PCT - Washington Section K

Overview

PCT - Washington Section K is a 5.4 mi hiking route inside OpenStreetMap Hiking Routes (US) in the region. The trail climbs roughly 1,505 ft from trailhead to high point and is logged as a out & back in the Trail Compass directory. At a steady walking pace it works out to about 3.5 hours on trail, though most parties add time for photos, snack breaks, and the inevitable view-stopping moments along the way.

Difficulty rating

PCT - Washington Section K carries a moderate rating. The 5.4 mi/1,505 ft profile asks for real effort but does not demand technical skill — anyone who hikes regularly in the US public-lands network will find the grade familiar. Expect occasional rocky or rooty footing, a couple of sustained climbs, and a route that rewards patient pacing. New hikers regularly use trails in this category to graduate from beginner status.

Best season to hike

Best season for PCT - Washington Section K in the US public-lands network is generally mid-spring through mid-fall, with conditions varying by elevation and exposure. Local conditions can shift quickly — cold snaps, wildfire smoke, blowdown, river crossings, or trailhead-road closures all happen — so confirm the current status with the managing agency for OpenStreetMap Hiking Routes (US) before you commit to a long drive.

Wildlife to expect

Wildlife on this route reflects the surrounding US public-lands network: hikers regularly report sightings of a mix of deer, songbirds, small mammals, and seasonal migratory birds. Give every animal a wide berth — a hundred yards minimum for bears and any predator, the length of a soccer field for hooved animals during rut. Keep food sealed, never feed wildlife, and store anything scented inside a vehicle when you park at the trailhead.

Parking & trailhead access

Trailhead parking for PCT - Washington Section K can fill on busy weekends; aim to arrive by mid-morning at the latest, or earlier in peak summer. Some OpenStreetMap Hiking Routes (US) access points require a parking pass, day-use fee, or timed-entry reservation — check the official the region parks website before you drive out. Bring a small bill for self-pay envelopes if the entrance station is unstaffed.

What to bring

For a hike of 5.4 mi with roughly 1,505 ft of elevation gain, plan on about 3.5 hours on trail at a steady pace. Carry at least a liter of water for every two miles, more in summer or above treeline. Pack real food if your turnaround is past midday, sun protection, a light insulating layer, and a map (paper or downloaded). Footwear should match the surface — trail runners are fine on smoother sections, while rocky or rooty ground favors a stiffer hiking shoe or light boot.

Nearby attractions

Nearby in OpenStreetMap Hiking Routes (US) you can extend the day with shorter walks near the visitor center, picnic stops at established overlooks, and connector trails that link into the broader the region park network. The Trail Compass park page for OpenStreetMap Hiking Routes (US) lists every other indexed trail in the same boundary, which is the fastest way to find a complementary hike — pair this route with something shorter and gentler if you have a mixed-fitness group.

Local tips

A few tips that hold up across the US public-lands network: Carry a small trash bag in a pocket; most experienced hikers in the region pack out a piece of micro-trash on every hike. Leave No Trace applies on every Trail Compass-listed route — stay on the established tread, pack out everything including food scraps, and give wildlife the room they need to ignore you.

About this listing

Trail Compass aggregates publicly available park and trail information so that you can compare options before heading out. Distances, elevation profiles, and difficulty ratings come from official park sources where available, supplemented by community contributions and OpenStreetMap data. Always confirm seasonal closures, permit requirements, and current safety alerts directly with OpenStreetMap Hiking Routes (US) before your trip.