Southern North Cascades Loop Backpacking

Mazama, Washington

1 Review

Summary Trail Guide Topo Map Reviews Photos GPS

DESCRIPTION FROM:

Backpacking Washington

by Douglas Lorain (Wilderness Press)

The rugged beauty of the North Cascades is on spectacular display in this extended loop hike. The route samples nearly all of the range’s many environments, from low-elevation eastside forests of ponderosa pine to low-elevation westside forests of fir and hemlock.

In between there are high snowy passes and deep basins surrounded by towering peaks. You can also expect to see big trees and tiny flowers, lumbering black bears and scurrying chipmunks, rushing streams and quiet mountain lakes. There just isn’t much missing from this wonderful hike.

View Guide Topo Map

Trail Statistics and Information


Activity Type:	Backpacking, Hiking
Nearby City:	Mazama
Distance:	65
Elevation Gain:	14,300 feet
Trail Type:	Loop/Lollipop
Skill Level:	Moderate
Duration:	5-10 days
Season:	Usually Open mid-July to early October; best in August
Trailhead Elevation:	4,860 feet
Top Elevation:	feet
Local Contacts:	North Cascades National Park
Local Maps:	Trails Illustrated - North Cascades National Park; Green Trails - Diablo Dam (#48), Mount Logan (#49), McGregor Mountain (#81) & Stehekin (#82)
Driving Directions:	Directions to Southern North Cascades Loop (Backpacking)

Recent Trail Reviews

Norman B.

Rating:

Date of Trip: 7/3/2007

My sons and I hiked this trip first of July. Too soon for the trail conditions. Visible trail almost non-existent. We had to climb over hundreds of down trees, camp sites washed away, we were the first over Park Pass; had to kick in our own steps and glassade down the back side, (used ice axes on passes) streams and creeks crossing challenging. Without our handheld GPS it would have been more difficult. We did it in 5 days even with the trail conditions. Don't attempt this trail if you are looking for helpful trail signs, this is for the more advance backpackers. Overall the scenery was fine; was used to the High Sierras or Mr. Rainier area.