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Pacific Crest Trail: Forest Road 23 to White Pass

Hike the strenuous, but not too strenuous, Section H of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) past Mount Adams, through the Goat Rocks Wilderness and Coleman Weed Patch, and to White Pass. It's 65 miles one-way with 11,000 feet of elevation gain. Enjoy views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier through the entire trip.

Getting There

White Pass

Drive to the White Pass Campground and Pacific Crest Trail Trailhead on SR-12 20.4 miles northeast of Packwood.

Forest Road 23 (Williams Mine Trailhead)

From SR-141 in Trout Lake, Drive north on the Mount Adams Recreation Highway 1.2 miles, and turn left onto Forest Road 23. Drive 12.5 miles, turn right onto Forest Road 23-521, and drive 0.3 mile to the Pacific Crest Trailhead.

From SR-12 in Randle, drive south on SR-131 0.9 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 23, drive 33 miles, and turn left onto Forest Road 23-521, and drive 0.3 mile to the Pacific Crest Trailhead.

On the Trail

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Hike from Forest Road 23 to Sheep Lake Camp (Mount Adams): 9.1 miles, 2,211 feet of elevation gain.
Day 2: Hike from Sheep Lake Camp to Lava Camp: 10.5 miles, 553 feet of elevation gain.
Day 3: Hike from Lava Camp to Camp 7: 9.9 miles, 1,709 feet of elevation gain.
Day 4: Hike from Camp 7 to Sheep Lake Camp (Goat Rocks) spur: 10.0 miles, 1,231 feet of elevation gain.
Day 5: Hoke from Sheep Lake Camp spur to Lutz Lake Camp: 13.2 miles, 3,064 feet of elevation gain.
Day 6: Hike from Lutz Lake Camp to White Pass Trailhead: 12.3 miles, 2,081 feet of elevation gain.

Notes

  • Although the trip is not easy, it is a good trip for backpackers wanting to experience their first week-long (or near week-long) trip. It is not as arduous as PCT’s Section J, Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass, but it is just as scenic.
  • It can often be done late in the season.
  • This route can be done one-way with a key swap or car shuttle.
  • Difficulty: Strenuous/Very Strenuous
  • Length: 65.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 11,000 ft
  • 7,230 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Mount Adams No. 367S
  • Green Trails Goat Rocks William O Douglas Wilderness No. 303S
  • Green Trails Mt Adams West No. 366
  • Green Trails Walupt Lake No. 335
  • Green Trails White Pass No. 303
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Titles

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  • Pacific Crest Trail: Mount Adams, Goat Rocks & White Pass
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