just devoured a mere slice of the PCT pie. I had conquered a state, sure, but the grand odyssey was just beginning. None of the tears, none of the normally present hysteria, just a quiet self-high-five and a determined power-walk towards the main road. For one last time this year, I scribbled "PCT Hiker" on a discarded piece of cardboard, holding it up like a badge of honor. A title triggering an almost immediate ride back to civilization.

Washington State, what an appetizer. Pacific Crest Trail, consider this a "to be continued..." story. You haven’t seen the last of me just yet.

Quick Budget Fact Overview


US Facts
​
  • Capital: Washington DC
  • Language: English (Spanish)
  • Population: ± 334.9mln
  • Sq km: ± 9,833,517
  • Currency: Dollar ($ - USD)
  • Electricity Outlet: A + B / 120 V / 60 Hz.
  • Country Code Phone: +1
  • Emergency Phone: 911
  • Visa: Some countries need to apply for a visa, which can be done here .Residents of visa-exempt countries can apply online for a visa waiver, called an ESTA.  
  • Vaccinations: None.
  • Climate: The country is so huge, that we’re dealing with several climate zones. Find a map overview here.
  • High season: June-August. Summer attracts most crowds due to school vacations.
 

Short History Recap

1565: 1st permanent European settlement: St Augustine, now Florida (Spanish). 1607: Jamestown, Virginia, founded by English. 17th-18th centuries: 100,000s of Africans brought in as slaves to work on cotton and tobacco plantations. 1763: Seven Years' War: England gets control over territory up to the Mississippi. ’74: Colonists form First Continental Congress. ’75: American Revolution: Continental Army under George Washington fight British rule. ’76:  Declaration of Independence, colonies declare independence. ’83: Treaty of Paris, UK loses colonies. ’87: Founding Fathers, new constitution. ’89: George Washington first president. ’91: Bill of Rights, individual freedom. 1803: France sells Louisiana to US. ’08: Atlantic slave trade abolished. ‘12-’15: War of 1812 US -UK. Resistance by indigenous people. Massive European immigration. Number of states rises from 17 to 45.’46-48: Mexican War - US acquires large territories of Mexico, incl. New Mexico & California.’54: Abolitionists of slavery start Republican Party. ’60: Abraham Lincoln Republican president. ‘60-’61: 11 pro-slavery southern states secede from Union and form Confederate States of America = civil war with abolitionist northern states. ’63: Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln, slaves in Confederate free. ’65: Slavery abolished in 13th Amendment. Lincoln killed. ’98: Spanish-American War = Puerto Rico, Philippines, Guam & Cuba American. US annexes Hawaii. 1917-’18: US mingles in  WWI. Rejects membership of League of Nation. ’20: Women voting right. Sale and manufacture of alcohol forbidden. ’24: Indigenous people allowed citizenship. ’29-33: Wall Street stock market crash, triggers the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s "New Deal" recovery programme. Alcohol legal again. ’41: Japanese Pearl Harbour attack. Leads to US joining WWII against Axis powers. ’45: US drops 2 atomic bombs on Hiroshima & Nagasaki. ’47: Truman Doctrine: aid against communism. Start Cold War with Soviet Union. ’48: Marshall Plan. ‘50-’53: US participates in Korean War. ‘50-’54: Anti-communist crusade within US by Senator McCarthy.’54: Racial segregation in schools unconstitutional. Civil disobedience, pro African-American. ‘60: Nixon. ’61: Bay of Pigs = attempt to invade Cuba, unsuccessful. ’62: Cuban missile crisis. ’63: John F Kennedy assassinated. Johnson president. ’64: Military intervention Vietnam. Nationally, anti-discrimination law. ’68: Martin Luther King assassinated. ’69: Republican Nixon. Neil Armstrong on the Moon. ’73: Vietnam ceasefire. ’74: Watergate scandal, Nixon resigns. ’76: Carter. ’79: US embassy in Tehran hostage crisis. ’80: Reagan, Republican. Anti-communist. ’86: Bombing Libyan cities. ’88: Bush Sr. ’89: Panama invasion, Noriega arrested for drug-trafficking. ’91: Iraq War involvement. ’92: Clinton, democratic. ’92: Nafta. ’99: Nato bombardment Yugoslavia in response to Serb violence against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. 2000: Bush Jr. ’01: 9/11, excuse for War on Terror. Invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. Against Taliban. ’02: Department of Homeland Security. ’05: Hurricane Katrina. ’08: Democratic Obama, 1st black president. ’09: 1st Tea Party rally = protest against bailing out banks and introduce healthcare reform. ’11: Presumed Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden killed. ’13: Snowden flees to Russia after leaking info on extensive internet and telephone surveillance by US. ’14: Diplomatic relations with Cuba. ’16: Trump. ’17: Trump restricts visas for Muslim-majority countries. Recognises Jerusalem as capital of Israel & sovereignty over Golan Heights. ’18: Trump meets Kim Jong-un (North Korea). New Trade deal with Canada & Mexico. ’19: Withdrawing troops from northern Syria. Turkey occupy Kurdish-run parts, create buffer zone. Trump impeached by House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. ’20: Covid-19 pandemic. Nationwide protests about killing of African-American George Floyd. ’21: Biden. ’25: Trump again. 
Picture
Budget Bites
​
  • Main Supermarket Chains (Washington): Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Wholefoods, Metropolitan Market, Target, Albertsons, Walmart.
  • Local Dishes (national): Hamburger, Hot Dogs, Buffalo Wings, BBQ Ribs, Roasted Turkey, Mac & Cheese, Meat Loaf, Sweet Potato Casserole, Fried Okra, Cobb Salad (avocado, chicken, hardboiled egg), Tex-Mex, Crab Cake, Corndogs, Clam Chowder, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crayfish, General Tso Chicken, Chicago-Style Pizza, Chicken & Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Mission Burrito, Cheesesteak, Cornbread, Peanutbutter & Jelly Sandwich, Club Sandwich, Frybread, Po Boy (sandwich), Reuben Sandwich, Sloppy Joe, American Pancakes, Breakfast Burrito, Monterey Jack Cheese, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Brownies, Fudge, Jell-O, S’mores, Donuts, Hushpuppies.
  • The Veg Situation: Going veg is not so complicated in the United States, as vegetarianism and veganism is widely accepted. Most supermarkets contain veg products, be it very processed at times. Veg restaurants can be found here:  https://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/
  • National Drink: Coca Cola. 


