Lake Valhalla
Fall colors are muted, road conditions vary
12 this month · 113 reports
Central Cascades
The PCT through Section K, from Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass, is generally in good condition, though some areas have blowdowns. The fall foliage is reportedly gorgeous, with hillsides ablaze with color as of September 27. Water sources are generally available, though some reports note scarcity in certain sections, particularly on Cady Ridge as of July 31. Road access to trailheads is mostly suitable for all vehicles, with the exception of some rougher sections noted on the approach to the Little Wenatchee Trailhead as of September 27 and July 31. Snow is no longer a concern at this time of year.
Generated from 19 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 3 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.
There are numerous blowdowns reported on the trail, particularly in sections like the Little Wenatchee River Trail where nearly 80 trees were noted as of September 27. While some are easy to navigate, others require minor acrobatics or zig-zagging. Crews were actively working on some blowdowns just north of Indian Pass as of July 31.
Most trailheads are accessible by all vehicles. However, the road to the Little Wenatchee Trailhead is described as rough but passable as of September 27 and may require careful driving, especially for sedans. Some scratches from brush are also possible.
While much of the PCT is in good condition, there are notable obstacles. Some sections are overgrown with grass and bushes, and there are numerous downed trees. One report from September 18 mentions a significant washout near Kennedy Creek that makes the trail impossible to navigate without extreme caution.
Fall colors are muted, road conditions vary
12 this month · 113 reports
Vibrant fall colors dominate the start
2 this month · 25 reports
Trail crew cleared logs, less brush now
2 this month · 24 reports
Fall color bright, trail crew cleared blowdowns
2 this month · 16 reports
Fall colors are outstanding and road ruts are terrifying
1 this month · 43 reports
Trail opens up for views after initial ascent
1 this month · 26 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
I looked at my trip reports just now and my most recent was August 21st!? How could this be? I’ve been hiking, exploring and even within Washington. I should do better😕It is autumn in the NC and this ...
Got out here after the snows hit. The fall plumage (huckleberry bushes) were absolutely gorgeous on the outing; the hills were on fire with orange, crimson, and red leaves.The road is a bit rough on t...
I tried to get to Mica Lake from Red Pass (trail is closed beyond Mica Lake).Crews have done an outstanding job at clearing blowdowns until Sitkum Creek (NOBO). A few years ago this section was quite ...
Of our three main trails departing from the Little Wenatchee Trailhead, the Cady Ridge Trail is in the best shape by far with only a few easily navigable obstacles. However, water is scarce here as we...
We had planned to hike Section J from Snoqualmie to Stevens in 6 days/5 nights, due to the closure we hiked out-and-back from Stevens for the same duration. We camped at Lake Janus, Pear Lake, and Lak...
Traveled on the PCT north from Stevens Pass to Kennedy Creek, where I heard about the wildfire closure on the PCT, causing me to do an adventurous hike down Kennedy Ridge, across the White Chuck River...
This report is for a day hike out and back from Stevens Pass to Lake Valhalla on the PCT. No issues with parking capacity or road conditions of course, it's a huge parking lot!This worked out to clos...
I did a 55mi 2.5 day trip this weekend and thought I'd share road and trail conditions.I drove over to the Little Wenatchee Trailhead and hiked up Cady Ridge to the PCT. The road to Little Wenatchee w...
We did a big loop from North Fork Sauk up to White Pass, south on the PCT, then west on West Cady Ridge, connecting the Quartz Creek Trail and Bald Eagle Trail back to the car on FS 49 (Sauk River).Th...
A longer, leisurely loop through Glacier Peak Wilderness! Highlights include watching a snake eat a slug larger than it's head, so many wildflowers, and fantastic views of Glacier Peak, Mount Baker, a...