All of these streams are easily crossed in September, but some of them can be dangerous in the spring or after a heavy rain. The reason they do not have bridges is because when they flood it is enough to destroy a bridge. For example, Lemah Creek had a sturdy 50’ bridge until it was completely destroyed in the spring of 2009. You will see the large bridge footings on either side of the creek if you cross at the PCT.
If you are alone and encounter a stream crossing that gives you pause, I recommend waiting until another hiker comes so you can cross together.
If there is snow in the watershed then the stream level should be lower in the morning when the temperature is lower.
Before crossing look downstream for obstacles and opportunities in case you are swept down-stream.
Treking poles add stabiliy (keep the straps on your wrists). When crossing a stream, unbuckle the waist strap and use only one shoulder strap (the down-stream side). In strong current face up-stream and walk sideways, leaning hard upstream.
If you fall, try to fall upstream onto your hands, not your back.
If you are crossing on a log, falling off the upstream side of that log could pin you under that log or against it. Better to fall on the downstream side of the log.
West of Glacier Peak in Section K
PCTA mile marker 2515.5
Lat long: 48.12471, -121.17078
West side of Mt Adams in Section H
PCTA mile marker 2245.4
Lat long: 46.24298, -121.54331
East of Pea Soup Lake, midway between Snoqualmie Pass and
Stevens Pass in Section J
PCTA mile marker 2444.35
Lat long: 47.57720, -121.14405
West of Pete Lake in the southern half of Section J
PCTA mile marker 2417
Lat long: 47.47686, -121.26166
I prefer the Lemah Creek alternate route over the regular route. The alternate route is only 0.07 miles longer than the regular route and it actually saves you a small amount of elevation gain in either direction. The creek is much wider at the alternate crossing point, thus is less deep. I have heard reports of easier crossing points just above or just below the PCT but I have not personally tried those spots.
Lemah Creek is a potentially dangerous creek because it has a large watershed above it with deep snow deposits on Lemah Mountain. Heavy rains can cause this creek to rise rapidly.
If you believe No-Name creek to be impassible you can avoid it by taking the Cathedral Pass Trail and Deception Pass Trail around the opposite side of Hyas Lake. This is a 8.67 mile detour which is 3.79 miles further than the normal route. It adds 374 ft more elevation gain going northbound and 369 feet more going southbound
While No-Name’s source is not Pea Soup Lake, it is a potentially dangerous stream because it has a large watershed above it with deep snow deposits, and because the north side of the stream is constrained by a sheer rock wall.
If you believe Adams Creek to be impassible you can avoid it by taking the Divide Camp Trail and Killen Creek Trail. This 8.4 mile route is 7.08 miles longer than the PCT route. It adds 1,506 ft of elevation gain going northbound, and 1,539 ft of elevation going southbound
Adams Creek is a high flow creek because it is fed year-round by the Adams Glacier and large watershed. It is a braided creek with two or more paths to cross.
No alternate route. It's unfortunate that this notorious creek crossing has no viable alternate route. The old alternate route along White Chuck River Trail and Kennedy Ridge Trail was destroyed by flooding and mudslides in 2003. This 2.85 mile route was 1.12 miles longer than the regular route. It added 246 ft of elevation gain going northbound, and 249 ft of elevation going southbound
Kennedy Creek is a high flow creek because it is fed year-round by a glacier and large watershed.
