Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section H - Bridge of the Gods to White Pass

Offering spectacular views of the three southern volcanoes (Rainier, St. Helens and Adams), lakes, meadows and wildlife over relatively moderate terrain, Section H is the perfect starting point for the Washington portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Beginning from the Bridge of the Gods in the Columbia River Gorge, the Pacific Crest Trail zags unassumingly west, away from Highway 14. The initial climb in a long one, through lush, green forest  before turning back east, crossing into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and then turning north into the Indian Heaven Wilderness. Here, you'll find a land dotted with lakes and bursting with huckleberries (in late summer anyway). 

Continuing north, you'll leave Indian Heaven and re-enter Gifford Pinchot National Forest, meandering on the edge of the Dark Divide Roadless Area, before reaching the base of Mount Adams, 12,276 feet high, in the center of the Mount Adams wilderness. Round the mountain on its west flanks, and then hike along the border between the national forest and the Yakama Indian Reservation.

Your last days on this section are spent in some of the most stunning scenery of the entire trail -- the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Dramatically rugged, the Goat Rocks includes some of the more challenging terrain on the PCT, including a knife-edge traverse, and and a traverse of the Packwood Glacier.

Come back out at Highway 12. The White Pass Ski Area is nearby, and the Village Inn Condominiums across the street are sometimes available for thru-hikers. If they're full or closed, Packwood (a town just to the west of the pass) is worth a look, but you'll need to get a ride there.