Pacific Crest Trail Hike Section Review: Washington
Pacific Crest Trail Hike Section Review: Washington
Hello all! As I continue to prep for the Appalachian Trail, I can’t help but think about where I was at this time last year for my 2024 Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. This has been a great time for reflection and while reflecting, I wanted to share some of the information I wish I had known.
Desert section: March 22nd, 2024 - May 10th, 2024
Sierra Nevada: May 12th, 2024 - June 11th, 2024
Northern California: June 14th, 2024 - July 10th, 2024.
Oregon: July 10th, 2024 - July 30th, 2024
Washington: August 2nd, 2024 - August 22nd, 2024
I wrote individual section posts that go over mileage day over day (section by section), other statistics, and a narrative. If you are diving head first into what a realistic hike would/could look like, I’ve linked those below for easy access.
Remember that my PCT Washington Highlights/Lowlights are completely subjective to my experience. No one’s experience will look exactly the same.
I’ve tried to list out as much town information as I remember and can recommend. Please reach out (email and socials below) if you have any specific questions about a location.
I’m so excited for your journey!
Individual Section Posts:
PCT Washington Highlights:
Enjoying the scenery that Washington had to offer - it is as good as everyone says.
Being reunited with my full Sierra Squad for a section which included Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Tackling all of Washington with my dear Bags and Prick.
Adapting to the uncontrollables while making sure we got to touch the border and attend PCT Trail Days.
Completing my thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.
PCT Washington Lowlights:
My body was starting to get tired. Not just fatigued, but down to my bones tired.
This was only exacerbated by 10 days of insomnia.
Fires again shaped my time.
Skipped from Trout Lake to Potato Hill.
Skipped from Steven’s Pass to Harts Pass.
Missing North Cascades National Park and Stehekin.
These fire skips meant I was only able to complete 70% of miles in Washington.
Reality of returning to home life (that was in disarray) lead to anxiety about finishing the trail.
Town Stops in Washington
Here I’ve outlined all of the town stops I made while in Washington and included things I would recommend. If you see something on here missing, i.e. accommodation or a restaurant, it is because I do not recommend it and therefore will not be mentioning it.
There are other towns in Washington, but these are the ones that I stopped at. Reminder that I had to skip a significant portion in the Northern Washington (the entirety of Section K). I will always listen to the PCTA and Forest Service regarding fires.
Towns
Cascade Locks (Section G/H):
Food: Thunder Island Brewing was wonderful. I went there 3x because of how long/how many times I was in and out of Cascade Locks. Gluten free burger buns? Yes please.
Resupply: There is a grocery store, but I had resupplied in Portland.
Post Office: Central located, easily accessible in town.
Trout Lake (Section H)
Accommodation: I stayed at the Trout Lake Valley Inn. Though, there is $5 camping behind the Trout Lake General Store.
Resupply/Packages: The general store does have food targeted towards hikers. They also accept packages ($) and there is a charging station.
Laundry/Showers: I utilized the Trout Valley Inn for these tasks, but the general store has free laundry and showers ($).
Extra: The trail angels in this town are unbeatable. The kindness and care for the hiking community seemed endless. Thankful indeed!
White Pass (Section H/I)
Resupply/Packages: The Kracker Barrel Store & Services accepts packages ($) and has minimal resupply. There is a great hiker hangout area with charging stations in the back!
Laundry/Showers: The Kracker Barrel had both of these services but I did not use them.
Snoqualmie Pass (Section I/J)
Transportation: I was lucky enough that I had a friend in the area so I did not need to deal with the bus system. This is located on the biggest highway in Washington, so there are many people around.
Accommodation: I headed into Seattle, but there are a couple options at the Pass. The Washington Alpine Club has hostel like accommodations and there is a small hotel called The Summit Inn.
Resupply/Packages: The Chevron accepts packages ($), but do know that they may or may not continue. There was also discussion that the packages are left in the open for others to access.
Steven’s Pass (Section J)
Transportation: Hitched to Seattle from Steven’s Pass. Even though it was a long ride, it did not take too long as this was a major highway. There is a bus that heads into Leavenworth once per day.
Mazama (Section K/L)
I only briefly stopped in Mazama because our group had driven up there to tap the border as Section K was closed. There is a hostel near there (Lion’s Den), but I did not stay there. The small grocery store had some delicious food though!
Advice to new hikers:
Washington somewhat forces you to plan ahead for resupply or a general game plan, so please do so!
Continue to listen to the Forest Service and PCTA in relation to how to handle wildfires.
While I suggested doing your big mile days in Oregon - try to slow down for Washington (if you are heading NOBO). Enjoy every view, climb, and moment where you can.
Sit in the moment that you touch the border and think about where you started from. This is a great time for reflection.
Remember your ‘Why’.
Here are some of my favorite Washington memories in photos below.
xoxo Kanga/Leeann
