I’ve read in several guide books that the northern-most section of the Pacific Crest Trail, (Pasayten Wilderness, Washington State) is one of the most scenic of the trail. Actually this 25 mile section of trail is part of two National Scenic Trail systems: The Pacific Crest Trail (Canada to Mexico) and the Pacific Northwest Trail (Glacier National Park, Montana to Olympic National Park, Washington).

So, I decided to see for myself. We drove to Mazama, on the North Cascades Highway and headed up the 18-mile road to Harts Pass and the trail head.

The mostly dirt road is suitable for most any car and is breathtaking in itself. It winds its way to the top of Slate Peak, at more than 7,000 feet elevation.

It’s always nice to start a hike at its highest point, rather then (as is usually the case) it’s lowest.

Trailhead Parking

From the very start the trail is glorious: expansive views of the Pasayten peaks to the east as well as the jagged spires to the west in North Cascades National Park.

Arriving late in the afternoon we only made it 6 miles the first day, camping at Jim Pass. The entire pass was upholstered in herbaceous wildflowers, making it difficult to stop taking pictures!

View from Jim Pass

Wildflowers atop Jim Pass

The next morning the valleys were filled with fog, but we were above and the weather was perfect as we hiked along. The trail traverses the side of Devil’s Backbone and then drops down to Holman Pass.

The second night we camped in meadows on a shelf just south of Rock Pass.

Meadows just below Rock Pass

There is a spring for water and the expansive meadows are a wide open space.

Always lots of deer hanging near camp…

Camp visitors

Shull and Powder Mountains loom above.

Shull Mountain Panorama

There are two small lakes (Goat Lakes) just above the trail, and there is an easy boot-path to them.

The hike up and over Rock Pass and then though Woody Pass is definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

Wildflowers just before Rock Pass

Green meadows, abundant wildflowers, soaring peaks, a true masterpiece.

Rock Pass Panorama

From Rock Pass the trail dips down about 600 feet, traverses below steep slopes and then heads right back up to the narrow gap of Woody Pass.

Between Rock Pass and Woody Pass

Following the trail through Woody Pass puts one back on the west side of the Cascade Crest.

Looking back at Rock Pass from Woody Pass

Now the trail mostly maintains its altitude as it makes its way to Lakeview Ridge, the highest point along this section of the trail. The entire 3 miles is impossible to hike quickly: there are too many incredible views!

Along the trail…

More wildflowers

Cornering around the last finger ridge, the Lakeview Ridge comes into view. A few final switch-backs, and viola! We made it!

From the top of the ridge there are unrestricted views in every direction. Mount Baker and the Pickets are in clear view to the west.

To the north we could see the 1996 burn along the Three Fools Trail, which we had hiked a few years before and Hopkins Lake, nestled below the Devils Staircase…

Hopkins Lake

The view south is dominated by Three Fools Peak, and in every direction stretch long verdant valleys, carpeted in green…

Three Fools Peak

We spent the night there, on top of the ridge. The weather was perfect, 70’s in the day, 40 to 50 at night. There were very few bugs, compared to my earlier visits.

Three Fools Peak and Wildflowers

More flowers atop Lakeview Ridge

After a night atop the ridge, we retraced our path back to the car, taking our time to soak up the perfect scenery…

All told it’s 21 miles from the parking lot to the top of Lakeview Ridge. One of my all-time favorite hikes!