This is a trip report for the 30 miles of Section L of the PCT from Harts Pass to Rainy Pass.
Day 1: Beginning at Meadows campground, just south of Harts Pass campground and with considerably more available camp sites, the first few miles of the trail contour along a beautiful ridgeline before descending to Glacier Pass. Numerous larches would make this scenic section of the trail more notable in October.
From Glacier Pass the trail continues to descend before easy crossings of Brush Creek and the West Fork of the Methow river – the latter of which was 54˚F with a bridge crossing. From the river there is a shady climb to Methow Pass before a side trail leads to the beautiful Snowy Lakes.
21 August 2025 - West Fork of the Methow river 54˚F
21 August 2025 – Snowy Lakes 64˚F
Day Total: 20.7 miles, 7,574 feet of up and down
Night 1: Camped at lower Snowy Lake after taking a swim at upper Snowy Lake, which has a better swim spot. Three groups were camped at the upper lake – relatively quiet compared to the 30+ NOBO PCT thru-hikers passed on the trail during the day. There is an alpine toilet in good condition with excellent views.
Day 2: From Snowy Lake the trail contours to Granite Pass where a few switchbacks with leads to the ridge and views down to Cutthroat Lake and its trailhead. From the ridge a gentle decent leads to Rainy pass, slowly entering more tree cover as it nears the road. On a Friday in August the trail was busy, passing 50+ hikers - both PCT thru-hikers and day hikers. The Rainy Pass north parking lot indicated it would be closed in September for paving.
Day Total: 10.1 miles, 3,448 feet of up and down
Trip total: 30.8 miles with 11,022 feet of up and down. Time on trail,13 hours, 57 minutes. # Hikeathon
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