WASHINGTON

• Location: Washington, the final section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), stretches from the southern border with Oregon to the northern terminus at the Canadian border. This section is characterized by dramatic mountain scenery, alpine lakes and dense forests, with a distinct transition into the cooler, autumnal climate of the Pacific Northwest.

• Duration: From August 27th to September 20th, 2024, covering 25 days.

• Distance Covered: 855 km (approximately 531 miles).

• Number of Zero Days: None were taken during this section; I pushed through to complete the final stretch.

• Elevation Gain: 27,908 meters (91,616 feet) of cumulative ascent.

• Environment and Weather: The climate in Washington varied significantly. Higher altitudes were cooler, with temperatures dropping in the mornings, evenings and nights, signaling the onset of autumn. While there were occasional rains, the conditions were generally manageable, with less fog and mist compared to earlier sections of the trail. The region’s dense forests and alpine meadows provided a beautiful backdrop, but with the arrival of colder weather, the landscape started to show signs of the changing season.

• National Park Crossed:

  • North Cascades National Park: This park offered some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery along the PCT. Known for its rugged, glaciated peaks, waterfalls and deep valleys, the North Cascades are one of the most remote and wild parts of the trail.

• Key Resupply Points:

  • Trout Lake: A small but charming stop with limited resupply options, providing a nice break before heading into the tougher sections.

  • White Pass: A convenient resupply point located at gas station, giving access to food and rest before tackling more mountainous terrain.

  • Snoqualmie Pass: A major pass offering hikers a full resupply with nearby amenities and a popular stop in the Cascades.

  • Stevens Pass: Another major pass, with resupply and facilities that made it easier to continue the journey.

  • Leavenworth: A picturesque Bavarian-style town offering food, resupply and rest for weary hikers.

  • Stehekin: A small village near Lake Chelan, accessible by boat or foot, providing a final opportunity to resupply before heading to the Northern Terminus.

• Summits Climbed:

  • Old Snowy (2,401 meters - 7,877 feet): An off-trail peak that added a rewarding challenge to the section, offering spectacular views and a sense of accomplishment.

• Volcanic Peaks Passed:

  • Mount St. Helens: This active volcano is most famous for its catastrophic eruption in 1980. The PCT offers views of its barren, blast-zone landscape, a stark contrast to the lush forest surroundings.

  • Mount Rainier: Dominating the skyline, Mount Rainier is one of the most iconic peaks in the Pacific Northwest, standing at 4,392 meters (14,411 feet). Its snow-covered slopes and towering glaciers were visible for much of this section.

• Key Landmarks and Features:

  • Northern Terminus: The PCT concludes at the Canadian border, a significant milestone marking the end of the trail. The Northern Terminus is located near Manning Park in British Columbia.

• Difficulties Encountered:

  • Wildfires: Washington was impacted by several wildfires, leading to smoke-filled skies and detours on the trail. The fires caused some sections to be temporarily closed, forcing hikers to take alternate routes.

  • Fatigue: By this point in the journey, the physical and mental toll of hiking the PCT for months accumulated, making the final days increasingly difficult.

  • Steep Ascents and Descents: The terrain in Washington is known for its steep climbs and descents, testing the limits of endurance. The constant up-and-down of the trail added to the overall exhaustion.

  • Autumn Weather: As the weather shifted, mornings and nights became particularly cold, with temperatures occasionally dipping below freezing. Rain and frost became more frequent as the days grew shorter.

  • Burnt Forests and Blowdowns: Many sections of the forest in Washington had been impacted by past fires, creating obstacles like fallen trees and burnt, blackened landscapes. These conditions made the trail harder to navigate at times.

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This final section of the PCT was a fitting conclusion to the journey, offering majestic views, rugged terrain and an abundance of natural beauty. However, the challenges of fire, fatigue and difficult weather conditions reminded me of the perseverance required to complete the entire trail. Reaching the Northern Terminus at the Canadian border was both a relief and a triumphant end to one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life.