You don't need much outdoor experience to enjoy some of the most remote and inspiring alpine scenery in North America. From lush valley floors covered with climax fir forests to the expansive views of the high passes and dramatic glaciers, the variety encompassed by this trip is immense and the beauty of the scenery is unsurpassed. Join us for a backpacking adventure of a lifetime.
Mt. Baker from High Divide, near Copper Ridge. Aeron Horath
North Cascades National Park is a vast and rugged wilderness area in northwest Washington State. Sometimes referred to as the American Alps, the area is far more remote than the European Alps and is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the United States. Jagged spires and sheer cliffs rise from deep glacial valleys covered with fragrant evergreens. With over 300 active glaciers within the Park, many peaks have summits and faces permanently sheathed in ice.
During the course of this trip, you will learn all the fundamentals of wilderness living, including travel and camping skills that will keep your body happy and your mind free to enjoy the sights. You'll also learn Leave No Trace ethics and techniques so that you will be skilled at limiting or eliminating your potential impacts on the wilderness. Along the way you enjoy gourmet meals and the great camaraderie that is unique in the mountains.
Day 1:
Your North Cascades backpacking adventure starts at 8:00am in the Fairhaven area of Bellingham, Washington, where the group assembles for introductions and an equipment check. We take whatever time is needed to make sure you have just the right gear before making the 90-minute drive to the trailhead. After a delicious lunch, we hike over Hannegan Pass (where there will be an optional side trip to the summit of Hannegan Peak for panoramic views of the area peaks) and into North Cascades National Park. Once inside the park, camp will be established and a gourmet dinner provided. The evening presentation will be on fundamentals of wilderness living. Boundary Camp, 5 miles
The Copper Ridge Fire Lookout, with Mt. Shuksan in the distance.
Tore Oftness
Day 2:
Wake up to a hearty breakfast and the sounds of the remote wilderness. After breaking camp, we hike a short 4 miles, crossing Hell's Canyon, and arrive early at Silesia Camp. We can spend the afternoon lounging or doing a side trip to Egg Lake or the Copper Ridge Lookout. The evening's presentation is on wilderness survival and we will hope for an amazing sunset.
4 miles
Day 3:
Today is our longest. We will wake up early and look for bald eagles and mountain goats as a mountain breakfast is prepared. Today we hike the length of stunning Copper Ridge, along the way visiting the Copper Ridge Fire Lookout, usually staffed by a park ranger, and enjoying panoramic views of a dozen remote glaciers before descending the other side of the ridge into the Chilliwack River Valley and setting up camp at Indian Creek. 12 miles
Hiking in alpine terrain of North Cascades National Park. Connie Beamer.
Day 4:
Awake to the pleasant sounds of the Chilliwack River rushing north into nearby Canada. Enjoy a backpacker's breakfast, pack up camp and head south along the river. Watch for salmon in the river and bears in the forest. We then turn east, following the Brush Creek Trail to Whatcom Pass, where we will set up our next camp. Whatcom Pass and provides close-up views of many amazing crevasses on the Challenger Glacier. You have an option for a hike to Tapto Lakes, which reflect breathtaking views of the beautiful mountain scenery across the valley. Bring plenty of film or memory cards and batteries. This is a place you will want to revisit again and again. After a delicious dinner, a presentation on local geology and history will be given. You may prefer to sleep outside your tent tonight to catch glimpses of shooting stars. 8 miles
Day 5:
Today we are in for yet another treat. After breaking camp, we return to the Chilliwack River via Brush creek and head south again to where a cable car takes us over the river to the west bank. Heading southwest toward Hannegan Pass, we stop short of the pass, camping at Copper Creek. Wilderness first aid is discussed after a nutritious dinner. 10 miles
Day 6:
We wake slowly and after breakfast, we will pack up camp and hike back out of the park before going over Hannegan Pass. Another picnic lunch will be provided when needed along the trail. After a great hike out on gentle terrain, a short drive takes us back to the comforts of Fairhaven and Bellingham. 6.5 miles
*The 5-day itinerary cuts out the day to Whatcom Pass.
This itinerary encompasses some of America's most beautiful alpine terrain. Join us for views you'll never forget, learning in a variety of subject areas, and a taste of adventure that will surely lead to more trips into the world's most inspiring mountain ranges.
You can extend your stay in the area and broaden your Pacific Northwest experience with a whale watching trip, sea kayaking adventure, or tour of the San Juan Islands (not included).
Ruth Mountain in late summer, just a couple of miles from Hannegan Pass. Shawn Olson.
