Iconic PCT Trail town devastated by debris flow

YesSeveral iconic towns near the northern edge 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 for next week as the second atmospheric river enters. This is likely to lead to more landslides and power outages, as the already saturated terrain 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 networks publications According to Governor Ferguson, approximately 100,000 Washingtonians are currently facing evacuation orders. The Washington Division of Emergency Management has also declared that at least 26 rivers across the state are at risk of flooding.

Landslides: a constant threat

Landslides continue to represent 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 the slopes exposed. vulnerable to runoff. As water rushes downhill, charred trees and other debris can be carried away by the raging flood.

Due to landslides and debris blocking steep mountain roads, numerous roads have been closed. Washington State Department of Transportation published in X on Friday, December 12, that “more than 20 roads are closed in 11 counties.” One of the affected routes includes a 50-mile stretch of US Highway 2, a road commonly used by Pacific Crest Trail hikers hitchhiking between Stevens Pass and the towns of Leavenworth or Skykomish.

Iconic trail towns hit hard

The Pineapple Express has impacted several counties across the state, with Chelan County being the most impacted. 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 lodge and often the last stop for hikers, has also been affected.

Chelan County declared a state of emergency Wednesday as thousands of residents were left without power and 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 more than 5,000 residents.

In Mazama, a popular PCT lodge has also been affected by flooding. On December 11, Mary LaVerne Garber-Williams, owner and operator of Lion’s Den Hostel, shared several videos about Facebookwriting, «The pineapple express is hitting us hard in Washington, and Lion’s Den is no exception. The rivers coming down from the mountains are definitely fixing up some land.»

A long road ahead

Flood-affected communities remain in survival mode as they face widespread devastation. He Washington National Guard has been mobilized to assist with disaster relief efforts, and the American Red Cross has established emergency shelters throughout the region. So far, state officials have not reported any deaths as a result of 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 impact the 2026 hiking season. Many trails within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, North Cascades National Park and Glacier Peak Wilderness will likely require significant maintenance due to landslides, downed trees and other storm-related damage.

Featured image: WSDOT.

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