Pacific Crest Trail, Pasayten Wilderness

Posted on July 13, 2023 by Andy Porter

The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,650 miles long and ends at the Northern Terminus monument about two feet south of Boundary Monument 78 on the US/Canada border.

The northernmost section of the PCT passes through the Pasayten Wilderness, in Washington State. Its one of most magnificent sections of the trail.

One place to access the trail is at Slate Peak. This is the highest place, elevation-wise, that you drive a passenger car in State of Washington topping out at about 7,600 ft. Check the road conditions first, its a white-knuckler for sure.

Starting a hike at its highest point is always a bit strange, but it sure make the first days hiking easy, all down hill! On the first day we hiked from Slate peak and the parking area down to Holman Pass and then started back up.

Heading North from the Slate Peak parking area

Here the trail passes through a glorious section on its way up to Rock Pass. The area is called the Parade Grounds, is a huge area, wide open meadows covered with flowers, interspersed with trees. There is a spring nearby and dispersed camping, and a short way off small Goat Lake.

The crest of Rock Pass is truly stunning. The view below is looking north from Rock Pass. That’s Lakeview Ridge on the left. The PCT makes its way through Woody Pass (snow filled gap, left) crosses to the west side of Lakeview Ridge and continues north.

The PCT in past days traversed along the very top of the ridge here, from Rock Pass over to Woody Pass. But now the trail steeply switch backs down from Rock Pass, makes a creek crossing and then climbs laboriously back up to Woody Pass.

Pacific Crest Trail between Rock Pass and Woody Pass

From Woody Pass the PCT swings along the west side of the Cascade Crest as it makes its way north.

The ridge the trail follows is called Lakeview Ridge, and it offers some of the best views anywhere.

At the northern end of the ridge the trail descends the Devils Staircase to Hopkins Lake and then its only a few short, flat miles to Castle Pass and the Three Fools trail junction. The Canada Border lies just beyond.

Goat Rocks Wilderness

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Andy Porter

The Goat Rocks Wilderness is located in the southern Cascades of Washington State. Remnants of an ancient volcano core eroded into crags of stone, the Goat Rocks lie between the mammoth summit of Mount Rainier and Washington State’s second highest peak, Mount Adams.

The Pacific Crest Trail makes its way through the wilderness on its way from Mexico to Canada.

In late July and early August the snow melts and the meadows are alive, painted with acres and acres of fantastically beautiful wildflowers.

Snow Grass Flats is a fairy-like section of trail nearby. The Bear Grass and Lupine creating such color splendor that its hard to hike!

If you’d like to purchase a canvas wrap or fine art print, here is the gallery to view and choose size and frame.

Next summer Washington State Photo Tours are available! Tulip Photo Tours, Night Sky Photo Tours and North Cascades Hiking Tours.

The Northern End of the Pacific Crest Trail

Posted on February 7, 2015 by Andy Porter

The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,400 mile long foot trail stretching from the US border with Mexico through California, Oregon and Washington State to Canada.

Pacific Crest Trail, Pasayten Wilderness

Powder and Shull Mountains, from the Pacific Crest Trail, Pasayten Wilderness

The northern most part of the PCT follows the Cascade Crest crossing Rock Pass, Woody Pass and then making a long gradual ascent of Lakeview Ridge.

Rock Pass, from Woody Pass

Here a more than 7,000 feet the views are breathtaking. Lining the international border are Hozomeen Mountain, Joker and Freezeout Mtns and Castle Peak. To the west the snowy dome of Mount Baker is clearly visible. Three Fools Peak dominates to the horizon to the south.

Three Fools Peak from the PCT on Lakeview Ridge

The grassy ridgetop is a fine place to camp. Snow lingers here, usually until August, providing water.

Lakeview Ridge at Sunset

Jack Mountain from Lakeview Ridge

The easiest way to get here is to drive to Mazama and take the road towards Harts Pass, up the steep valley and towards Slate Peak. The road (generally suitable for passenger vehicles) bisects the PCT just below the summit of Slate Peak. This it the highest point that can be reached by car in Washington. From here its about a 20 mile hike to the top of Lakeview Ridge.

Stormy Skies at Maple Pass

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Andy Porter

There many trails starting along the North Cascades Highway. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses at Bridge Creek, heading south. At Rainy Pass, on the north side, the PCT heads up to Cutthroat Pass. On the south side of the highway is the famous Maple Pass – Lake Ann Loop.

The trail is about 7 miles long, climbing from the road past a spur trail to Lake Ann and then heading up to Heather Pass. The views of Lake Ann along the way are super. The trail continues past Heather Pass up to a border with the North Cascades National Park and then turns, ascends a short distance to Maple Pass and the plunges down switch backs back to the parking area.

This August I wanted to go hike but the weather report called for storms in the mountains, however down in the valley, where I live the sky was blue, so I headed up and well…these images show the rest!