Pacific Crest Trail: Three Days in the North Cascades

Trip Overview

Our group of four set out on a beautiful August morning to tackle a 32-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail through the North Cascades. The weather was perfect - clear skies, mild temperatures, and just enough breeze to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Day 1: Rainy Pass to Glacier Pass (11 miles)

We started at Rainy Pass (elevation 4,855 ft) and immediately began climbing. The trail wound through dense forest before opening up to incredible alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers. By late afternoon, we reached our campsite near Glacier Pass.

Highlights:

• Stunning views of Liberty Bell Mountain
• Wildflower meadows in peak bloom
• Saw several mountain goats on the rocky slopes

Challenges:

• Steep elevation gain of 2,300 feet
• Heavy packs (started with 5 days of food)
• One water source ran dry, had to detour

Day 2: Glacier Pass to Methow Pass (12 miles)

This was the most challenging day with multiple passes to cross. The trail undulated through high alpine terrain with breathtaking views in every direction. We spotted a black bear in the distance but it quickly moved away.

Highlights:

• Incredible ridge walking with 360-degree views
• Crystal clear alpine lakes
• Perfect camping spot with sunset views

Challenges:

• Exposed sections with strong winds
• Several steep climbs and descents
• Limited water sources

Day 3: Methow Pass to Highway 20 (9 miles)

The final day was mostly downhill, dropping back into forested terrain. Our legs were tired but spirits were high as we reflected on an incredible journey.

Gear Notes

What worked well:

• Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 - plenty of room for two
• Sleeping System: 20°F down bag was perfect for the chilly nights
• Food: Pre-packaged trail mix bowls saved time and tasted great

What we'd change:

• Bring a water filter with higher flow rate - ours was painfully slow
• More fuel - we ran low on the last day
• Lighter base weight - those climbs were tough!

Trail Conditions

• Trail Surface: Generally excellent, well-maintained
• Water Availability: Adequate but some sources were low or dry
• Crowds: Moderate - saw about 10-15 hikers per day
• Permits: Northwest Forest Pass required at trailhead

Lessons Learned

1. Start early: We left camp by 7 AM each day to beat the heat and afternoon storms
2. Carry extra water capacity: With some sources running dry, we wished we had more bottles
3. Test your gear: One person's stove broke on day 1 - good thing we had a backup!
4. Take your time: Don't rush the experience - we took lots of breaks to enjoy the views

Bottom Line

This section of the PCT is absolutely stunning and well worth the effort. The combination of alpine meadows, mountain passes, and incredible vistas made this one of our favorite backpacking trips. We're already planning to return next summer to hike the adjacent section.

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Total Distance: 32 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: ~6,500 ft / ~6,200 ft
Best Time: Mid-July through September
Permits Required: Yes - Northwest Forest Pass

Would we recommend it? Absolutely! Just make sure you're prepared for the elevation changes and variable water availability.