​Mama Said

  • Safety: Overall, the United States is a safe country. Yet, all cities deal with a major drug addiction and homelessness problem, which can bring safety in jeopardy. Also, with guns legal to all, gun violence is always around the corner. Don’t trespass, interact with caution and like everywhere else in the world, go around using common sense.
  • Tap Water: is safe to drink. 
  • The best credit/debit card for traveling is Wise, as they use the live conversion rates with minimal exchange fees. Wise also has the lowest fees for sending money to foreign accounts. That said, I do find their customer service rather questionable. Revolut is comparable, but they have higher exchange fees in the weekend and less wallet-options. Also, you can only wire money to Revolut in the currency you opened the account with, whereas Wise has IBAN’s from a wide variety of currencies, so you don’t have to pay a double exchange fee. Both Revolut and Wise have the option to open an American Dollar wallet. Most American ATMs charge a fee for cash outs, but card payments are accepted everywhere.
  • Simcard: This can be of considerate cost in the United States. However, lately the market is opening up with more budget players entering the scene. During my 5-month visit, I order a Mint Mobile simcard, which has great coverage and offers low cost packages with particularly economical deals to new members. Other budget operators are Boost Mobile, Lyca, Mobile X, Ultra Mobile, Visible, Cricket, Metro and Tracfone. The main providers are AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. 
Picture
Transport
​
  • Walking: The bigger American cities are quite spread out and designed for car traffic. Walking is generally a feasible option per neighbourhood, but might be too much of an effort on a city-wide level.  
  • Cycling: The United States does not have a cycling culture whatsoever. However, recently many cities are making an effort to promote this green way of transport by building cycle lanes and creating shared-bike-programs.
  • Public Transport: Within the bigger cities, public transport is usually widely available. Expect an extensive bus network, potentially including a metro, tram or light rail network. On the coast, ferries are generally included in the public transit system. Day passes offer affordable deals within the city limits. To get from city to city, public transportation options are limited to bus lines and certain train connections. Smaller towns and villages are harder to reach.
  • Taxi / Uber: The US has taxi apps such as Uber, Lyft and Easy Taxi.  
  • Train: The train network in the United States is limited. Trajectories are operated by Amtrak, BNSF Railway, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. The cities on the east- and west-coast are well-connected, but land inwards only certain routes are available. Find an overview on this map. 
  • Car Rental: This is not a cheap option in the US. However, the best deals can generally be found when the car is picked up from an airport or… from Las Vegas.
  • Hitchhiking: is uncommon in the US, but certainly possible. Americans tend to be sceptical and scared in this regards, so it’s definitely not always easy to be picked up, yet I managed to get a ride on all the occasions when I tried to do so. Be aware that on some highway entries and around correctional facilities there are signs stating that hitchhiking is prohibited. More info on hitchhiking in the USA can be found on Hitchwiki. 
 
Next?
​
  • In The US: Oregon, Montana, Idaho.
  • International Destinations Close By: Canada, Mexico, Cuba. 
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