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Twisp, McAlester & South Passes


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Twisp, McAlester & South Passes

A strenuous 26 mile loop with 5,500 elevation gain over three mountain passes, beginning with South Pass, and continuing along the high divide between the Twisp and the Stehekin Rivers. See glacier-carved valleys, lofty ridges, jagged peaks, majestic old-growth and wildflowers. Camp in high alpine meadows.

on the trail

Suggested itinerary for a three day exploration:

Day 1 - Hike up the South View Trail and ascend to South Pass. Continue to and camp near McAlester Pass. Ten miles, 2,800 feet of elevation gain. The two camps near the McAlester Pass are High Camp and Hidden Meadows.

Day 2 - From McAlester Pass, hike to and camp near Daggar Lake. Eight miles and 1,800 feet of elevation gain.

Day 3 - Hike to Twisp Pass then back to starting trailhead to complete the loop. Eight miles with minimal elevation gain.

notes

  • Stop at Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount for free required permit. 
  • Bear canisters, though not required in this part of North Cascades National Park, are a good idea.
  • "Water shoes" are recommended for the multiple stream crossings. 

information for leaders

Courses, paid clinics, staff-led programs, and course field trips require a Commercial Use Authorization. The Park typically accepts applications for 2-year CUAs  through mid-March each year, and CUA's are activity-specific. Please contact info@mountaineers.org if you would like to apply for a CUA for a field trip or paid clinic for an activity we do not already have a CUA for. Please follow all Mountaineers group guidelines when leading trips or courses in North Cascades National Park. 

Notes:

  • Leaders are responsible for securing backcountry permits or other required permits even if  we have a CUA.
  • Leaders must have all relevant CUAs with them in paper or electronic copy to show Parks Staff as requested. 
  • All Hiking course field trips or paid clinics must have a First aid and CPR certified leader. Current (non-expired) certificates must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip
  • All mountaineering field trips or paid clinics must have a WFR-certified leader and a leader with documented climbing certifications (an AMGA certification OR Mountaineers climb leader with a recent resume of training and experience). Both qualifications must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip

View list of current North Cascades CUAs

  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking
  • Seasons: July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Length: 26.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 5,500 ft
  • 6,300 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Stehekin No. 82
  • Trails Illustrated North Cascades National Park
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • South Pass-Twisp Pass
  • South Pass-Twisp Pass Loop
  • South Pass & McAlester Lake
  • South Pass & McAlester High Camp
  • South Pass & Hidden Meadows
Resources

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