PCT — Washington Section L landscape

Photo: Photo by Pavł Polø on Unsplash

PCT — Washington Section L

~5 days · 69 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance69 mi
Days out5
Elevation gain13,652 ft
Gain / mile198 ft
High point7,119 ft
Difficulty index39/100

What the PCT — Washington Section L is known for

The PCT's final section: about 70 miles point-to-point from Rainy Pass through the high country of the North Cascades past Harts Pass to the Canadian border and Manning Park, BC. Typically 4-5 days of sustained up-and-down at elevation.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the PCT — Washington Section L on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 12,789 ft to 23,002 ft over 69 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 28.5 mi · 42%
  • Downhill 35.6 mi · 52%
  • Flat 4.2 mi · 6%

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 L?

39 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the PCT — Washington Section L scores 39/100, 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.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the PCT — Washington Section L take?

Most backpackers hike the PCT — Washington Section L in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 69 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the PCT — Washington Section L?

The PCT — Washington Section L climbs roughly 13,652 ft total — about 198 ft per mile, topping out near 7,119 ft.

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.

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