This article originally appeared on The Trek, which you can read here.
Several iconic trail towns near the northern terminus of the PCT, including Stehekin and Leavenworth, have been devastated by flooding and debris flows (in the former case) after an atmospheric river dubbed the “Pineapple Express” dropped inches of rain on western Washington earlier this week. In Stehekin, a major debris flow caused significant damage to infrastructure.
More rain is expected in the coming week as a second atmospheric river moves in. This is likely to trigger additional landslides and power outages, as already-saturated ground is primed for natural disasters such as slope failures.
Federal Funding and Assistance
On Friday, December 12, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for a federal emergency declaration was approved. This approval will provide financial resources and federal coordination as the state begins long-term recovery efforts.
According to social media posts from Governor Ferguson, approximately 100,000 Washingtonians are currently facing evacuation orders. The Washington Emergency Management Division has also stated that at least 26 rivers across the state are at risk of flooding.
Landslides: An Ongoing Threat
Landslides continue to pose a major danger throughout the region. In 2024, the Pioneer Fire burned hundreds of acres around Lake Chelan. Much of the vegetation that once stabilized the steep terrain was destroyed, leaving exposed slopes vulnerable to runoff. As water rushes downhill, scorched trees and other debris can be carried away with the raging flood.
As a result of landslides and debris blocking the steep mountain roads, numerous highways have been closed. The Washington State Department of Transportation posted on X on Friday, December 12, that “20+ highways are closed across 11 counties.” One of the affected routes includes a 50-mile stretch of US Highway 2, a road commonly used by Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers hitchhiking between Stevens Pass and the towns of Leavenworth or Skykomish.
Iconic Trail Towns Hit Hard
The Pineapple Express has impacted multiple counties across the state, with Chelan County being particularly hard hit. Chelan County is home to iconic Pacific Crest Trail towns such as Leavenworth and Stehekin. Farther north, in Okanogan County, the town of Mazama, Washington — home of the Lion’s Den hostel and often a final stop for thru-hikers — has also been affected.
Chelan County declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday as thousands of residents were left without power or water. In Stehekin alone, numerous buildings and roads have been damaged or destroyed, including the water treatment plant and all roads leading to Stehekin Landing. Power outages in Leavenworth are affecting over 5,000 residents.
In Mazama, a popular PCT hostel has also been impacted by flooding. On December 11, Mary LaVerne Garber-Williams, owner and operator of Lion’s Den Hostel, shared several videos on Facebook, writing, “The pineapple express is hitting us hard in Washington, and Lion’s Den is no exception. We’re definitely getting some land manicuring by the rivers coming down off the mountains.”
A Long Road Ahead
Communities affected by the flooding remain in survival mode as they grapple with widespread devastation. The Washington National Guard has been mobilized to assist with disaster relief efforts, and the American Red Cross has established emergency shelters throughout the region. At this time, state officials have not reported any fatalities resulting from the flooding.
The Pacific Crest Trail Association has not yet issued any trail closures. As the full extent of the damage becomes clearer, updates are expected in the coming weeks that will likely affect the 2026 hiking season. Many trails within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, North Cascades National Park, and the Glacier Peak Wilderness will likely require significant trail maintenance due to landslides, downed trees, and other storm-related damage.
Featured image: WSDOT.
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