PCT Washington Section J
~5 days · 72.1 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the PCT Washington Section J is known for
Section J is the stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail between Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass, running through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington's Cascades. It is a remote, rugged segment of glacier-fed lakes, granite basins, and high passes, with limited road access along its length. It is widely regarded as one of the more scenic and physically demanding sections of the PCT in Washington.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,989 ft to 5,850 ft over 72.1 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 34.9 mi · 49%
- Downhill 27.1 mi · 38%
- Flat 9.9 mi · 14%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the PCT Washington Section J?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the PCT Washington Section J scores 53/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best hiked from late July through September, within the snow-free window after the high passes clear and before early-fall storms.
Permits: A self-issued wilderness permit covers travel through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness; long-distance hikers may instead carry a PCT long-distance permit.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the PCT Washington Section J take?
Most backpackers hike the PCT Washington Section J in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 72.1 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the PCT Washington Section J?
The PCT Washington Section J climbs roughly 20,656 ft total — about 286 ft per mile, topping out near 5,991 ft.
When is the best time to hike the PCT Washington Section J?
Best hiked from late July through September, within the snow-free window after the high passes clear and before early-fall storms.
Do you need a permit for the PCT Washington Section J?
A self-issued wilderness permit covers travel through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness; long-distance hikers may instead carry a PCT long-distance permit.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.