Pacific Crest Trail: Washington Section H

Pacific Crest Trail: Washington Section H is a 144-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Heading northbound, section H extends from the Oregon/Washington border to White Pass. The trail crosses the Bridge of the Gods, enters Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and traverses three wilderness areas: Indian Heaven, Mount Adams, and Goat Rocks Wilderness. Volcanoes, delicious huckleberries, and expansive ridgelines with breathtaking views are among the highlights of this section. This section crosses a beautiful and varied terrain, with significant ups and downs. The trail is suitable for running, hiking, and backpacking. 

Starting from Bridge of the Gods in the Columbia River Gorge, this section climbs away from Highway 14. The trail enters Gifford Pinchot National Forest and continues north to Indian Heaven Wilderness, a beautiful landscape of lakes.

The trail passes through Berry Fields Interpretive Site at the northern end of Indian Heaven Wilderness, an area full of native history and famous for its Huckleberries in the late summer.

The trail enters the rugged and remote Mount Adams Wilderness, with views of Mount Adams, Washington's second highest peak at 12,281 feet. Last but not least, the section culminates in the breathtaking Goat Rocks Wilderness with panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the infamous "knife edge traverse" across narrow ridgelines and steep scree fields. 

MILES AND DESCRIPTIONS / HIGHLIGHTS

000.00 - Bridge of the Gods Trailhead.

015.50 - Rock Creek Pass Trailhead.

021.00 - Enter Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

032.00 - Trail crosses major road, Wind River Road.

051.00 - Enter Indian Heaven Wilderness.

064.00 - Exit Indian Heaven Wilderness

081.00 - Enter Mount Adams Wilderness.

099.00 - Exit Mount Adams Wilderness

110.00 - Enter Goat Rocks Wilderness

WATER
Water is available from lakes, streams, creeks, and springs. All water that is collected in the backcountry must be treated before consumption. 

PERMITS
Permits are required for overnight camping in Goat Rocks Wilderness. For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=79414. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Gifford Pinchot National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31864.  

Goat Rocks Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=79414. 

Columbia River Gorge: https://www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa. 

Pacific Crest Trail Association: www.pcta.org.