The Purple Rainbow climbs to alpine terrain, crossing over sub-alpine passes. It also descends to the open pine forests and arid Eastern slopes. Thick forests, plunging rivers, rocky passes, expansive lakes and challenging climbs (and crushing descents) are all included!
For supported efforts, Stehekin, provides a respite in terms of food and/or lodging for those that want to complete the route in multi days or getting supplies along the way.
Route:
Start: Bridge Creek TH Hwy 20
End: Bridge Creek TH Hwy 20
Leg 1: Bridge Creek Trail S .8mi to poorly marked junction to Copper Pass. Stay left.
Leg1A: *Do not cross Bridge Creek. Do not take trails up to Copper Pass, Stiletto Peak or Twisp Pass. Parallel the creek to intersection with McAlester Pass Trail: 2.2mi
Leg 2: McAlester Pass Trail SE to South Pass Trail jct: 5.3mi
Leg 3: Rainbow Creek Trail S to Boulder Creek Trail: 9.4mi
Leg 4: Boulder Creek Trail E to War Creek Pass: 9.8 mi
Leg 5: Purple Creek Trail to Purple Point/Stehekin: 8.1mi
Leg 6: Stehekin Valley Road NW appx 3mi to Rainbow Falls Trail
Leg 7: Rainbow Falls Trail and Rainbow Creek Trail N to Rainbow Lake Trail: 5.4mi
Leg 8: Rainbow Lake Trail to Pacific Crest Trail: 11.5mi
Leg 9: PCT to Bridge Creek TH: ~6mi
This route was originally designed by Heather Anderson for the UltraPedestrian Wilderness Challenge.
