Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
15,000.00 ft (4,572.00 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
60.00 mi (96.56 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Harts Pass To Canada is a 60-mile out-and-back on the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This is a special section of trail that for thru-hikers marks either the beginning or the end of an epic journey. It features lush pine forests, beautiful meadows, and high ridgelines with expansive views. It is a rugged and rolling terrain with plenty of ups and downs along the Cascade Crest. This route stays on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from start to finish and is suitable for running, hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding.

The northern terminus of the trail has no vehicle access, making shuttles impossible.  Visitors should therefore plan for a 3-4 day backpacking trip. There are numerous backcountry camps between Hart's Pass and the northern terminus, spread out about every 6-7 miles. Hiking here is best from late summer to early fall, after the snow has melted and just at the peak of fall foliage. 

GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD

The trailhead is roughly an hour drive from the small town of Mazama, Washington, along Forest Road 5400. The road up to Harts Pass is steep, narrow, and windy. 

CAMPING AT THE TRAILHEAD

Hart’s Pass Campground is a first-come, first-serve campground located at Hart’s Pass. For more information about fees and regulations please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=59263

CAMPING AND PERMITS

Permits are required for use of the Pasayten Wilderness. There is no charge for the permits, which can be obtained from ranger stations or self-issued at trailheads. For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_053610.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Pasayten Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=79431

Current conditions and water availability: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5308308

Pacific Crest Trail Association: https://www.pcta.org/ 

PCT Trail Conditions: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/trail-conditions/sections/washington/


 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

4

Pros

Lush forests. Well maintained singletrack. Scenic ridglines.

Cons

Difficult to access trailhead.

Trailhead Elevation

6,226.00 ft (1,897.68 m)

Highest point

7,073.00 ft (2,155.85 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Glacier
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Horseback riding
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

Yes

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Ross Lake National Recreation Area, North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park

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