Backpack - Spider Meadows, Spider Gap, Lyman Lakes & Buck Creek Pass

We'll spend 4 days / 3 nights exploring the Glacier Peak Wilderness, following a classic route that visits Spider Gap, Lyman Lakes, Image Lake, Buck Creek Pass, and High Pass.

This is a very strenuous trek.  We'll tackle 5 passes over 4 days, our first 3 days will average 10 miles / 2900' gain per day, and our final day will be 16+ miles / 4100'+ gain.  But the rewards will be plenty, with mountain, lake, and valley views and (hopefully) vibrant fall colors.

Route: Caltopo

Recent Trip Reports: WTA

Weather Forecasts: Night 1, Night 2, Night 3

Participants must be fit, experienced, and comfortable trekking on steep scree / talus / boulder slopes with loaded backpacks.  Participants must be prepared for shoulder-season conditions that could change unexpectedly.

To ensure that we have a compatible group (fitness, comfort with challenging terrain, etc) able to successfully and safely complete the trip in shoulder-season conditions, leader's permission is required.  In your request:

(1) Confirm that you've read and agree with the trip's Goals, Expectations, and Style.

(2) Detail the trips you have planned for this season

(3) Detail the trips you've taken *in the last 12 months*.  For each trip, please provide:

• your average distance/gain per day
• the maximum distance/gain you had in a single day
• the # days you were in the backcountry

Meet at the Little Giant trailhead (map) on Thursday Sept 18th at 8am to drop off a car.

We'll consolidate into the remaining cars and then continue to Phelps Creek trailhead (map).

Goal is to start trekking from Phelps Creek trailhead by 9:15am at the latest.

Drivers must have a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.