Pacific Crest Trail - Chinook Pass

Along Highway 410 at Chinook Pass there is easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail runs from Canada to Mexico. For more information about the Pacific Crest Trail, see the link on this page.

This trailhead is only accessible in the summer and fall, as the road closes in winter due to snow. The area is mostly alpine meadows and rocky cliffs with patches of thin forests. The trail is heavily used near the parking area but foot traffic dies down once you walk 1 or 2 miles away. If you hike north to Sourdough Gap on a clear day, several of the Cascade peaks are visible in the distance, including Mount Saint Helens and Mount Adams. There are also a small number of camping sites available at Upper Crystal Lake, but they are in Mount Rainier National Park and advance reservations are required from the Park Service.