Pacific Crest Trail (North) 2000
This popular trail is the final leg of the Mexico to Canada trek. This is also the major north-south trunk trail of the western Pasayten with many east-west branches, making many loop trips possible. Camps are generally located about every 6-7 miles, though in late summer finding water can be a problem on some stretches. Camps with horse feed are available at Windy Pass, Oregon Basin, Goat Lakes Basin, Mountain Home, Hopkins Pass, and Castle Pass.
Route Description: Trail sidehills and follows ridges of the Cascade crest. Majority of the trail is above timberline with sweeping views. Trail grade does not exceed 10 percent.
At a Glance
Open Season: | July |
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Usage: | Medium |
Restrictions: | Wilderness use restrictions apply |
Passes: | Northwest Forest Pass required |
Operated By: | US Forest Service |
Information Center: | Methow Valley Ranger District, call 509-996-4003 Okanogan - Wenatchee National Forest Pacific Crest Trail Association |
Activities
Backpacking
General Info:
DirectionsFrom Winthrop, take Highway 20 west about 14 miles to the Mazama turn off and turn right. At Mazama turn left onto Okanogan County Road 9140, and drive about 18.5 miles to Hart's Pass. (County Road 9140 becomes Forest Service Road 5400 and is also known as Hart's Pass Road.) At Hart's Pass bear right toward Slate Peak. (CAUTION; Hart’s Pass Road is graveled, steep, and one lane with limited turnouts. Trailers are not allowed and defensive driving is a must. Drive slowly and be careful on corners. If you meet a large truck, let it pass on the inside if you can -- keeps the heavier vehicle off the outside edge of the road.)
General Notes
Notice to Hikers and Equestrians traveling southbound from Manning Provincial Park Canada: U.S. Customs and Border Protection have determined it illegal to enter the United States from Canada on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. For more information.
Specific Hazards/Difficulties: Some stretches of trail (Lakeview Ridge, section between Rock and Woody Passes) often do not melt out until late July - early August. Since most of the trail is in fragile alpine areas, special attention is needed to avoid unnecessary impact. Please refrain from building campfires; many of the camps in these areas are in alpine meadows and it's easy to damaged vegetation and there is little firewood. Reduce your visual impact by finding camps away from the trail and sheltered by trees and landforms. Horse users should be careful to avoid tying stock to the small, easily killed trees common at the higher elevations. Use a high-hitch line or hobbles instead.
Accessibility
Directions
From Winthrop, take Highway 20 west about 14 miles to the Mazama turn off and turn right. At Mazama turn left onto Okanogan County Road 9140, and drive about 18.5 miles to Hart's Pass. (County Road 9140 becomes Forest Service Road 5400 and is also known as Hart's Pass Road.) At Hart's Pass bear right toward Slate Peak. (CAUTION; Hart’s Pass Road is graveled, steep, and one lane with limited turnouts. Trailers are not allowed and defensive driving is a must. Drive slowly and be careful on corners. If you meet a large truck, let it pass on the inside if you can -- keeps the heavier vehicle off the outside edge of the road.)
General Notes
Notice to Hikers and Equestrians traveling southbound from Manning Provincial Park Canada: U.S. Customs and Border Protection have determined it illegal to enter the United States from Canada on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. For more information.
Specific Hazards/Difficulties: Some stretches of trail (Lakeview Ridge, section between Rock and Woody Passes) often do not melt out until late July - early August. Since most of the trail is in fragile alpine areas, special attention is needed to avoid unnecessary impact. Please refrain from building campfires; many of the camps in these areas are in alpine meadows and it's easy to damaged vegetation and there is little firewood. Reduce your visual impact by finding camps away from the trail and sheltered by trees and landforms. Horse users should be careful to avoid tying stock to the small, easily killed trees common at the higher elevations. Use a high-hitch line or hobbles instead.
Horse Camping
Current Conditions: | Hart's pass - Stock ramp, hitch rail, pit toilets. Manning Park B.C. - Stock ramp, hitch rail, pit toilets |
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Reservation info: | All campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis. A Northwest Forest Pass (fee) is required for parking at the 38 signed trailheads west of the Okanogan River. Passes can be purchased at Forest Service offices and some local businesses. Please help keep campgrounds clean by packing out any trash, and remember to bring your own drinking water. |
Usage: | Camps with horse feed are available at Windy Pass, Oregon Basin, Goat Lakes Basin, Mountain Home, Hopkins Pass, and Castle Pass. For more information. Hart's pass - Stock ramp, hitch rail, pit toilets. Manning Park B.C. - Stock ramp, hitch rail, pit toilets |