Trail Guides
PCT Washington: White Pass to Stevens Pass (Sections I and J)
Last updated: June 2026
By Brooke3 min read
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Overview
Why hike White Pass to Stevens Pass
This is a 170-mile Washington PCT section that almost no one does in one shot, which is part of why it stays off the highlight reel. Starting at Highway 12 and finishing at Highway 2, you combine Section I (White Pass to Snoqualmie Pass, about 98-99 miles) with Section J (Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass, about 71-75 miles). The terrain moves through old-growth forest, exposed ridgelines, subalpine meadows, and the granite-and-larch country of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
A clarification worth making upfront: this route does not include Goat Rocks, the Knife's Edge, Old Snowy Mountain, Packwood Glacier, or Cispus Basin. Those landmarks are south of White Pass, on PCT Section H, not part of this hike. The main draws here are Kendall Katwalk, Spectacle Lake, Cathedral Rock, the Deception Lakes basin, and several hundred miles of Cascade ridge walking that gets less coverage than the sections to the south. That is changing, which is why this guide exists.
At a glance
Trail at a glance
Days
12 to 16 days
Distance
~169-174 miles
Sections
PCT Section I + Section J
Direction
Northbound or southbound
Difficulty
Strenuous
High point
~6,500 ft (Norse Peak area)
Resupplies
Snoqualmie Pass (~mile 98-99)
Best season
Late July to late September
Permits & logistics
Permits & logistics
Permit
Wilderness Self-Issue Permits
Thru-hikers covering 500+ continuous miles use the free PCT Long-Distance Permit from PCTA, which satisfies wilderness registration requirements.
Permit
Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Check current regulations before entry. Rules tighten in high-use zones.
Pass
Trailhead Parking
Always verify current permit requirements with PCTA (pcta.org) and relevant Forest Service offices before departure. Requirements can change.
What This Route Is and Is Not
White Pass to Stevens Pass is PCT Sections I and J combined. Section I runs from White Pass (US-12, ~4,470 ft) north to Snoqualmie Pass (I-90, ~3,022 ft), approximately 98-99 miles. Section J runs from Snoqualmie Pass north to Stevens Pass (US-2, ~4,061 ft), approximately 71-75 miles. Total: roughly 169-174 miles.
Not on this route: Goat Rocks Wilderness, the Knife's Edge, Old Snowy Mountain, Packwood Glacier, and Cispus Basin are all south of White Pass (PCT Section H) and not part of this hike. They appear frequently in Washington PCT coverage, but they belong to a separate itinerary. If you see a trail guide listing the Knife's Edge as a highlight of White Pass to Stevens Pass, the route boundary is wrong.
The route crosses William O. Douglas Wilderness and Norse Peak Wilderness on Section I, and Alpine Lakes Wilderness on Section J. Clearwater Wilderness sits in the middle stretch. The high point is approximately 6,500 ft near Norse Peak and Scout Pass on Section I.
Food Storage
Sections I and J do not carry a mandatory bear canister requirement, unlike California's High Sierra. The PCTA's official guidance recommends bear canisters or IGBC-approved containers as best practice throughout the PCT, but the regulatory mandate stops at the California border.
Black bears are active in the Cascades. Food-storage rules can vary by national forest and wilderness area. Before hiking, check current food-storage orders for Okanogan-Wenatchee and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests. A bear canister or approved bear-resistant container is the simplest way to stay compliant across the full route without having to track area-specific requirements.
Trailhead Access and Logistics
White Pass (south terminus)
The White Pass PCT trailhead sits at US Highway 12 adjacent to the White Pass ski area in Yakima County. Parking is available at the ski area lot. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for overnight parking. Nearest services: Packwood, WA (groceries, lodging, approximately 20 miles west on US-12).
Snoqualmie Pass (major midpoint)
Snoqualmie Pass at I-90 is the route's only major resupply stop, at roughly mile 98-99. The Summit at Snoqualmie ski area complex has a gas station and limited grocery options. The Snoqualmie Pass Post Office accepts hiker packages. Verify current hours and policies before mailing anything.
Stevens Pass (north terminus)
Stevens Pass sits at US Highway 2. The PCT crosses the highway at the ski area complex. Hitches toward Skykomish (west, about 15 miles) are common. Leavenworth is east on US-2 for a larger resupply town. Services at the ski area are limited outside of ski season.
Transportation
Point-to-point logistics require a car shuttle or shuttle service. No reliable public transit runs to White Pass or Stevens Pass. Leavenworth and Packwood each have lodging if you need to stage the night before a start.
Water and Resupply
Water
Both sections have reliable water through most of the summer season. The exposed ridgelines in Norse Peak Wilderness can have longer stretches between sources. Plan 4-6 mile carries on the drier ridge traverses in late summer, especially in the Government Meadows corridor. Alpine Lakes on Section J have dense water sources. Treat all water; giardia is present throughout Cascade backcountry.
