Backpack - Cathedral Lakes Loop

The Pasaytens are my favorite place to backpack in Washington State! I have done most of this loop in the past and am stoked to be going back. This is a group experience, and I would like us to stay together on trail supporting one another. It is a relaxed paced backpack, as I cannot move briskly uphill due to a managed heart condition - so if you enjoy hiking fast, this may not be the right trip for you. It will still be strenuous due to the added extra weight of so many days worth of food and the extended time out in the backcountry and moving your body for so many days at a time. My hope is we get out, enjoy the wildness, the vastness and beauty of the alpine together while giving us plenty of time to slowly, but steadily saunter our way from camp to camp and having space to just be. I enjoy breaks and when we find especially lovely views, it would be a shame to not stop and have a snack and take it all in. 

I take participants' physical and emotional comfort and safety very seriously. I strongly believe in inclusive decision making and like to lead via group consensus. I want to hear from every participant, and I never want anyone to feel unsafe or unwelcome, but am also prepared to make difficult decisions should the need arise.

Please be comfortable with multi day trips and extended time in the backcountry, while keeping your pack weight at a manageable amount. Bring either a bear canister or ursak + opsak for food storage. I'll send out an email prior to the trip discussing up to date conditions.

Leader permission required - just let me know what recent past trips you've been on, your rough base pack weight and your food strategies for longer trips.

Total mileage - 44.24mi

Total elevation gain: 7872ft gain

Map: Cathedral Loop 2024 - CalTopo

Day 1  (Thu. 7/18) - 5.68mi, 1,347ft gain - camp at meadow

Estimated hike time - 3 hours

Day 2 (Fri. 7/19) - 8.68mi, 2,774ft gain - camp at Four Point Lake

Estimated hike time - 5 hours

Optional day hike to Remmel - should take about 4 hours - was the site of an old fire lookout - there is an "abandoned" (still reasonably well loved just not maintained) trail to the summit and some rusted remains of the fire lookout.

Remmel Mountain Lookout Site - Pasayten Wilderness (willhiteweb.com)

Day 3 (Sat. 7/20) - 9.78mi, 2,424ft gain - camp at Cathedral Lake

Estimated hike time - 6 hours

Day 4 (Sun. 7/21) - 11.57mi, 775ft gain - camp at Loop Junction or Creeks (both marked on map) 

Will take time to check out the Tungsten Mine on the hike out 

Estimated hike time for 11.57mi - 5.6 hours

2.24mi difference between the two - can see how we are feeling and decide which campsite to stop at.

Day 5 (Mon. 7/22) - 8.26mi, 558ft gain - exit back to trailhead

Estimated hike time - 4 hours

Recent trip reports:

Remmel Mountain — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

Recent-ish - Cathedral Pass Loop — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

When: 1:30pm - short trailhead debrief/intros and hiking by 2pm

Where: Thirtymile Trailhead near Winthrop - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FKymKjxXUkcYmiJE7

This is a long drive! 5.5 hours from Seattle, so plan accordingly and carpooling is encouraged. I am happy to drive anyone who is interested in our minivan.

Northwest Forest Pass required.