Golden Horn - Snowy Lakes

Experience the Pacific Crest Trail at its finest. This backpacking trip takes you across four passes to two lovely alpine lakes in the shadow of Golden Horn, Tower Mountain and Mount Hardy.

Start on the north side of the highway at Rainy Pass. The PCT here is wide and ascends at a moderate grade through forest. If you start in the afternoon, a nice campsite can be found below Cutthroat Pass at about four miles. From the camp, switchbacks take you to a dry Cutthroat Pass at 6800 feet. The pass is five miles from the trailhead and makes a nice turn-around point for a day hike. Backpackers will find camps off either side of the trail at the pass.The forest is behind you here and big views and granite peaks surround you.

Carrying on a further 1.25 miles takes you to Granite Pass - where snowfields may cross the trail until August. If there is snow here, you'll need an ice axe, or you'll need to turn around. Past Granite Pass the trail is literally dynamited into the cliffs for some ways, and snowy conditions on trail can be very dangerous.

About a mile before Methow Pass, take the signed trail to your right at a meadow up some well-graded switchbacks about a half mile to Lower Snowy Lake and beyond to Upper Snowy Lake. Trees are sparse here and the alpine meadows are quite fragile. As tempting as it may be to set up your tent next to one of these lakes, it is best to camp at the established campsites near the meadow along the PCT to minimize damage to this sensitive and incredibly beautiful area.

From the lakes enjoy views of the stunning Golden Horn looming above. Continue hiking north to Methow Pass on the PCT, or simply explore around the lakes in the evening and early morning before heading out to further adventures.

WTA Pro-Tip: Much of this trail is above treeline. Shade from sun and cover from rain is minimal, so plan your trip into this area accordingly. August and September are the best months for this trip.