Ptarmigan Traverse
The classic and rugged 35+ mile, high alpine traverse from Cascade Pass to the Suiattle River.
Peaks that may be climbed along the way include Mix-up Peak, Magic Mountain, "Hurry-up" (S Mountain), Mount Formidable, Spider Mountain, Le Conte Mountain, Sentinel Peak, Old Guard, The Lizard, German Helmet, Spire Point, Gunsight Peak, Dome Peak and Sinister Peak.
Most parties do the Ptarmigan Traverse in 5-7 days but you may do it in fewer or more days depending on your party's fitness and desires. Here's a sample seven day itinerary:
Day 1 - Cascade Pass to Kool Aid Lakes
Day 2 - Kool Aid Lakes to Yang Yang Lakes
Day 3 -Yang Yang Lakes to White Rock Lakes
Day 4 -White Rock Lakes to Itswoot Ridge or Cub Lake
Day 5 - Dome Peak
Day 6 - Itswoot Ridge or Cub Lake to Downy Creek or continue to cars
Day 7 - Downy Creek to cars via Suiattle River Road
- Suitable Activities: Climbing
- Climbing Category: Intermediate Alpine
- Seasons: June, July, August, September
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Intermediate Mountaineering Climb
- Length: 35.0 mi
- 8,920 ft
-
Land Manager:
North Cascades National Park
Glacier Peak Wilderness, Entiat Ranger District (OWNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- USGS Dome Peak
- USGS Downey Mtn
- USGS Cascade Pass
- Trails Illustrated North Cascades National Park
Upcoming Activities
Intermediate Alpine Climb - Ptarmigan Traverse
Intermediate Alpine Climb - Ptarmigan Traverse
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