This is a very popular hike and for good reason. Mountain meadows galore, wildflowers galore, spectacular views galore (when the clouds have lifted). We did this clockwise over 3 days 2 nights. The climb up to the PCT intersection on day 1 is no. joke. We took our time and made use of the airconditioning at the many small mountain spring crossings; lots of water running this time of year, so easy to water the pup and refill on the first day. Finished our first day at 9 miles in at the campground which was filling up fast, so get an early start.

PLEASE ABIDE BY THE NO CAMPING RULES ON THE RIDGE, as is marked on the green trails maps.

The campground has space for quite a few tents and even a pit toilet with a spectacular view. People do tend to get packed in, so be respectful and keep noise down in the evenings/mornings.

Pro tip: if there is even the slightest chance of moisture in the forecast, bring your gaiters. Our feet were soaked from a day's worth of hiking through dewy undergrowth.

We were told it was buggy but not really! We took the long way around to little blue lake and blue lake as we had the dog. We almost missed the blue lake spur trail as the cairn is a wee bit hidden from the road, so keep an eye out for it as the trail hooks up left across the meadow after little blue lake. Camping at blue lake was spectacular.

Johnson peak was quite worthwhile for a quick side trip on day 3.

Pilot ridge was long and with ample views of peaks from north and south.

The steep descent back down to the river on day 3 is NO JOKE - brutalizing. Absolutely brutal. 

Worth a repeat and we'll be doing it again next fall.

We did White Pass-Pilot Ridge loop as a 4 day, 3 night trip. 

Headed out Friday at about 0930; parking area was nearly full.  The trail along the Sauk River is a gentle grade along the river.  The Mackinaw "Shelter" is just a collapsed old pile of boards on the right side of the trail.  Once you split off from the trail and start heading up towards White Pass, it rises out of the forest quickly and transcends into the beginning of seemingly endless mountain meadows.  Wildflowers are exploding right now.  There is numerous tiny little streams for which to filter or gather water right before you intersect with the PCT and after, that are running strong enough to collect from, so you don't need to worry about toping off your supply at Red Creek.  At White Pass camp there is only some little stagnant pools so I'd recommend finding a nearby stream, which you'd likely pass.  PLEASE respect the signs and don't camp directly on the ridge.  We saw a tent pitched LITERALLY right under the "Camp Elsewhere" sign.  Camp in designated sites right below the ridge.  It's a pretty posh camp area with lots of big spaces and 2 privies!  If you like a seat with a view, pass the first one and continue to the end of the trail to the 2nd one. 

We did a side hike to the end of the Foam Creek trail on Friday evening, worth the trip, a few remaining snow patches that are melting out quickly, but just absolutely beautiful. 

We woke up socked in a cloud and mist Saturday morning.  We finally ventured out around 12pm and went back north on the PCT to Red Pass and down into the valley below for another 5 miles or so.  It was socked in the entire way down with visibility about 100 yards.  I had really wanted to do Portal Peak and White Chuck Cinder Cone but since it was so cloudy, we walked right by them on the way down!  Portal Peak is literally at the top of Red Pass to the left (heading north).  Neither trail are marked, just have to look for little boot paths.  The cinder cone is maybe 3/4 mile further down the trail on the left.  On our way back to camp the clouds had lifted enough to get a peak of the meadow and valley that had escaped us on our way down.  It is spectacular!  Vibrant green in stark contrast with the jagged and dark valley walls.  The clouds never fully lifted for us on Saturday but we were satisfied with even the partial lifting. 

Sunday we woke to blue skies and headed to Blue Lake, heading south on the PCT until Dishpan Gap then splitting off towards Blue Lake.  We did the side hike up Kodak Peak which was worth the relatively little effort to get up there, nice walk up, no scrambling, easy footing, tremendous 360 degree views.  The last fast-ish moving stream was right before Indian Pass.  After Indian Pass there wasn't any water that I can remember.  We topped off there.  We decided to save the miles and take the Blue Lake High Route.  Uhhhhh...this was a little more treacherous than we expected.  It works it's way up a fairly steep slope with little more than a goat path.  There was spots where I made sure I had at least 3 points of contact with each step.  Was not super comfortable to do with a big overnight pack.  Once you get to the gap on the ridge, the descent down to Blue Lake was much better.  Less steep.  Blue Lake!  Probably the bluest lake I have ever seen.  It's completely melted out with just a few tiny little snow spots on the far shores.  Lots of little fish jumping.  Ample camping at the lake and a privy.  I took a QUICK dip into the lake.  It may be melted out, but it's still the temp of a damn near frozen lake.  Biting insects were most annoying at the lake during the trip. 

