Windy Pass via Pacific Crest Trail #2000
Stroll down some of the most picturesque sections the Pacific Crest Trail has to offer, complete with big mountainside meadows overflowing with wildflowers all accessible along flat, well-graded trail. Add on a short side trip up to a fire lookout tower and a trek above a mining ghost town and you’ll be hard pressed to find a hike that has more to offer.
Total Distance: 7.8 miles
Total Ascent: 700ft
Highest Point: 7000ft
Total Ascent: 700ft
Highest Point: 7000ft
Take State Route 20 to Lost River Road, located 13.2 miles west of Winthrop with road signs directing you toward Mazama. Turn onto Lost River Road and follow it 0.4 mile, taking a left to continue on Lost River Road through Mazama. Just after you cross the Lost River, the pavement ends and FR 5400 begins. From here is 12 miles of dirt, gravel, potholes and steep drop-offs along narrow forest roads to Harts Pass. Turn right onto FR 5400-600 (aka Slate Peak Road) for 1.3 miles to the parking area at the first switchback. View Google Directions >>
From the trailhead, follow the graveled Pacific Crest Trail #2000 out toward the rim of Slate Creek Valley. The flat wildflower-lined trail wanders past a scattering of trees to open country and wide views of the valley below and jagged horizon of peaks and crags. Soon enough spy the Slate Peak Lookout Tower perched on the peak’s flattop summit. Watch for squirrels and rodents flitting between the rocks as you traverse Slate Peak’s the boulder strewn flanks.There's a lot more to Windy Pass, and you can learn all about it in Washington Wildflower Hikes: 50 Destinations. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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