Pacific Crest Trail: SR 20 to High Bridge

The Pacific Crest Trail from SR 20 at milepost 159 to High Bridge in Stehekin is an approximately 18.1-mile, one-way hike through Bridge Creek and the Old Wagon corridor. Allow about 9–11 hours on foot; the route loses roughly 3,200 feet overall. This is a long backcountry traverse, not a loop or a casual day walk. Plan how you'll get from High Bridge back to your car at SR 20 before starting; walking back doubles the distance. The published segments break down to about 12.8 miles to Bridge Creek Camp plus 5.3 miles to High Bridge.

The northern stretch gradually drops beside Bridge Creek through meadows and open avalanche tracks. Spring and early summer bring wildflowers. Later, open slopes can be hot and dry, while scattered ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir patches offer shade. Bridge Creek Camp, about 12.8 miles from SR 20, has vault toilets, fire rings and picnic tables.

From Bridge Creek Camp, the PCT continues about 5.3 miles to High Bridge on the Old Wagon route, losing around 700 feet southbound. Parts follow an 1890s haul road through varied forest and western red cedar groves; mining remnants remain around Bridge Creek. The walk shifts from open meadow to shaded woodland rather than ending at a single summit or viewpoint.

At milepost 159, just over a mile east of Rainy Pass, use the lot on the north side of SR 20, cross the highway and follow the short connector to the PCT. High Bridge is in the remote Stehekin Valley, about 11 miles from Stehekin Landing. A seasonal shuttle serves that valley link, but it doesn't connect to SR 20, so arrange transportation for both ends. The highway parking lot requires a Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful pass.

Day hikers who don't camp overnight don't need a park backcountry permit. Overnight stays require a permit at designated sites; a long-distance PCT permit covers nights only at Six Mile or Bridge Creek, while other park camps need a separate permit. Leashed pets are allowed on the PCT only.