Monday we headed back to the trailhead.  The Pilot Ridge trail is clear, still a little rough.  I had plans to take the quick side hike up Johnson Mountain on our way home.  I dropped my pack at the start of the trail and headed up.  This trail is sketch.  It's ridgey, sloped, loose rocks in places, steep drops and seemed way longer than the description said.  I was anticipating a little 1 mile roundtrip jaunt.  I bailed probably .5 miles in and was not anywhere near the top.  I turned around right before you cross the big hillside overlooking Blue Lake.  When you are down at Blue Lake, you can look up at Johnson Mountain and see the faint line of the trail 3/4 way up the hill, looks like it should be more of a game trail, but NOPE, that's the actual trail.  So if you want to attempt this, I'd recommend giving yourself more time and being really sure footed.

You traverse the ridge and loop back around then start your descent.  Once you hit the tree line, it's a pretty monotonous trek down wooded switchbacks.  There is a downed log that you cross Sloan Creek to get back over to the North Fork Sauk trail. 

Doing this route clockwise seemed to be the better decision.  We saw several people going up Pilot Ridge and they looked miserable with their big packs.  Overall this hike is absolutely breathtaking.  The meadows, mountains and views go on forever.  The only wildlife we saw were marmots, a deer, and birds (fine by me).  Lots of wild blueberry bushes throughout that haven't ripened yet.  It was fun to hike on the PCT and chat with section and/or thru hikers.  The trail has ample signage throughout. 

I've noticed a few others have posted on this route recently, but some seem to have just gone to White Pass and not completed the loop. A few additional details below will hopefully be helpful.

Trailhead was packed and we had to park on the main road. Many parties climbing Glacier and camping at White Pass. Most of the loop didn't feel crowded though. 

Wildflowers are spectacular at the moment thanks to the late snow melt. Bugs unfortunately are also spectacular. Not really terrible but certainly bothersome. The flowers waving gently in the wind with the snow capped peaks glistening in the August sun often stopped us in our tracks. Our two days felt like many more (in a good way). Our minds were almost broken by the constant intense input of gorgeous scenery.

The North Fork Sauk and PCT are in great shape. Water available on the PCT near White Pass, and in several places between White Pass and Dishpan Gap. The high route to Blue Lake is rough and steep but in decent shape. No snow until the bottom of the north side which wasn't a problem. Blue Lake is truly blue. One of the prettiest hues I've seen in a lake.

Pilot Ridge is a different trail. Its narrow and steep in places, but easy to follow. A few small patches of snow near Johnson Mountain and about a dozen easily negotiated trees on the trail. The meadows are amazing as the trail undulates up and down the ridge...almost frustratingly. No water between Blue Lake and just above the North Fork of the Sauk River. The river is crossed on a study log.

A wonderful loop best enjoyed over of couple days. 

Wildflowers galore! It was a beautiful day for the White Pass-Pilot ridge loop. I can't recommend this route enough and late July/early August seems to the perfect time for enjoying it: the snow was almost entirely gone (except for small, easily avoided patches) and the wildflowers were off the hook.

I did the loop clockwise so as to enjoy the morning light at White Pass. It didn't disappoint. 

There were numerous climbers coming down from Glacier Peak (it was a Sunday), but after turning south at White Pass, I didn't see many people at all. Most deserted of all was the section after leaving the PCT and heading toward Blue Lake, Johnson Ridge and the Pilot Ridge trail. I made the side trip up Johnson mountain and the views were phenomenal, but the trail is more of a climbers path, strictly speaking. 

I headed out on the Mountain Loop Hwy and FS49 (Cadet Creek Road on old maps) for a 3-day loop via the Bald Eagle Mountain Trail, PCT and North Fork Sauk River Trail.

The road is rough but drivable for any car as long as you watch the potholes. I came in from the Granite Falls side and found the unpaved section of the Mtn Loop Hwy to be worse than FS49. The North Fork Sauk TH was packed when I arrived Sunday around 10am. I skipped it and parked at the Bald Eagle TH 3 miles further down the road, which only had 3 other cars parked.

