Length
Elevation Gain
Highest Point
After passing through the North Cascades National Park, the PCT heads east for this final section that runs along the eastern edge of the Cascades and through the Pasayten Wilderness.
From beginning to end, the route offers a wide array of scenery, from the jagged peaks of the Cascades to valleys, ridges, meadows and woods in the expansive and rugged, rolling terrain of the Pasayten Wilderness. Early fall is the best time to be here, when the fall foliage puts on a brilliant display of reds, golds, yellows and green throughout this 60-mile stretch.
Though it starts in Rainy Pass, this section is actually protected from much of the rain and snow that Mount Baker and the rest of the North Cascades to the west are so well known for. For this reason, late-season hikers should be prepared to pack in water, though water sources are available at Harts Pass. From late October through mid-summer, however, hikers should still expect and prepare for snowy and icy conditions, and winter hikers must watch out for avalanche conditions along the often exposed route.
Hikers should also keep in mind that there are no resupply options available along this section, and the only vehicle access is at Harts Pass, where Road 5400 crosses the trail. Just about 30 miles from here, you will reach the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail — congratulations!
From here, you will need to turn around, as there is no way to cross the border in either direction. As of 2010, it is no longer legal to cross the border heading southbound into the US from Canada on the PCT. As of 2025, it is also no longer legal to cross the border heading northbound into Canada from the US on the PCT.
Trailhead
