Backpack - Pasayten Wilderness Billy Goat Loop

Leader's notes Although open to all club members, this trip is also part of the B3 backpacking Building Blocks series and eligible for B3 course graduation credit. In addition, this backpack will have a practical instructional/learning focus and offer experience in proper gear use and camp set-up techniques.

This mellow trip will explore a corner of the Pasayten wilderness. The eastern Pasayten melts out much earlier than then the North Cascades, so it is a great place to visit when other high trails are still snowed in. Although the basic loop mileage is low, there will be opportunities for longer hikes after setting up camp.

In July, the weather is likely to warm during the day (possibly hot). However, rain storms and cold nights are also possible. In July, we may encounter bugs. Bring your bug repellent. We may adjust the itinerary to find the best camp sites depending on conditions.

Equipment: Standard or lightweight backpacking gear. We can share group gear (stove, tents, water filter) if desired.

Day 1: Meet in the Seattle area and drive across the scenic North Cascades highway to the Billy Goat trailhead north of Winthrop. Hike 4 miles over Eightmile Pass to Drake Creek, where we’ll stop to setup camp. Then, enjoy the campsite or join in a day hike to Lost River Gorge or Lucky Pass.
Day 2: Pack up and move our camp to Upper Drake Creek or Billy Goat Pass. After setting up camp, hang out or join in optional day hike to Three Fools Pass or Burch Mountain.
Day 3: Make the final climb over Billy Goat Pass before descending to the trailhead to complete the loop. Only 4.9 miles of hiking should get us to our cars in the early afternoon or late morning. We’ll stop for an early dinner on our way back to the Seattle area.

Email leader with any questions.

Meeting place and time time and place TBD