Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section J - Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass — Saturday, Jun. 28, 2025

We hiked Stevens to Snoqualmie along section J 06/22/25-06/27/25

Pros:

●Snow melt means plenty of water sources, never went far without crossing a viable source to filter from.

●Not a lot of other hikers on the trail, sometimes days before we saw other humans.

●Pictures and stories don't do this trail justice. it is some of the wildest, most beautiful terrain you will ever see anywhere.

Hazards:

●Trail is often snow-covered, especially at higher altitudes and passes. Many snowfields that need to be traversed are steep, and falls would likely be fatal. Gear and expertise required.

●Bugs are out in full force. Expect and accept that you will get bit a lot.

●Camping areas are often snow-covered as well, limiting your options. I would recommend that you have a plan B and don't get to camp too late.

●Some stream crossings require fording. The water was never deeper than a few feet, but was fast moving, and the rocks were slippery. Strongly recommend bringing sandals to wear during crossing.

●Trail is often overgrown or snow-covered. Map and route finding abilities required.

Summary: Incredibly beautiful and wild, but it's still early in the season. I would recommend giving this trail another month for the snow to melt. IF you decide to decide to go earlier, please please please be equipped and prepared to cross dangerous snow fields.

Four experienced hikers set out.

Three took falls in dangerous areas.

Two took potentially fatal falls and were lucky to walk away from them.

One, a solo hiker that left Stevens at the same time as my group, exited the PCT via a separate trail system after the injuries from the fall he took forced him to.