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Pacific Crest Trail: Washington State Overview (Cascade Locks to Canadian Border)

Pacific Crest Trail: Washington State Overview (Cascade Locks to Canadian Border) reference article on thruhikingwiki.com.

Overview

The Pacific Crest Trail in Washington runs from the Bridge of the Gods at the Columbia River to the northern terminus on the United States–Canada border. It features substantial elevation change, frequent high passes, complex weather patterns, and a sequence of resupply points that require more deliberate planning than many earlier sections.

Key points

  • Covers roughly the final 500 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Columbia River to the Canadian border.
  • Includes prominent areas such as the Goat Rocks Wilderness, Mount Rainier vicinity, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Glacier Peak Wilderness, and the North Cascades.
  • Food carries between resupply locations are generally longer than in much of Oregon and Southern California.
  • Weather can be more volatile, with increased likelihood of sustained rain, early-season snow, and late-season storms.
  • Trail tread ranges from smooth forest paths to steep, narrow traverses with exposure and complex footing.
  • Resupply strategy typically uses a sequence of passes and small towns accessed by highway hitches or shuttles.
  • Seasonal conditions, wildfire impacts, and land management changes can significantly alter on-the-ground logistics from year to year.

Details

In Washington, the Pacific Crest Trail leaves the Columbia River at the Bridge of the Gods and climbs into the Cascade Range for its final series of high, often rugged segments. The terrain includes dense coniferous forests, expansive ridgelines, volcanic landscapes, and glaciated peaks. Elevation changes are frequent, and the cumulative effect of climbs and descents can slow average daily mileage compared with portions of Oregon.

This section is known for relatively long food carries between resupply points such as Cascade Locks or Stevenson, Trout Lake, White Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, and Stehekin or Mazama/Winthrop. Many of these towns or service nodes lie off-trail and require hitchhiking or arranged transport from highway crossings or side roads. Because of this, hikers often plan Washington resupplies in more detail than in areas with more frequent on-trail stores.

Weather patterns in Washington can change rapidly. Prolonged rain events, low cloud ceilings, and early or lingering snowfields are all possible during typical thru-hiking season. As a result, hikers may adjust their pace, resupply intervals, or choice of side trips to account for visibility, temperature, and trail conditions. Shorter daylight windows late in the season can further influence daily planning.

The Washington segment is also where many hikers encounter some of the most memorable scenery of the Pacific Crest Trail, particularly in places such as the Goat Rocks ridgeline, the high basins of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and the long approach through Glacier Peak country. These landscapes often come with more complex navigation and footwork than simpler forest segments, reinforcing the importance of conservative timing, flexible itineraries, and awareness of ongoing trail and access updates.

All mileages, service details, and access options are approximate and can change with reroutes, road work, fire closures, and management decisions. Up-to-date official information, current maps, and recent community reports are important complements to any general overview.

Disclaimer: thruhikingwiki.com is an independent, informational reference only. It is not an official source for any trail association, land manager, park, agency, or guide service. Nothing on this site is legal, safety, medical, navigation, or professional advice, and it does not replace formal training or certified instruction. Thru-hiking and backcountry travel involve significant risk. Local regulations, land manager rules, and manufacturer instructions always take priority. You are solely responsible for your planning decisions, safety practices, and compliance with applicable laws. Use this site at your own risk.

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.