Pacific Crest Trail Washington Backpacking: Stevens Pass to Canada

Back in 2019, I backpacked the southern Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail from Cascade Locks to White Pass. In 2020, I returned to hike from White Pass to Snoqualmie. Four years later, in 2023, I came back for the northern half. This was the start of my Pacific Crest Trail Washington backpacking journey from Stevens Pass to Canada. Each trip gave me a taste of the state’s beauty and brutality — but I always knew I’d be back to finish the rest.

Starting at Stevens Pass, I set out to complete my Washington journey all the way to the Canadian border. What followed was a mix of rain-soaked miles, unexpected trail magic, blisters that refused to quit, breathtaking views, and the overwhelming joy of finally reaching the finish.

Starting Out at Stevens Pass

My friend Phillip dropped me off late in the evening at Stevens Pass. I barely had time to set up camp before dark, and my first “campsite” wasn’t exactly glamorous — right next to a porta-potty. But that’s My friend Phillip dropped me off late in the evening at Stevens Pass. I barely had time to set up camp before dark, and my first “campsite” wasn’t exactly glamorous — right next to a porta-potty. But that’s the trail for you.

The next morning, I put in a solid 18 miles and landed at a pristine alpine lake. It was a perfect start, though Washington never makes it easy for long.

Wrong Turns and Long Miles

On day two, I accidentally followed the old PCT route over a pass before realizing my mistake. The detour cost me six extra miles and a chunk of energy I couldn’t get back. By the time I reached camp that night, I’d logged 24 miles and felt it in every step.

That night the rain came — and it didn’t let up for days. My shoes stayed wet, my socks never dried, and my feet started to break down fast. By day four, the blisters were brutal, and I was rationing dry socks like they were gold.

Trail Magic and Small Victories

One of the saving graces of this section was the trail community. Strangers offered kindness when I needed it most, from snacks to encouragement. I also met other hikers pushing through the same storms, and there’s comfort in knowing you’re not suffering alone.

Even small things — a break in the clouds, a hot cup of coffee, or an open view across the mountains — felt like massive victories.

Into Stehekin on My Pacific Crest Trail Washington Backpacking Trip

By the time I rolled into Stehekin, I was exhausted, soaked, and in desperate need of a reset. And Stehekin delivered.

Trail friends shared food, the bakery served up legendary cinnamon rolls, and I finally had a chance to dry out and regroup. That stop was more than a resupply — it was a turning point. I left feeling stronger, even if my body still carried the miles.

Pushing into the North Cascades

Leaving Stehekin meant entering some of the most dramatic terrain of the whole Pacific Crest Trail Washington backpacking route. The climbs grew steeper, the views grander, and the stakes higher.

I cowboy camped under the stars, woke up to ridgeline sunrises, and even celebrated my birthday on trail — a surreal mix of solitude and gratitude.

But it wasn’t easy. At mile 23 of one stretch, my legs cramped so badly I could barely move. I had to push through with every ounce of grit I had left.

Reaching the Canadian Border

Finally, after days of grinding it out, I hit the last miles. The final push into Canada was emotional — five years of section hiking, setbacks, and determination all coming together.

Standing at the Northern Terminus monument, I felt a flood of relief, pride, and disbelief. I’d done it. From Cascade Locks in 2019 to Canada in 2023, I had finally completed the Washington Pacific Crest Trail.

Lessons from Pacific Crest Trail Washington Backpacking

This section taught me so much about what it means to keep moving forward, even when the trail throws everything at you. A few big takeaways:

• Expect rain. Washington’s weather can soak you for days — plan your gear and mindset accordingly.
• Feet matter most. Take care of them early, and never underestimate the toll of wet shoes and blisters.
• Trail magic is real. A smile, a snack, or a cinnamon roll can change everything.
• The finish is worth it. Every blister, every wrong turn, every storm makes that border monument even sweeter.

Wrapping Up

Backpacking the Washington Pacific Crest Trail from Stevens Pass to Canada was the culmination of a five-year goal. It pushed me harder than almost any other adventure, but it also gave me some of my proudest trail moments.

If you’re dreaming of your own long-distance trek, I can tell you this: it won’t be easy, but it will absolutely be worth it.

👉 Missed the first part of this journey? Read about my 2019 Pacific Crest Trail Washington section from Cascade Locks to White Pass.