Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section K - Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass

PCT Section K covers 123 miles of the most demanding terrain on the entire Pacific Crest Trail in Washington. The route leaves Stevens Pass and pushes north through the Glacier Peak Wilderness, crossing dozens of high passes, skirting alpine lakes, and traversing meadow systems that erupt with wildflowers in July and August. Expect continuous climbing and descending with over 26,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain.

The trail passes through old-growth forest in the lower valleys, breaks into subalpine parkland on the ridgelines, and drops into the Suiattle and Agnes Creek drainages before climbing to Rainy Pass on Highway 20. Water sources are abundant but river crossings can run high into July. Glacier Peak dominates the skyline for much of the middle section, and the views from Fire Creek Pass and Mica Lake rank among the finest in the state.

Recent trip reports consistently flag significant blowdowns across multiple sections, particularly between Stevens Pass and Glacier Peak. Overgrown brush, mud, and bugs are standard summer conditions. This is a route for experienced backpackers who can handle route-finding through fallen timber and multi-day wilderness travel with full self-sufficiency.