Backpack - Twisp, McAlester & South Passes

• The trek from South Pass to Twisp Pass takes a hiker along and up and over the high divide between Twisp and Stehekin River watersheds twice.  Three mountain passes are encountered on this loop along with deep glacier carved valleys, lofty ridges, jagged peaks, majestic old growth trees, and wildflower gardens.

• • We will spend three days exploring these lightly traveled back country trails and have plenty of time to soak in the spectacular views of surrounding North Cascade mountains.  The group will meet in the afternoon on July 3^rd around 3:00 PM to travel over to the trailhead to camp night before.  We will need to stop at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount on the way to pick up required permit. 

    On the first day, we will head up the South View trail, enter Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness and ascend South Pass.  The second pass is much lower and will be easier.  We will camp near McAlister Pass and explore the meadows if there is time.  The first day will be the hardest with just under 10 miles and 2800 elevation gain. The next day we will descend to McAllister Lake in the North Cascades National Park and camp near Dagger Lake.  Distance will be 8 miles and around 1800 elevation.  On the last day, we will hike up to Twisp Pass and allow time to explore this area.  The views as we enter the Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness again will be excellent.  The last day will be around 8 miles with little elevation gain.

    The overall pace of the trip will be moderate so hikers can enjoy themselves and the scenery.  There will be plenty of time for taking pictures or looking at birds/plants, etc. Participants should have been on several previous backpacks and be comfortable with elevation gain.  Hikers need to be prepared for rain with both rain gear and extra dry clothes.  Weather is very unpredictable in the mountains.  Since the trail crosses several streams, water shoes are required.  Traction devices such as Microspikes will be required due to the probability of lingering snow.  Hiking poles will also be helpful for  uphill travel and crossing streams. Other challenges along the trail may include numerous blown down trees. Hikers need to be physically capable of climbing over/under downed trees with their backpacks, and be comfortable crossing streams and hiking on snow. 

    Bear canisters are not required for this part of North Cascades National Park.  However, if you are not bringing a bear canister, please make sure that you have an Ursack and a rope or a waterproof bag (no plastic bags) and enough rope to hang your food.

    Hikers should not be made for the return evening based upon traffic or conditions beyond our control.  The required map is Green Trails Stehekin No. 82 and can be purchased from REI.  Hikers will share in carpool costs.  The permit is free.  Please contact leader at (425) 408-2651 or simonson2@earthlink.net to sign up or if you have any questions or concerns.

  • Although open to all club members over age 18, this trip is also part of the B3 backpacking Building Blocks series and eligible for B3 course credit. In addition, this backpack will have a practical instructional/learning focus and offer experience in proper gear use and camp set-up techniques

   

Contact trip leader for meeting place and time.