We did this as a two night 3 day loop. The first day we started at the trailhead and then camped at white pass. The climb was really difficult for us and there were about no views until we got to white pass. Bring plenty of water as for most the climb you dont have access until you get on the top of the ridge. The second day was incredible, it was a pretty leisure day with amazing views. We decided to go Bald Eagle Trail route because we had already crossed snow and we were worried about the climb down to blue lake. This was definitely a mistake. There was a lot more snow bridges, none very sketchy, but not enjoyable. The trail was also not very well maintained and was very narrow. I asked hikers who did the higher route and they said the didn't have any issues. We camped right before little blue lake and were pretty secluded and it was wonderful. The last day starts off up and down and then just descends the rest of the day. Definitely bring bug spray and sunscreen.

3 day, 2 night backpacking trip that did parts of both these trails, but neither of them in totality. It was INCREDIBLE. I've been backpacking a lot places and this is one of my favorites. Day 1: 9.5 miles into White Pass campground. Yes it's hard on the 3,000 gain in 3 miles, but it's doable! Day 2: day hike ~2 miles on PCT North to Red Pass, then back towards White Pass and 2 miles on PCT South then back to camp for 8 mile total. Day 3: White Pass back to the trailhead.

Water: There's plentiful water right now with all the snow run off. Creeks about every half hour from the trailhead to Mackinaw. 1 creek that's a little tricky to get to about half way up the switchbacks but it's there if you needed it. Then 2 more creeks at the top of the switchbacks before you get to the PCT junction. 2-3 additional creeks from PCT junction to White Pass. Several snow run off trickles that are plenty big enough to filter in the 2 miles south of White Pass.

Camping: There were a ton of folks at White Pass camp area, mostly all Glacier Peak summit parties. 20+ tents both nights. The toilet is hard to find, but you go down into the camping area, then turn left and follow it a ways. Turn right at the big rock cairn just before the last privy sign (don't go straight past the last privy sign). There's some tent pads on the ridge, but you're not supposed to camp there so avoid that if you can. Also please try not to camp on the meadows themselves!

Bugs: I only got 1 bite and I didn't wear any bug spray (and I'm normally a mosquito magnet). But I think they are going to start getting worse pretty soon as it's about that time of year.

Snow: a handful of snow crossings once you get up to the PCT. I brought yak tracks but never put them on. Trekking poles were very helpful for balance. Watch out for snow bridges. The trail going down Red Pass into Glacier Peak Meadows had several more big snow patches across it, but it was definitely passable as we saw several folks cross them easily without gear. Camp sites at White Pass were all melted out.

Trail: In great condition. We hand sawed a couple ~6 inch down trees on the switchbacks, but otherwise the trail was great. There was even a WTA work party- thank you for keeping this trail fabulous! I was expecting way more blowdowns but there were nearly none!

Wildlife: We saw (and heard) many grouse around White Pass, and there were tons of butterflies everywhere. There are also marmots galore along the PCT section, particularly from the junction at the top of the steep part to White Pass. I saw about 15 at 7am on our hike out. While we didn't see any bears, a friend saw one the next day on this same trail.

Wildflowers: So delightful! Up on the PCT there's tons of yellow glacier lilies, yellow lady's slipper, white pasqueflower, american bistort, sitka valerian, mountain heather, phlox, and even some beardstongue. On the switchbacks there were also brilliant paintbrush and some lupine. The first waves of flowers (like glacier lilies) are peaking, but second waves are just getting ready to go, especially up higher.

Highly recommend this STUNNING hike with amazing views in all directions. It was such a treat to see Rainier, Glacier peak, and Sloan peak, not to mention the countless other craggy mountain tops and ridges. Next time I'll do the whole Pilot Ridge loop, or actually go down into the Glacier Peak Meadows but this was a great sampler.

Happy Trails!

Attempted to hike the entire loop counterclockwise as a single night trip, but ultimately stopped at Blue lake due to snow conditions and incoming thunderstorms. 

The road to the trail isn't too bad, though there are a few spots you'll need to be careful if you drive a low clearance car; I saw a honda accord in the parking lot so apparently low clearance cars can make it, though if you have access to a high clearance car definitely use it.

The first two miles of the trail through the old growth forest are really nice, the trees are massive and the trail is very well maintained and pretty flat. After two miles, I crossed the river and climbed up to Pilot Ridge via the Pilot Ridge trail. The river crossing is easy, there is a large tree spanning the entire river that is easy to walk on and is not slippery at all. The climb up Pilot Ridge is STEEP, and there are no flat sections for several miles after you start climbing. All of the climb is in the shade fortunately, but it's still brutal, and if I were to attempt this loop again I would definitely try going clockwise. There is a stream about 2/3 of the way up, but apart from this the trail is dry from the river crossing to blue lake.

Once you make it to the top of the ridge, the trail continues to climb a mile or two along the ridgeline before finally breaking out into meadows a few miles before Blue lake. The view from the meadows is absolutely amazing! Flowers were just starting to bloom, and I had phenomenal views of Monte Cristo and Sloan Peak. The trail is slightly overgrown in spots but isn't too difficult to follow.

There are a few small patches of snow heading up Pilot ridge, and there are a few larger snow patches starting about a mile away from Blue lake. They were crossable, but a few of them were a little sketchy. I imagine they should be gone in a week or two. I decided not to continue past Blue lake because I saw some steep snow patches on the trail between Blue lake and the PCT, and didn't want to test my luck; They may be passable currently, but certainly should be in a week or two. I was able to see the trail up to white pass from pilot ridge and saw no significant snow to speak of, so I think the only potentially difficult stretch of trail would be between blue lake and the PCT. On the way back I climbed Johnson mountain, which was snow free and had a great 360 view. Overall I recorded about 22 miles and 7000 feet of elevation. 

We were driving along Mountain Highway Loop from Barlow Pass to North Fauk River Trailhead. The gate was open but we ran into a downed tree pretty close to the gate entrance that made the road impassible. We ended up hiking to Silver Lake via Monte Cristo Trailhead instead. On the way out the road heading toward North Fauk was closed off, presumably by the folks maintaining the trail to clear the giant tree so that it's passable. 

Close your laptop, turn off your cell phone and just go do this hike! Absolutely stunning day. The road there has A LOT of pot holes so be mentally prepared for that. I'm not sure if it would be ok for a Prius or not. 

There are quite a few small snow patches to cross on the way to White Pass. You definitely should bring hiking poles with snow baskets. I had microspikes, but I think they might have harmed more than helped. 

I turned around at White Pass, I did not go further or complete the loop. It was 20 miles to White Pass and back.