The Bald Eagle Trail is one of my favorites. It is overgrown in many places but always easy to follow. There are a few blow-downs but only one requires scrambling over. There are a few good campsites as you ascend, starting at Curry Gap. I only saw two people all day, camped at another lovely site about halfway to June Mountain. Water is abundant along the lower trail but becomes scarce higher up. The entire area from June Mountain to the Blue Lakes and along the Bald Eagle Trail to Dishpan Gap is dry. There are a few snowmelt puddles to filter from but they will likely be gone in the next couple of weeks. I camped on June Mountain the first night. The moon was so bright I didn’t even bother with my headlamp. The “campsite” on June is more of a bivy spot: a tiny patch of dirt in the meadow with a little fire ring beside it. If you are visiting this area as part of a larger party, or if you have a larger footprint when you camp, I would suggest not camping where I did. There are some nice sites past June Mtn where the Bald Eagle Trail meets the Pilot Ridge Trail that are big enough for tents.

I broke camp in the morning and headed for Dishpan Gap. My original plan was to do the Blue Lake Loop and head out Pilot Ridge, but I would have finished in two days and I wanted more meadows. I took the Bald Eagle Trail to Dishpan, skipping Blue Lake and the High Route, and hiked the PCT north to Red Pass. There are a few lingering snowfields to cross on the Bald Eagle that may require traction. The slope is not steep though, so I chose to cross awkwardly without spikes. The PCT has water, but sources are spread out, so take advantage of each one as you pass. Holy guacamole, that section of the Bald Eagle and PCT are really something. Flowers. Marmots. Eagles. Mountains. Meadows. Joy. Freedom. More flowers. I only saw four people all day: 2 thru-hikers along the trail and 2 more at White Pass.

I got to Red Pass and took a break. It was still early afternoon so I decided to continue down to Glacier Peak Meadows and find a campsite down yonder. There are leftover snowfields on the north side of the pass but they are easily avoided or crossed. I found a sweet little spot down by the cinder cone and made camp. I don’t think I technically made it to the official Glacier Peak Meadows area, but I was close. I scrambled the cone and explored around a bit, but the best part was just sitting and soaking in all the colossal scenery. The second night was bright like the first, and Glacier had a little tantrum, hurling strong winds and thick clouds down on the basin. The wind kept changing directions, and I was afraid my tarp would be blown away or shredded apart. Lucky for me though, the mountain proved unable to dislodge me from my awesome campsite.

I woke before dawn and quickly packed. My aim was to get back up to Red Pass for some dawn photos. I made it to the pass just as the sun rose and snapped some great pics of Glacier and Sloan Peak. After breakfast at the pass, I headed back along the PCT to the North Fork Sauk River Trail and took it back to the trailhead, road, and eventually my car. The work that was done on the switchbacks last year really improved things! The trail is much less eroded and safer to hike than it used to be. Past Mackinaw Rubble Hea- I mean, Shelter, the trail is darn near perfect all the way out. WTA and others work out here all the time and it shows. I passed many parties as I headed down; most were climbers. Two groups were doing the White Pass/Pilot Ridge Loop, and one was headed to Glacier Peak Meadows. I checked out the river crossing at the junction with the Pilot Ridge Trail and it looks very doable. My brother did it last week as part of a trail run and he said it was fine. There is a log to cross on and the water is not too deep. I can’t speak as to the current conditions of Pilot Ridge, but I’ve done it before and I will say only this: planning on doing the White Pass/Pilot Loop? Clockwise. For the love of God, clockwise. Hiking UP Pilot Ridge makes the North Fork Sauk switchbacks seem like a pleasant afternoon stroll.

In all, this was a grand and glorious 3-day loop, which I hope to repeat in the future. I love this area for many reasons, but among them is flexibility. There are so many trails and loop options that you can change your route on a whim if you want to. Oh, and I forgot to mention the bugs. You will definitely need repellent, but the bugs are not bad everywhere and they tend to come and go. I only used my DEET lotion the first day.

Summary: RT: ~36 miles w/~7k gain took it easy averaged like 11 miles/day

“He loved mountains, or he had loved the thought of them marching on the edge of stories brought from far away; but now he was borne down by the insupportable weight of Middle-earth. He longed to shut out the immensity in a quiet room by a fire.”

-J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Return of the King"