Trekking for Children

www.trailjournals.com/westcoast

The West Coast Trail (WCT) is not an established route like the popular Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail. Instead, it is a collection of beaches, trails, backroads, and even some highway shoulder walking. According to the National Coast Trails Association, no man or woman has ever walked the entire length of the American contiguous west coast.

The path offers an incredibly unique journey along the meeting of land and sea, and travelers must respect the ever-changing fluid wilderness. Celestial influence controls the tidal surges and retreats, making some stretches unwalkable or potentially dangerous. From the lush rainforests of the Washington Coast, the trail winds down the country, passing through Indian Nations, Olympic National Park, over swift and wide rivers, along the protected coast of Oregon, the towering redwoods of Northern California, the Lost Coast, the Golden Gate Bridge, the intensly populated areas of southern California, and finally to a giant fence at the Mexican Border near Tiajuana.

To tell the truth, our Trekkers don't know what else to expect. They might find out why no one has ever done it before in one hike. Or they might help the creation of a new National Scenic Trail. Whatever the case, it will be a true adventure!

..............The Pacific Crest Trail is a beast. It is known as the "Trail of Extremes." In its 2,658 mile mountain course through California, Oregon, and Washington it offers everything from 13,000 ft. snow-laden alpine passes in the High Sierras to bone-dry desert stretches with ground surface temperatures exceeding 145 degrees F! It should be interesting to see how our homemade gear and 12 lb. backpacks (dry weight) hold up on this dynamic trek.