White Pass: Mid-Washington Resupply Node

White Pass: Mid-Washington Resupply Node reference article on thruhikingwiki.com.

Overview

White Pass is a highway pass and ski-area complex on U.S. Highway 12 that functions as a key mid-Washington resupply location for Pacific Crest Trail hikers.

Key points

  • The Pacific Crest Trail crosses U.S. Highway 12 near the White Pass ski area, placing hikers within walking distance of services.
  • Typical offerings include a convenience-type store, limited food and gear items, and seasonal lodging, depending on operations.
  • Many hikers prefer to send a resupply package to White Pass due to constrained on-site selection and pricing.
  • White Pass often anchors a common Washington itinerary between Trout Lake or Cascade Locks/Stevenson and Snoqualmie Pass.
  • Weather and seasonal closures can affect what is available at White Pass at different times of the year.

Details

White Pass lies along U.S. Highway 12 and is directly intersected by the Pacific Crest Trail in the vicinity of a ski area and lodging complex. This makes it one of the more straightforward resupply points in Washington in terms of physical access, as hikers typically need only a short road walk between the trail and the services.

The primary resupply resource at White Pass is generally a compact store associated with the lodge or service complex. It often stocks snack foods, a limited selection of staple items, and some trail-oriented provisions, though the range and pricing may not match larger supermarkets. Seasonal lodging and restaurant options may also be available depending on the time of year and the ski area’s operating schedule.

Because selection can be limited compared with larger towns, many Pacific Crest Trail hikers opt to mail a resupply box to White Pass. This approach allows them to tailor their food and gear while still taking advantage of the location’s convenience. Others combine a modest in-person purchase with remaining supplies from earlier segments as part of a hybrid strategy.

White Pass typically serves as a logical midpoint between earlier resupply choices such as Cascade Locks, Stevenson, or Trout Lake and subsequent stops at Snoqualmie Pass or beyond. Its role in a given resupply plan depends on how hikers choose to group their carries across the varied terrain of southern and central Washington.

As with any trail-adjacent service node, the exact mix of store items, lodging arrangements, and mailing policies at White Pass can change over time. Hikers generally verify current information through official channels, guidebook updates, or recent trip accounts before committing to a specific plan.

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.