Trip report by: Ken Roberts
This is a long, rugged hike past many picture-perfect lakes, each one a destination in itself. Many interesting side trips are possible to those who don't have PCT trail miles on their mind. Even if you're just hiking through, I can't imagine a more interesting journey. Just leave the heavy equipment behind. I delayed this trip until the second week of August, to ensure a snow-free trail after a heavy winter snowfall.
I grabbed the bus from Seattle in the morning and was dropped off near the trailhead at Snoqualmie Pass. The PCT arrives at this popular trailhead many miles Paradise Park at Mt. Hood, by way of Naches Peak east of Mt. Rainier.
Photo: The trail climbs high on Chikamin Ridge. Mt. Rainer and Mt. Adams can be seen to the south.
The first day was spent on a long and pleasant climb through big trees and up above the timber line. The trail passes Gravel Lake and goes over the famous Kendall Katwalk. Further up Chikamin Ridge, during day two, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams become visible to the south. The trail drops off the ridge to the east heading towards Spectacle Lake. I quit early on the second day at Spectacle Lake because of sore feet. The mosquitoes were thicker than I've seen anywhere.
On day three, I took a short cut over Waptus Pass and camped beside Waptus Lake, avoiding a long dry climb the PCT takes. Day four involved a long steady climb along up Spinola Creek to Deep Lake. Streams cascading thousands of feet down Mt. Daniel run into the lake. The trail climbs a thousand feet higher up to Cathedral Pass, which has major views.
Day five brought me through the big trees of Deception Pass, past Deception Lakes, up and over a tall ridge to Glacier Lake. Day six involved the last substantial climb to a ridge above Trap Lake. From there, it's a long, gradual run out to the Stevens Pass trailhead. The PCT continues north from Stevens Pass to Stehekin.
Stats: Length 70 miles one way. Total elevation gain 13,100 feet, starting as I did at Snoqualmie Pass.
Getting there: Trailheads are located near the summits of Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass.
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.