This site is updated every spring to ensure all the information is still accurate. Some pages display when they were last updated.

• Entry to Canada Ended

  Crossing the US/Canada border in either direction is prohibited.

• When to hike the PCT in Washington

  Includes average dates for a snow-free trail, temperatures, fire risk, and some key annual events.

• Comparison of the sections by statistics

  Includes general trail attributes for each section including distance, elevation change, max elevation, and water availability.

• Camping Permits

  The only portion of the PCT in Washington that requires a camping permit is in the North Cascades National Park, from near High Bridge (Stehekin) to near Rainy Pass.

• Legal land boundaries

  Ownership and management of the lands the PCT passes through .

• Food Storage Rules

  Food storage rules for each of the National Parks and National Forests the PCT runs thru, as well as popular practices.

• Public Transit to/from trailheads

  All public transit options for getting close to PCT trailheads.

• Resupply Guide

  Includes mail-to locations, common trail access points by driving, the nearest hotels/hostels, and general availability of mobile phone signal at those points.

• Challenging Creek Crossings

  The most challenging creek crossings and alternate routesS

• Resources for Tracking Fire and Smoke Conditions

  A list of resources for current fire and smoke conditions near the trail

• Risks on the trail

  Injury data for the PCT.

• Mile-by-mile Descriptions of each section

  Detailed sequential descriptions of the trail.

• Selective Section Hiking

  My personal advice for section hikers.

• PCT History

  Various historical stories related to the PCT.

• 2024 Spring Melt Reports (every 5 days)

  Specific snow coverage and fire status.

• Common Trail Access Points

  Includes more detailed per-section descriptions of entry/exit options by hiking, when a drive-to option is not available.

• Alternate Route - The Old CCT at Cispus Pass

  Alternate Route- The Old CCT at Cispus Pass

• Alternate Route to Suiattle Pass - Miners Ridge

  An alternate route between Suiattle Pass and the Suiattle River.

• Alternate Routes to Canada

  Optional alternate routes (not fire re-routes).

Facebook groups

This website usually stops being updated each year by mid July. Facebook groups are a good place to get information about current PCT trail conditions and events. Here are a few of them.

PCT: Washington For general information about current PCT trail conditions and issues.

PCT Washington Trail Angels For Trail Angels offering assistance in WA, and for hikers seeking personal help with transportation, lodging, or on-trail assistance.