Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Spade & Venus Lakes

This field trip will give B3 students the opportunity to try out gear and new skills on an easy overnight backpack with an experienced mentor.

  • Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 26.3 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,900 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 mph

Salmon La Sac Trailhead at 8:00

NW Forest Pass required

We will hike to Waptus Lake on the first day and setup a base camp there. On day two we will day hike to (and hopefully swim in!) the very alpine looking Spade Lake and Venus Lake. Have lunch, relax, and hike back to our base camp. Break camp and hike back on the third day.


Trail stats

Day 1: 9 mi mi 1400 ft of gain

Day 2: 8.3 mi 3500 ft of gain

Day 3: 9 mi  900 ft of gain


Map can be found here


Trip cancellation criteria

  • Leader's illness
  • Heavy precipitation leading to > 1 inch per day
  • 30+ mph winds.
  • Over 100F weather forecast. I would pass out there :)

Route/Place

Waptus & Spade Lakes and Polallie Ridge



  • Green Trails Stevens Pass No. 176

    Green Trails Kachess Lake No. 208

    Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. 208SX

    Green Trails Alpine Lakes West (Stevens Pass) No. 176S
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials, plus overnight gear as specified by the trip leader

Trip Reports