Pacific Crest Trail

This stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail hugs Rainier's eastern flank like a secret corridor most visitors never find. Starting from Chinook Pass, the trail rolls through subalpine meadows and old-growth forest, weaving in and out of the park boundary as it traces south toward Laughingwater Creek. You'll trade the crowds of Paradise and Sunrise for long stretches of solitude, with Rainier appearing and disappearing through the trees like it's playing hide-and-seek. The terrain alternates between well-graded tread through dense hemlock forest and open ridgeline traverses where wildflower meadows explode in late July. Stream crossings punctuate the route, some bridged, others boot-soaking fords during snowmelt. This is a trail for hikers who prefer the journey over the destination — thru-hikers passing through, section hikers looking for a multi-day adventure, or day hikers wanting a taste of the PCT without a five-month commitment.