Easiest section of the WA PCT?

A few family members and I are planning to get together to hike one section of the Washington PCT this summer or fall. Does anyone know which would be the easiest section? I've looked at some of the guidebooks and couldn't get a clear answer. Don't want to sacrifice scenic altogether, though. Thanks!

White Pass to Chinook Pass. Just shy of 30 miles. Scenic, scenic and more scenic. The first half is on the plateau full of lakes then cross Bumping River (a tiny stream) and then hike up to alpine splendor and more lakes with gorgeous views of Rainier.
You really cannot go wrong with this section: it is easy, the elevation gains are easy, the trail is well kept due to the horse groups in the first half, the "ford" of Bumping is something a 4 year old can do....and you don't need any pesky permits except for the free one at the TH. That and the two parking lots are not far away for 2 cars. And...you can make it into a semi loop as well!

Just go later to avoid bugs though <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

PS: You could also extend the trip past Chinook Pass to Bullion Basin and come down into Crystal Mt. Ski Area as well. The section from Chinook to Bear Gap is very, very nice "true" Crest hiking, gorgeous in fall. Even going on a little farther to Norse Peak is nice.

Thanks, Sara! That was the section I was hoping for, anyway! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Heed well the advice about bugs! July in the Wm. O. Douglas wilderness can be absolutely brutal for mosquitos. Been there, done that.

Do it first snow storm of early fall and no bugs:




But you know...it was so quiet out there. Just my friend HD and I and the snow falling. I'd go back even with the skeeters buzzing in July <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

How early in the fall was that, Sara?

If I remember right it was first week of October? It was when we got that 'blizzard' that came in real fast. It was still so pretty (though very cold!)

IMHO the ideal time to hike this section is just after Labor Day, but not on a weekend. Less people, few bugs and lots of ripe huckleberries. Of course in the huckleberry sections your progress will be slow! Some sidetrips (I recommend Cougar Lakes) and smaller loops are possible in this section if you want to do more than just the PCT.

I agree! I kept thinking...if there wasn't snow and I had the time I would be doing loop upon mini loop up on the plateau.

Some of the best berry picking I have ever found year after year is between Dewey Lakes and Anderson Lake on the PCT. Most people stop at Dewey it seems.

I am thinking of going back late this coming summer with my son and spending 3-4 days just noodling around. I think he would enjoy...lakes and creeks to "fall into" and animals galore. It might not be deep wilderness but hey, no roads, no bikes and the horsey people are usually nice.

Ok, not exactly what you asked for, but its in the area.


Eagle Creek Oregon? (its as close to Washington as you can get without being in it :P ) It drops into Cascade Locks at the Bridge of Gods -


I'm an east coaster and only been in the area once. But if I was every taking folks to try to hook on hiking these 10+ miles would be the place.


If you could get a drop off "up" the trail and walk all downhill into town. Waterfalls, waterfalls and more waterfalls.


What a great section of trail. I googled a link and it looks like it might have some info -


http://www.oregon.com/hiking/eaglecreek.cfm