🥾PCT day hikes near Seattle (no permit drama)
Sections you can walk today with nothing but a parking pass. No overnight permits, no lotteries.
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1
12 mi. RT. Northwest Forest Pass on the dash and that's it. Lot fills by 8am on summer weekends, start early.
2
Commonwealth Basin to Red Pass
Same trailhead as the Katwalk, a fraction of the people. The old Cascade Crest route branches off the PCT.
3
7.6 mi. RT. Smithbrook is the shortcut, starting at Stevens Pass proper adds miles for no reason.
4
Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap (Chinook Pass)
Two easy miles to the lake. The extra 1.4 up to the gap is the whole point.
5
Rainy Pass to Cutthroat Pass
6
Mirror Lake via the PCT
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