Trail breakdown
Trail breakdown
White Pass to Chinook Pass
The route leaves Highway 12 and climbs gradually through the William O. Douglas Wilderness. Ridgelines here are forested with occasional views toward Rainier. The section ends at Chinook Pass (5,432 ft), where Highway 410 crosses. Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap just south of Chinook Pass are popular day-hike destinations and see heavier traffic. Camp near Sheep Lake or push through the Chinook Pass corridor before stopping.
Chinook Pass to Government Meadows
North of Chinook Pass the trail enters Norse Peak Wilderness and the character shifts to long rolling ridgelines with sweeping views east toward the Yakima Valley and west toward Rainier and the Cascades. The terrain here is the highest on the full route, reaching approximately 6,500 feet near Norse Peak and Scout Pass. The trail stays on or near the crest through the Norse Peak and Clearwater wilderness areas before dropping toward Government Meadows, a historic Forest Service site with water. This is the quietest stretch of the route.
Government Meadows to Snoqualmie Pass
The trail rolls through forested terrain before a long descent toward Snoqualmie Pass and Interstate 90. This stretch has fewer dramatic views than the ridge walking on either side, but the solitude is real. Snoqualmie Pass at I-90 (~3,022 ft) is the major midpoint resupply at roughly mile 98-99, with a gas station and limited groceries in the ski area complex. This is the only road crossing with resupply access between White Pass and Stevens Pass.
Snoqualmie Pass to Spectacle Lake
North of I-90 the trail climbs through Kendall Katwalk, a dramatic narrow traverse blasted into a granite cliff band with long Cascade views. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness begins here and the scenery changes considerably. Spectacle Lake sits in a granite-rimmed cirque and is one of the best camps on the full route. Cathedral Rock and Deep Lake follow, with steep and rooty terrain connecting them.
Spectacle Lake to Stevens Pass
The final segment threads through Deception Pass and the Deception Lakes basin, drops past Surprise, Glacier, and Josephine Lakes, then climbs toward the final ridgeline before descending to Stevens Pass (US-2, ~4,061 ft). The ski area parking lot is the terminus. Hitches toward Skykomish (west, about 15 miles) are common. Leavenworth is east on US-2 for a larger resupply town.
Highlights
What you’ll remember
Kendall Katwalk
A narrow rocky traverse blasted into a granite cliff band north of Snoqualmie Pass, with long views across the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Cascade ridgelines.
Spectacle Lake
A granite-rimmed cirque lake deep in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. One of the best camps on the full White Pass to Stevens Pass route.
Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap
A scenic stretch near Chinook Pass on Section I, with lake camping and open ridge views that attract day hikers from the Highway 410 trailhead.
Cathedral Rock and Deep Lake
A volcanic spire above a quiet lake basin. Classic Alpine Lakes terrain near the midpoint of Section J.
Deception Lakes Basin
A long alpine basin with multiple lakes on the final stretch toward Stevens Pass. Less visited than the Spectacle Lake corridor.
Hazards & safety
Hazards to plan for
Lingering Snow
Passes above 5,000 feet hold snow coverage through mid-June in average years, and into July or August after heavy winters. Microspikes or an ice axe may be needed before mid-July on Section I high points. Check current conditions at PCTA.org before departure.
Serious Creek Crossings
Early-season snowmelt turns several creek crossings on Section I into serious fords. The worst are in the first 50 miles north of White Pass and in Alpine Lakes drainages. Hiking before mid-July requires water-crossing competence.
Wildfire and Smoke
Washington wildfire activity peaks August through September. Smoke can limit visibility and create a health hazard on exposed ridges. Check InciWeb and USFS closure notices in the weeks before your start date.
Remote Middle Stretch
The Section I stretch between Chinook Pass and Snoqualmie Pass has no road crossings or reliable bail-out options for 40-plus miles, with limited cell service in drainages. Plan water, emergency contacts, and bail-out logistics before leaving.
Hypothermia Risk
Cascade weather changes fast at any time of year. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in August. A waterproof shell and insulation layer are non-negotiable even in summer months.
Resupply
Resupply points
| Stop | Mile | Services | Days to next |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Pass | 0 | Ski area, minimal supplies; Packwood 20 mi west on US-12 for full resupply | 7-9 days to Snoqualmie Pass |
| Snoqualmie Pass | ~99 | Gas station, limited groceries, post office (mail drops accepted) | 5-7 days to Stevens Pass |
| Stevens Pass | ~170 | Ski area; Skykomish 15 mi west on US-2, Leavenworth east |
White Pass
- Mile
- 0
- Services
- Ski area, minimal supplies; Packwood 20 mi west on US-12 for full resupply
- Days to next
- 7-9 days to Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie Pass
- Mile
- ~99
- Services
- Gas station, limited groceries, post office (mail drops accepted)
- Days to next
- 5-7 days to Stevens Pass
Stevens Pass
- Mile
- ~170
- Services
- Ski area; Skykomish 15 mi west on US-2, Leavenworth east
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