Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Bean Creek Basin & Navaho Pass

Meet at the Stafford Creek trailhead parking area at 8:00am.  We will drop a car (s) and then  ride to the Beverly Turnpike trailhead where we will start our hike.  The hike will end at Stafford Creek trailhead by early afternoon on Sunday, then we'll go pick up the other car and be on our way home.

Directions to the Stafford Creek trailhead can be found here, as well as information about this leg of the trip: Navaho Pass — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)  Toilet available here

Directions to the Beverly Turnpike trailhead can be found here, as well as information about this leg of the trip: Bean Creek Basin — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

NWF passes are required for parking at these sites.  Vehicles with good clearance are preferred.

Note:  There are several campgrounds in this area should participants wish to drive over the night before and camp nearby.

This backpack features stunning wildflowers, mountains, creeks, and interesting geology.  There will be several creek crossings for which you will want your hiking poles and either watershoes or waterproof socks/boots.  A good bit of elevation gain and loss to hone your backpacking skills/packing expertise.  There may be muddy areas at the camp sites from recent snow melt and it is likely to be chilly at night.  No report of mosquitoes yet, but they will soon be upon us so you may want to bring mosquito protection.

Day 1:  We will start by hiking ~2.5 mi to Bean Creek Basin where we'll set up camp near a huge flower meadow.  In the afternoon we'll do an optional hike to the saddle under Bean Peak to see the views! 

Day 2:  The next day we will hike East descending to Standup Creek, then climbing up  across the open slopes with beautiful views of Rainier and the southern Cascades, to another pass with stunning views of Mount Stuart and The Enchantments.   Then we'll descend steeply past red rock formations to the junction of Stafford Creek Trail, and then head north switchbacking up to camps in a broad meadow below Navaho Pass at 5.4 mi. 

  Day 3:  We will rise early, grab a hot drink and breakfast bar and hike to Navaho Pass (.5 mi)  at 6,000 ft to see the sunrise over the Stuart Range.  Return to eat hearty breakfast, pack up camp and return  down the Stafford Creek Trail and our shuttle car(s).

Gaia route shown here:  https://www.gaiagps.com/public/PnYRQ81R9aa8v0VC6XZ7tLGD