Pacific Crest Trail: Snoqualmie Pass to Windy Pass

getting there

Drive I-90 to the South Pacific Crest Trail Trailhead (3,000 ft) at Snoqualmie Pass.

on the trail

Hike south on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) over the Summit West ski area and past Beaver Lake and Lodge Lake to the west. Then ascend out of Lodge Lake's basin and onto a steep slope overlooking the deep canyon of the South Fork Snoqualmie River. The trail traverses the steep slope on a level course and eventually joins an old logging road bed, which it follows for a short distance. There is a good viewpoint under a power line corridor. About 3 miles from the trailhead the trail leaves the old road and descends a talus slope and crosses Rockdale Creek. After a short ascent the trail reaches Forest Road 2236-A. Continue south along the PCT as it climbs a clear-cut slope, crosses through a block of timber, and then enters the gentle and picturesque Ollalie Meadows with Radio Mountain and Mount Catherine to the east. After a short ascent beyond the meadow, reach Windy Pass and the well-used Forest Road 9070, about six miles from Snoqualmie Pass. If you want to extend your trip, the PCT continues south 3.5 miles to Mirror Lake and beyond.

Information FOr leaders

Permits

As of 2017, the Snoqualmie Ranger District considers Mountaineers trips and courses to be "nominal use". Leaders should print and copy this designation letter to show rangers they may see on trail or carry a digital copy on their phone.

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
• Length: 12.4 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
• High Point: 3,800 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  Snoqualmie Ranger District (MBSNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12