PCT Hikers Can Once Again Reach the Northern Terminus

Northbound hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail are once again able to reach the trail’s Northern Terminus. The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) announced today, September 9, that the trail between Harts Pass and the Canadian border has officially reopened following its closure from the Ptarmigan fire.

Land and trails directly east and west of the PCT corridor remain closed, and hikers continuing north through this area must stay strictly on the trail as fire crews nearby continue to work to contain the Ptarmigan Fire.

The PCTA thanked the staff at the Methow Valley Ranger District of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, crediting both them and fire personnel working on the Ptarmigan Fire for the reopening of the trail.

A map of the closures in the area, which shows an open path north of Harts Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail to the Canadian Border. Photo via the PCTA

Ptarmigan Fire Closure History

Previously, the PCT had been closed north of Methow Pass, with the PCTA alerting hikers that “the Ptarmigan Fire will be closing the PCT from Methow Pass to the Northern Terminus, including Harts Pass area, as fire activity is expected to increase. Hikers and campers are being asked to leave this section of the PCT and Harts Pass area immediately. Agency staff will be sweeping the trail and associated areas as soon as possible to spread the word.”

However, less than two months later, fire suppression efforts have allowed the closed section of trail to be continuously scaled back. First, the trail between Methow Pass and Harts Pass opened and, now, the 30-mile stretch of trail through the Pasayten Wilderness to the Canadian Border has opened as well.

Canada Entry Permits and Northern Terminus Logistics

Although hikers can once again reach the Northern Terminus, they cannot legally continue north into Canada. Canada discontinued its Pacific Crest Trail Entry Permit program in January 2025, and crossing the U.S.-Canada border on the PCT is now prohibited, including for Canadian citizens. Hikers reaching the Northern Terminus must turn around and hike roughly 30 miles south to Harts Pass to exit the trail.

Those without advance permission must reach the border, turn around, and hike back out to Harts Pass to exit the trail.

If you plan to continue your hike north of Harts Pass, keep an eye on the PCTA Closures page, as fire situations are dynamic.