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Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) - Stampede Pass to Windy Pass

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
47.2832, -121.3514 Map & Directions
Length
12.0 miles, one-way
Highest Point
4,500 feet
Two hikers enjoy a foggy day in the forest along the PCT. Photo by Karen E. Full-size image
  • Ridges/passes
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Rivers

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

This is a 12-mile traverse of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that makes a great warm-up thru-hike for the full PCT, or a nice overnight backpacking trip. Continue reading

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Hiking Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) - Stampede Pass to Windy Pass

This is a 12-mile traverse of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that makes a great warm-up thru-hike for the full PCT, or a nice overnight backpacking trip. 

From Stampede Pass, set out on the Pacific Crest Trail heading north, passing through Dandy Pass at two miles, and after another two miles, arrive at Stirrup Lake. This is another great location for a short backpacking trip, if this long traverse is a bit much. 

Continuing past Stirrup Lake, it's another two miles to Twilight Lake and Yakima Pass. This small, quiet lake near the North Fork of the Cedar River is a wonderful respite or stopping point for lunch, before you climb up to Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes and the more heavily-trafficked section of the PCT. Many hikers access the trail between Mirror Lake and Windy Pass from the north as a day hike, so prepare yourself to see a few more folks along this section.

If you're a peakbagger, you won't want to miss Silver Peak, just a couple miles before you finish the traverse at Windy Pass. It's a bit of a haul, so allow time for the climb, but the view from the top is absolutely superb. 

Hike Description Written by
Multiple authors contributed to this report, WTA Community

Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) - Stampede Pass to Windy Pass

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.2832, -121.3514 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

To get to Stampede Pass: It is exactly 4.5 miles from I-90 to Stampede Pass. Neither the pass nor the parking lot are marked, so keep a sharp eye. If you start heading downhill and see a small lake on your left you have gone too far. The parking area holds five cars easily.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Ranger District and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Cle Elum Ranger District

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Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) - Stampede Pass to Windy Pass

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