Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section J - Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass — Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025

Hiked Section J Southbound, from Surprise Lake Trail head to Snoqualmie Pass in 5 Days.

Weather was perfect the first 3 days, then very hot the last 2, and hazy skies on the last day ( a shame since we were under tree cover for the first day and high in the alpine for the last day but hey not complaining- better than rain).

Trail conditions were great, rocky on the last day but otherwise little blowdowns, easy to follow and downright cruisey in a lot of sections ( hiked in my crocs for a few parts since my boots were way too hot).

Views were impressive from after Surprise lake, Cathedral Pass, Chikamin Ridge,  and Escondido Ridge were highlights. 

Swimming was sublime in Deep lake (after hot hot Cathedral pass) , and judging from the amount of tiny dots in the water seen from high above Spectacle, so was it. Plenty of other spots too, deception lakes, Ridge lake, even small park lakes and the pool under waterfall just before Spectacle all received human visitors (did I mention it was hot).

No bugs, seriously none (ok maybe one or two bites).

Campsites :

Deception lakes at the little peninsula was nice with 4 or so spots ( there are 3 others beyond the most obvious one) but looking around the rest of the joint they didn't seem that nice (not near the water no views, not flat etc. Also had a couple of old dudes show up late and camp in a non established spot within earshot and proceed to talk loudly about football (yawn) until 10 pm. Thank god for earplugs. Apart from having a dog clearly not under voice command, all else was fine, if not slightly annoying. 

Deep Lake: Fortunately was able to grab a more private and closer to the lake spot than the others seemed to be. Had some lovely neighbors. Magical swimming, great view up to Cathedral Rock. Slept well. 

Escondido Ridge (Lake/Tarn) before descending to Lemah meadows):

Bedlam. So many campers everywhere. We arrived late and almost got skunked for an acceptable spot. Eventually found something and just had time to enjoy an amazing sunset behind Chimney Rock. Best site for alpine view for sure. Note: technically camping is not allowed with 100 feet of the tarn (source: Hiking the PCT Washington) but Im not sure many people know this since there were plenty of people doing it.

Small Park Lakes Lake (or is it small parks lake ?)

Lovely. But not a lot of sites that have that perfect combo of shade, views, flat spots etc. We enjoyed hanging out by the water in the shade on a hot day. And then a ramble on the ridge above after dinner. 

Overall, a fantastic trip. Views are top notch and the hiking was fantastic. Some of the campsites were great but you had to get there early to secure a decent site because it was very busy. Ive actually never backpacked with so many people on the trail (lots of through hikers). 

Annoyances/Difficulties:

Heat in exposed areas of the trail was intense really glad for my sun hoody, electrolytes and lakes to swim in. 

Long distances between water sources on some sections - we got caught with not enough water on Cathedral pass.

Too many hikers. Sorry to say it, but having to plan to get to camp early wasn't great. I would have liked to been able to enjoy the trails a bit more rather than having to push on and get to camp before the hordes descended. 

Bleeping Toilet Paper. I dont know who these people are that are not packing out their TP after wiping their butts but they are disgusting and lazy. TP is light as a feather. I wish they would PACK IT OUT.