PCT: Cascade Locks to Highway 12 (at White Pass)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

• Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

The incline can be steep.

Beginning over the Columbia River, which borders Oregon and Washington state, the trail climbs up into the mountains. The elevation changes between every 4 miles - from gradual incline to steep incline. The sites are gorgeous! There are a few things to look out for along the way including overgrown poison oak and boulder cliffs. The best time to go is July, however, it is still very likely to rain along this section, so bring your rain gear.

There are multiple junctions to veer off on to sight see - including Table Top Mountain. Finding a campsite is fairly easy; however, there are a few sections that are campless and force you to move on.

There are two main towns are along the trail, only 10 miles away from their junction (Trout Lake City, White Pass) which are great for a good hot meal and some down time. Water sources are plentiful and usually clean enough for a filter. You'll pass by a few lakes that are fairly dry.

This section ends at the ski resort (White Pass) by Highway 12, which is also the only post office along this section for a supply drop.

Constant blanket of evergreens. Banana slugs on the trail. Wild sunshine raspberries are a great snack in season. Wildflowers and tall grass at the top of the peaks.