McAlester & Park Creek Passes
Hike over spectacular high passes and deep basins in the North Cascades, with breathtaking views of peaks and glaciers. This is a very strenuous 55 mile 6-day trip of 55 miles and more than 13,500 feet of total of ascent and 16,800 feet of total descent.
getting there
Drive SR-20 to Colonial Creek Campground (1,220 ft). Continue 29 miles east on SR-20 to the Bridge Creek Trailhead (4,890 ft) just east of Rainy Pass.
on the trail
itinerary for six-day trip
55 miles one-way (excluding side trips) with 13,500 feet o ascent and 16,800 feet of descent
Day 1: Drive to trailheads and set up car shuttle. Hike to McAlester Lake camp (~7 miles, 2,200 feet of ascent, 1,200 feet of descent).
Day 2: Hike over McAlester Pass through Rainbow Canyon to Rainbow Creek, ascend and camp at Rainbow Lake (~9 miles, 2,700 feet of ascent, 2,600 feet of descent).
Day 3: After climbing over an unnamed pass descend to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and follow it to North Fork Camp (~10 miles, 1,300 feet of ascent, 4,400 feet of descent). Consider a side trip up the North Fork Bridge Creek.
Day 4: Follow the PCT south, including a short gravel road section, begin the ascent to Park Creek Pass, and camp at Buckner Camp (~9 miles, 2,600 feet of ascent, 1,300 feet of descent).
Day 5: Continue north though improving views and meadows over Park Creek Pass (described by Lorain as “a joyful climb through these lovely alpine gardens”) and descend to Junction Camp (~11 miles, 3,500 feet of ascent, 4,400 feet of descent).
Day 6: Hike down Thunder Creek Trail through old growth forest to Colonial Creek Campground (~9 miles, 1,100 feet of ascent, 3,000 feet of descent). Retrieve cars and drive home.
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking
- Seasons: July, August, September
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Length: 55.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 13,500 ft
- 6,200 ft
- Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 4
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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