Trip report by: Ken Roberts
This section of the PCT is different in many ways from the popular Snoqualmie to Stevens section. North of Stevens Pass, the PCT works its way five and a half miles through the woods to Lake Valhalla. Another four miles gets you to Lake Janus. Climbing out of the woods, the trail follows a long ridge towards Grizzly Peak. From the flowered slopes of Grizzly Peak, there are excellent views of Glacier Peak to the North, Rainier to the south and Mt. Baker far off to the North West.
Photo: Late afternoon sun light streams across White Pass.
The trail takes a quick drop down to Wanachee Pass, then up to Pear Lake. Turning north, the trail negotiates a high ridge and heads for Saddle Gap. From this high ground, the Olympic Mountains far off to the west are visible, along with the Monte Cristo Range and the dramatic Sloan Peak.
Dropping down briefly down to Cady Pass, the PCT climbs a long, high ridge towards Skykomish Peak. For the next fifteen miles, the PCT stays on high, meadowy ridges traveling north towards the slopes of Glacier Peak. Here begins a rather grueling 3/4 circumnavigation of Washingtons' most remote volcanic peak.
After climbing and dropping thousands of feet several times, the PCT finally moves off to the east down to the wild Suiattle River. On the home stretch to the Stehekin Valley, it's three thousand feet up to Suiattle Pass, then a 17 mile run down to the wilderness bus stop at High Bridge. A bus runs to the town of Stehekin on the shores of Lake Chelan. Here a ferry boat is available to the town of Chelan and civilization, if you're still interested. The PCT continues north to the Canadian border.
Stats: Length 98 miles one way. Total elevation gain 14,600 feet.
Getting there: Trailhead is located on Stevens Pass; the other is located at High Bridge near Stehekin, which is not accessible by car.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.