Shuttle to the trailhead: 3.5 hours

Hiking Mileage: 10.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 2000 feet

Elevation Loss: 2400 feet

This multi-day guided backpacking trip in the North Cascades begins with a pickup at your hotel in Seattle, followed by a scenic drive into the snowy mountains of the North Cascades. We’ll arrive at the trailhead, just a few miles from the Canadian border in the stunning Mount Baker Wilderness.

After stretching and adjusting our packs, we’ll start our trek uphill along a pristine mountain creek, making our way toward a breathtaking mountain pass. Once we crest the pass, we’ll be greeted by our first views of the magnificent river valley below and the surrounding peaks. This is the North Cascades at its finest, with steep, glacial-carved mountains, deep forested valleys, jagged peaks, and modern glaciers.

After soaking in the stunning vistas and enjoying a well-deserved mid-afternoon snack, we’ll descend to our first night’s camp along an iconic North Cascades river, where we can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Hiking Mileage: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

On the second day, we’ll savor a leisurely morning with some extra sleep, followed by a delicious, hearty breakfast. After an active Day 1, today will be more relaxed, allowing our bodies to recover before another big hike on Day 3.

When we’re ready, we’ll continue following our beautiful Pacific Northwest river through old-growth forests, venturing deeper into the backcountry up a glacier-carved valley. Once we reach a second mountain creek, we’ll turn south toward our campsite for the night.

After setting up camp, you’ll have time to relax, read, explore around camp, or simply soak up the stunning beauty of our surroundings. We’ll cap off this recovery day with another hot meal and an enchanting evening in the wilderness, enjoying the sounds of nature as we unwind under the stars.

Hiking Mileage: 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet

Elevation Loss: 2,000 feet

Day 3 is the pinnacle of our trip as we ascend to a spectacular, remote mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. We’ll get an early start, leaving our camp and heavy packs behind for a day of exploration.

Our hike will feature a series of switchbacks, and with each step, the views will become increasingly stunning. Once we crest the pass, we’ll be rewarded with magnificent sights of beautiful alpine lakes and the dramatic Picket Range of the North Cascades.

After celebrating our achievement with a well-deserved lunch at the pass, we’ll begin our gradual descent of 2,000 feet, keeping an eye out for ripe berries (depending on the season) and occasionally stealing glances back at the pass to appreciate what we’ve accomplished.

Once we return to camp, we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and revel in the satisfaction of a day well spent, settling in for a well-deserved rest under the stars.