Lakeview Ridge on the Pacific Crest Trail
Lakeview Ridge on the Pacific Crest Trail lies in the Pasayten Wilderness, less than 10 miles south of the Canadian Border. Its literally at the end of the trail (or the beginning!) as most through hikers start in Mexico and end their long trek in Canada.
The last 30 miles, from Slate Peak to the border is one of the three best sections on Washington. (The other two being in the Goat Rocks; and Glacier Peak Wilderness). I have traveled this route 3 times, each took my breath away. Here are a few of my pics.
You can drive an average passenger car all the way to Slate Peak (if the snow is melted!) and just below the lookout tower there is a junction with the PCT and parking. The elevation is more than 7,000 feet, so you’ll start your trip by descending!
Eventually you’ll wind your way down to Holman Pass and start ascending towards the meadows below Goat Lakes, and Rock Pass. As you gain elevation the trees open to endless wide meadows and peaks all around. Its really a wonderland of colors and space.
Just south of Rock Pass, on the PCT. I heard this area referred to as the “Parade Grounds”
Rock Pass is a fantastic vantage point. The vista north shows Lakeview Ridge on the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT runs along the backside of it.
Looking north from Rock Pass
The trail zig-zags down from Rock pass and traverses across to a short climb to Woody Pass (the snowy gap on the left). The way leads north along the west side of the ridge and the views are spectacular.
Don’t plan to move fast along the trail, you’ll want to stop and take pictures every 100 feet.
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- PCT, headed north towards Woody Pass
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- PCT south of Rock Pass
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- PCT, headed north towards Woody Pass
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- On Lakeview Ridge headed north
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- On Lakeview Ridge headed north
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- On Lakeview Ridge headed north
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- On Lakeview Ridge headed north
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- Looking at Rock Pass from Woody Pass
From the crest of Lakeview Ridge the trail drops along the Devils Stairway to Hopkins Lake. From there its a few easy miles to the border and end of the sojourn!
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- Jack Mtn from Lakeview Ridge
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- Three Fools Peak from Lakeview Ridge
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- Three Fools Peak from Lakeview Ridge
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- Lakeview Ridge
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- Hopkins Lake from Lakeview Ridge
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- Jack Mtn from Lakeview Ridge
Lakeview Ridge on the Pacific Crest Trail
Basically its a 20 mile hike, one-way, from Slate Peak and the crest of Lakeview Ridge. There is a nice camp site just north of Jim Pass, on a spur trail that runs out on a ridge, and just before you reach Rock Pass, in the meadows below Goat Lakes.
There is no water source at the top of Lakeview Ridge. I have been there in late July and early August and both times there was plenty of snow to melt.
