Cathedral Lakes

A strenuous lollipop hiking route that passes between the Cathedral Lakes and over Cathedral Pass, one of the most iconic areas of the Pasayten Wilderness and a scenic high point of the Boundary Trail that parallels the Washington-Canada border.

Getting There

From SR-20 in Winthrop drive north on East Chewuch Road for 7 miles to the intersection of East Chewuch Road, West Chewuch Road, and Forest Road 51. Turn right onto Forest Road 51. When Forest Road 51 forks, bear right onto Forest Road 5160 and drive 15.2 miles to the road's end and the Thirtymile Trailhead (3,400 ft).

On the Trail

To hike the route clockwise, hike north on the Chewuch Trail  (No. 510) 17.4 miles to the intersection with  the Lesamiz Trail (No. 565) northwest of Remmel Lake. Follow the Lesamiz Trail north then northwest to the intersection with the Boundary Trail (No. 533). Hike the Boundary Trail north to Cathedral Lakes and Cathedral Pass. To return, continue following the Boundary Trail to the intersection with the Tungsten Trail (No. 534), and then hike the Tungsten Trail south and then east until it intersects the Chewuch Trail. Hike the Chewuch Trail back to the trailhead.

notes

  • Out-of-print Guidebook: 100 Classic Hikes in Washington by Ira Spring & Harvey Manning (Mountaineers Books 1998).
  • Difficulty: Very Strenuous
  • Length: 44.7 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,900 ft
  • 7,800 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Coleman Peak No. 20
Activities

Upcoming Activities

Backpack - Cathedral Lakes

Backpacking Trip
Experience the Boundary Trail (a section of the Pacific Northwest Trail) from Iron Gate TH
Difficulty: Moderate
Wed, Jul 3, 2024 - Mon, Jul 8, 2024
No Prerequisites, Leader's Permission Required
5 participants 0 leaders
Registration opens Apr 1
Foothills Branch
Birgit Grimlund
Qualified Youth Leader
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Cathedral Pass
  • Cathedral Pass Loop
  • Cathedral Lakes & Pass
  • Cathedral Lakes Loop
Resources

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