Pacific Crest Trail: Washington Section
Overview
The Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail begins at the Columbia River crossing near the Bridge of the Gods and continues north to the Canadian border. It is characterized by steeper terrain, frequent elevation changes, prominent mountain ranges, and more variable weather, with relatively shorter resupply intervals in many segments.
Key points
- Runs from the Columbia River at the Bridge of the Gods to the northern terminus at the Canadian border.
- Includes notable ranges and areas such as Goat Rocks, the Alpine Lakes region, the Glacier Peak vicinity, and the North Cascades.
- Features substantial elevation changes and repeated climbs and descents between ridges, basins, and valleys.
- Weather can be more variable than in some earlier sections, with increased likelihood of rain, fog, and early-season or late-season storms.
- Resupply intervals are often shorter in mileage than in certain other macro sections, but terrain can make daily progress more variable.
- Trail tread ranges from well-maintained forest paths to more rugged segments with roots, rocks, or narrow traverses.
- Seasonal timing is important, as snow and weather windows influence accessibility, especially near the end of the typical hiking season.
Details
Upon crossing the Columbia River, the Pacific Crest Trail enters Washington, where the route quickly returns to significant climbs and ridgelines. Elevation profiles in this macro section often display repeated ascents and descents, and daily planning typically incorporates considerations of both vertical change and available campsites.
Notable landscapes in Washington include the Goat Rocks area with its high ridges and exposed traverses, the lake-dense Alpine Lakes region, and the broad terrain around Glacier Peak and further into the North Cascades. These areas provide a combination of forest, meadows, rocky ridges, and glaciated peaks visible from the trail. The variety of terrain contributes to both scenic complexity and logistical considerations.
Weather variability is a central factor in this section. Even during stable periods, hikers may encounter clouds, fog, and intermittent rain. As the season advances, particularly in late-summer or early-autumn northbound itineraries, the chance of colder storms, reduced visibility, or early snow increases. These conditions can affect travel speed, campsite choices, and overall timing toward the northern terminus.
Water is generally accessible in many parts of Washington, with streams, lakes, and seeps providing regular sources, though localized dry stretches can still occur depending on conditions and time of year. The combination of frequent elevation change and moisture can result in slick tread in some weather patterns.
Resupply opportunities in Washington are typically spaced to reflect the more rugged terrain. While the distances between access points can be shorter in terms of trail miles than in some earlier macro sections, the effort required for each segment can vary due to elevation, trail surface, and weather. Some resupply locations are accessed via side trails and forest roads, while others involve longer connections to highway corridors and towns.
The final portion of the Washington section culminates in the approach to the northern terminus on the Canadian border. This stretch often carries additional logistical considerations related to timing, permits, and exit routes, but from a purely trail-structure perspective it represents the closing segment of the PCT’s macro sequence.
Overall, the Washington section is frequently regarded as both demanding and visually notable, combining complex terrain and dynamic conditions as the Pacific Crest Trail reaches its northern end.
Related topics
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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.