Glacier Peak Wilderness PCT

The Glacier Peak Wilderness section between White Pass on Stevens Pass Highway and the Lake Chelan ferry at Stehekin is the most remote and logistically challenging section of the entire Pacific Crest Trail in Washington, requiring either a floatplane, ferry, or extremely long trail approach just to reach the trailhead at Stehekin. Glacier Peak at 10541 feet is the most remote of Washingtons five major Cascade volcanoes, and the PCT passes within close view of its heavily glaciated summit flanks.

The route crosses multiple high passes including Suiattle Pass and Vista Creek, descending through old-growth forests of western red cedar, Douglas fir, and Sitka spruce before climbing back above treeline on the approach to each col. The Suiattle River valley below Glacier Peak contains some of the finest old-growth forest remaining in the Pacific Northwest, with individual cedar trees exceeding 12 feet in diameter and 500 years of age.

Stehekin at the north end of Lake Chelan is accessible only by ferry from Chelan (four hours each way), floatplane, or the 55-mile one-way trail from Cascade Pass. The Lake Chelan Boat Company operates the Lady of the Lake ferry service. No wilderness permit is required for the Glacier Peak Wilderness, though campsites have individual site designations at some locations. River crossings on this route can be dangerous during high snowmelt in early summer; late July or August is the recommended window for safe travel.