Pacific Trail Southbounders - Where Are They Now?

In our last PCT Update we pondered, "where are the Northbound Hikers at this time of this year?", as they make their 2,650 mile journey to the Canadian Border. This time we're curious: what about the Mexico-bound Southbound Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail?

As July kicks off, the first wave of southbound (SOBO) thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail are  just starting to make their way south from the Canadian border, deep into the heart of the North Cascades in Washington. Starting at the northern terminus at the remote and beautiful Monument 78 on the U.S.–Canada border, hikers are now weaving through glacier-carved valleys, wildflower-covered meadows, and fire-scarred ridgelines.

Current Location: The North Cascades and Beyond

SOBO hikers are trekking through or just beyond North Cascades National Park and Glacier Peak Wilderness, experiencing some of the most dramatic alpine scenery the PCT has to offer. These areas are notorious for lingering snowfields, challenging river crossings, and jaw-dropping views of craggy peaks, including Glacier Peak itself—a sleeping volcano wrapped in ice.

Around this time, hikers may be approaching the charming town of Stehekin, accessible only by foot, boat, or plane. It's a favorite resupply stop with a legendary bakery that hikers will tell you is worth every calorie. Others might be nearing Snoqualmie Pass, a key waypoint that marks the transition from rugged alpine terrain into the densely forested stretches of central Washington.

Further south, those making faster progress may reach the Goat Rocks Wilderness, famous for the high-elevation Knife’s Edge—a narrow, windswept ridge walk with sweeping views that test both your nerve and your balance. This section is widely considered one of the most stunning (and thrilling) on the entire trail.

Trail Highlights Along the Way

As SOBO hikers push southward, they'll experience:

• Lake Chelan from afar, one of the deepest lakes in the U.S., nestled below sheer granite walls

• Mount Rainier views near Chinook Pass, often still snow-capped in July

• Indian Heaven Wilderness, rich with huckleberries, lava flows, and tribal significance

• Bridge of the Gods, the symbolic crossing from Washington into Oregon over the Columbia River

These landmarks are not just scenic—they're emotional milestones. They mark distance covered, resilience earned, and the ever-deepening connection between hiker and trail.

The SOBO Experience: Quiet and Wild

Southbound hikers often enjoy more solitude compared to the crowded northbound season. But with that solitude comes greater exposure to early-season trail conditions, including melting snow, fallen trees, and unpredictable weather. It’s a raw and rugged introduction to the trail, but for many, that’s exactly the appeal.

The trail community in Washington is incredibly supportive, and trail angels often step up to help SOBOs during these earlier, quieter months.

Celebrate the Journey with Wears The Mountain

At WearsTheMountain.com, we honor the spirit of the PCT with a curated collection of trail-inspired apparel and keepsakes. Whether you're a thru-hiker, section hiker, trail angel, or armchair adventurer, our Pacific Crest Trail collection helps you celebrate the journey from wherever you are.

🎒 Favorite PCT Offerings:

• PCT Trail Crest T-Shirts and Hoodies
  

• Retro PCT Trail Signs & Souvenir Stickers

• "The Spine of The West" Collection with designs available for both apparel and home goods

Let your gear reflect your love for the trail—and wear it with pride, wherever your journey leads.

Useful PCT Resources for SOBOs and Trail Fans

• Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) – Trail updates, permits, and planning resources

• FarOut (formerly Guthook) – GPS-guided trail maps and hiker comments

• Washington Trails Association – Trail conditions and volunteer opportunities in WA

• PCT Reddit Community – Hiker reports and community advice

• CalTopo Maps – Custom mapping and elevation profiles for serious planners