White Pass - Pilot Ridge Loop — Monday, Sep. 7, 2026

Just did this loop clockwise solo starting on Labor Day. Planned 2 nights, one at white pass and one at Blue Lake but decided to push it to 2 nights with a stop in White Pass.

Fall color is amazing right now!

LOTS OF BEARS. Saw 8 total all between White Pass and Dishpan Gap with evidence of them elsewhere as well. None gave me issue, all seemed unbothered and ran away, but got pretty close to a couple despite making noise frequently. Just practice normal bear safety and you’ll be fine. They were all around the White Pass camp. Bear canister or hang is a must. I definitely woke up to one visiting my campsite. That was the only unpleasant part about them, otherwise it was great to see them.

Other than that, going after LDW there was a ton of solitude. Didn’t see a single person after White Pass.

A visit to Kodak Peak was a great addition.

Overall this is maybe my new favorite place in Washington. The views are unreal, the wildlife is more abundant than anywhere I’ve been, and it feels really deep and remote at times.

The pilot ridge trail is in bad shape from about a mile or two before the crazy descent to almost 2/3 of the way down. One section is completely blown over, no trail. A GPS is helpful because I had a hard time seeing where the trail went. That was the only spot I felt in danger of getting off trail, but all the blowdowns definitely slowed progress a lot even if the trail was visible. I wouldn’t really recommend Pilot Ridge at all right now. I’d make a longer loop out the Bald Eagle trail assuming that’s in better shape.

Overall I loved this trip. I would not do it in 2 days next time, lots of side hikes to see from white pass onward.

Also I’d definitely bring poles. They were much needed on some of the climbs and descents on this trip.