Pacific Crest Trail: Chinook Pass to Laughingwater Creek Junction

This is the southbound Pacific Crest Trail from Chinook Pass to the Laughingwater Creek junction, a point-to-point high-country walk. The mapped line is 8.86 miles one way, winding around the northeast side of Naches Peak, dropping to Dewey Lake, then climbing and contouring through rocky basins and open slopes toward a remote junction. Its draw is the sequence of lakes, summer flowers and Mount Rainier views; the finish is not at a road. One detailed trip account puts this same PCT leg at 10.5 miles, and no official mileage settles the gap, so plan for the longer figure and a full day. Allow about six hours of hiking, plus breaks and your exit plan; the effort is mainly distance, not a steep summit climb.

The PCT crosses State Route 410 at the historic Chinook Entrance Arch and follows Naches Peak’s northeast side past high ponds and subalpine forest. At the junction where Naches Peak Loop turns back toward Tipsoo Lake, stay with the PCT for Dewey Lake. Dogs are allowed on the PCT, but not around Tipsoo Lake or on the park section of the adjacent loop, so follow the PCT signs if you have a dog.

The trail drops into the Dewey Lakes basin and circles the lake before climbing out around Seymour Peak. Watch for the junction near the shore: an older route account found it easy to miss, so keep checking the PCT route as you follow the lake around. Dewey Lake is the best place to stop for a photo; include the firs and the near shore to show the shape of the basin, not just a patch of blue water.

Anderson Lake is roughly five miles from Chinook Pass and makes a useful turnaround if you have one car; going there and back is about a 10-mile hike. Beyond the lake, the climb brings Mount Rainier into view for much of the remaining PCT. Rocky basins and open meadows keep the long ridge walk changing, with lupine and paintbrush in the summer bloom.

The PCT leg ends at the Laughingwater Creek junction, not at a road. Reaching State Route 123 means leaving the PCT and following Laughingwater Creek Trail another 7.3 miles. Three Lakes Camp and a patrol cabin built in 1934 are on that separate route, not in the PCT mileage here. Arrange a shuttle, continue with an overnight plan, or turn back. Chinook Pass is a summer-only drive, and snow can linger on the high trail into June or July. Overnight camping in park wilderness requires a permit.