Backpack - Bean Basin & Navaho Pass

To be determined.  We'll plan to shuttle cars to leave 2 vehicles at the Stafford Creek TH to reduce the elevation gain of the route, and be prepared to depart the trailhead by 10AM.  Google map location can be found at this link.

Though open to any qualified Mountaineers member, this backpack is offered in conjunction with the Backpacking Building Blocks program and may include an extra component of planning and demonstration/instruction during the trip. 

This is a point to point backpack, with a  25-minute car shuttle from the Stafford Creek TH (where we'll leave two cars) back up to the Bean/Beverly trailhead where we will start.  (if we don't have enough cars this would impact our ability to do this easier route)

The planned itinerary (subject to change) will have us hike to Bean Basin  on the first day where we'll set up camp and explore in the area (optional trip up Bean Peak nearby if weather allows) - approx 3 miles and 1800-2000' gain.  The next morning we'll start early, packing up camp and climbing to a high saddle with a chance to walk up Earl Peak for lunch, then traverse a south slope with fantastic views south to Rainier and beyond, weather permitting, then a steep descent to Stafford Creek and up again to meadow camps below Navaho Pass.  This day is 5 miles and approx 1000' to camp (not counting an extra mile and 1200' to the top of Earl).  On day 3 we'll start early for a climb up to Navaho Pass, with a side trip up Navaho Peak, then we'll return to camp and head out via Stafford Creek trail - approx 6.2 miles and 600' gain to the pass, an additional 2 miles and 1200' gain to Navaho Peak.

Families with experienced and fit kids 14 and over are welcome!