Stevens Pass, Skykomish, and Leavenworth: Glacier Peak Approach Resupply

Stevens Pass, Skykomish, and Leavenworth: Glacier Peak Approach Resupply reference article on thruhikingwiki.com.

Overview

Stevens Pass, along with the nearby towns of Skykomish and Leavenworth, provides a critical resupply and rest opportunity before and after the Glacier Peak Wilderness section of the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington.

Key points

  • The Pacific Crest Trail crosses U.S. Highway 2 at Stevens Pass, adjacent to a ski area with seasonal services.
  • Hikers commonly hitch from Stevens Pass eastward to Skykomish or further to Leavenworth for fuller services.
  • Skykomish is a small town with limited but focused hiker services; Leavenworth is a larger regional destination with extensive lodging and resupply options.
  • Because of the long, remote stretch between Stevens Pass and the next major resupply points, many hikers send boxes to Stevens Pass or to local businesses in Skykomish.
  • Weather, trail conditions, and wildfire impacts in the Glacier Peak region can significantly influence resupply timing around this node.

Details

Stevens Pass marks a major intersection between the Pacific Crest Trail and U.S. Highway 2 in central Washington. The trail crosses in the vicinity of a ski area that may offer limited services such as food, restrooms, or package handling during the hiking season, depending on operating arrangements. For many thru hikers, Stevens Pass is both a logistical anchor and a natural stopping point as they transition into or out of the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

From the pass, hikers often travel east along Highway 2 to reach nearby communities. Skykomish, located relatively close to Stevens Pass, generally provides basic lodging, meals, and limited shopping or package pickup options. Leavenworth, farther east, offers a wider range of accommodations, grocery stores, and outfitter-style services typical of a larger tourist town.

Because the stretch between Stevens Pass and subsequent resupply locations such as Stehekin or Mazama/Winthrop crosses some of the more remote terrain on the Washington portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, hikers frequently plan a substantial food carry out of this area. Many choose to send resupply boxes to Stevens Pass, Skykomish, or specific businesses in the corridor to ensure access to preferred items.

Conditions in the surrounding region, particularly in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, can vary significantly from year to year. Snow coverage, trail damage, and wildfire-related detours may alter travel times and route lines, which in turn affect how hikers structure their resupply schedule around Stevens Pass and the associated towns.

As with all resupply points, the specifics of package policies, store inventories, and transportation options can change. Hikers typically verify current arrangements with the ski area, local businesses, or relevant land managers as part of final planning.

Illustrative hiking footage

The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.