From Rainy Pass, the PCT gains elevation steadily, rising among thick forest on the slope above the road. It soon veers into a valley and later fords Porcupine Creek (NB mile 2593.1), where campsites are found nearby. A steep climb leads farther up this valley and out of the trees, soon cresting Cutthroat Pass (NB mile 2596.4) for an incredible view of spire-studded horizons. The views remain spectacular as long as the weather is clear, but even in shrouded conditions, there’s beauty in heather meadows and stands of larch all around. The trail next contours beneath vertical cliffs to cross over another ridge, then drops quickly to Granite Pass (NB mile 2598.7) where some shelter can be found among scattered pines.

Next, the trail begins a bold traverse on the face of Tower Mountain, crossing numerous avalanche gullies full of rocky debris. After that, it hooks into a little basin with campsites set beside small streams and springs (NB mile 2601). A bit more uphill through sparse conifers leads to Methow Pass (NB mile 2601.8), a beautiful saddle with meadows and larches overlooking peaks and valleys.

From there, the trail descends rapidly, back into thick forest in the valley of the West Fork Methow River. It crosses some seasonal streams and small camps before meeting the river and crossing on a bridge (NB mile 2606.6), where there’s an established campsite nearby. Next, the trail trends uphill again, crossing a series of avalanche clearings and turning into an adjacent valley. This one is particularly narrow, walled tightly by towering peaks that are striped with green and gray. Small camps and streams are scattered along as the trail rises toward Glacier Pass.

This forested pass (NB mile 2612.1) is merely a step along the way, however, as the trail zigzags higher to a mountain crest. Grassy slopes with epic views lead to a prolonged contour above the timberline, and finally to a short but head-spinning ridge walk near Tatie Peak (NB mile 2618). U-shaped valleys fall away to either side, with craggy summits rising ahead and behind.

Next, the trail curves along another ridge to Harts Pass, but passes a junction to a road and a Forest Service campground along the way (NB mile 2619.8). At Harts Pass (NB mile 2622) there is a dirt road and the Harts Pass campground which has picnic tables and toilets. There is also a guard station that is often staffed during the hiking season.

Permits: This segment through Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest does not require any permits for hiking or camping. However, hikers planning on continuing north to Canada will need to have a plan. A Canada PCT Entry Permit is required for crossing the border. Without one, you must turn around and exit the trail elsewhere.

Sources: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cutthroat-pass-via-pacific-crest-trail https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/maps/ https://pctmap.net/trail-notes/