[Cody s]

I made a minor mistake at cascade pass last year when I mentioned to my 12 year old granddaughter that there is a bakery at the end of this trail. To make a long story short we are hiking in this year and it will be her longest thru hike yet. She has not forgotten our bakery conversation. Can anyone compare the differences between starting at rainy pass compared to cascade pass? Keep in mind I'm looking at this from a 12 year old perspective. Thanks, Cody

[lookout bob]

I have hiked both. Rainy pass is probably a better choice as one does not have to go over Park Creek pass. Likely better for your twelve year old. Have fun!

[slabbyd]

Cascade Pass route much more scenic and much longer. Possibly harder to get permits as well. From Rainy its just a straight shot (with minimal if any elevation gain) down the PCT. C-list scenery. Why not make it a loop?

[Cody s]

I definitely did consider a loop instead of a thru hike. My wife maybe looking forward to waiting for us pool side In Chelan. It will take some convincing

[Cyclopath]

[Slim]

I did the thru hike over Cascade pass two years back with my 18 yo nephew and two brother in laws who are not in the best shape. We did it in 2 nights, 3 days and it was a great trip. Hard to beat Cascade Pass for scenery. A couple of things: - On the year that we did it, the road was closed 2 miles back from the Cascade Pass TH which added time and elevation. I would check on that prior to your departure if you choose this option. - We were able to get permits for camping at Pelton Basin which was the limit of how far our party could travel in a day. The next camping spot was either Horseshoe basin or Cottonwood camp which would have been too much for the group. - It was hot !! We did the trip in the third week of July and we cooked on the east side of Cascade pass on the way down to the river. Best to do that part in the morning hours. - If time and budget allows for it, spend a night at the Stehekin Lodge. It's a great spot to hangout to tour the valley including the bakery.

[HitTheTrail]

I have not been to the bakery for years. Did they ever start serving alcohol there, or do those poor PCT smucks have to go all the way down to Stehekin to buy an expensive beer?

[Cyclopath]

[Worthington]

There are a lot of other ways to hike in to Stehekin. Check out trails off the Twisp River. Another option that might appeal to a 12yr old: 1-nighter via spider gap to holden, then get ice cream and a shoer in holden and ride the bus/boat to Stehekin for a night there.

[Cyclopath]

Chelan Lakeshore Trail is good too. For a longer but less hilly trek.

[Cody s]

Could I also consider starting at the end of suattle river road ? I forget if that travels over spider gap or not

[RumiDude]

[Mountainpines]

I didn’t find the bakery to be that good in Stehekin. It’s okay. After a long hike though, delicious. I didn’t do this hike. But if hiking it, I was thinking of starting in Stehekin. Maybe someone can park at Cascade Pass. So, you can go downhill through those switchbacks and pick your ride there when done. I did a portion of the hike when the road to Cascade Pass reopened. I definitely want to do it one day.

[Joseph]

Do you mean a loop from CAscade pass to Stehekin, then on to Rainy pass ? I suppose that wouldn't be a loop though.

[Cody s]

I have considered that