Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Spider Meadows

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. We will hike into Spider Meadow and setup a base camp for two nights. On the second day we will explore the meadow and offer some optional hikes deeper into Phelps Basin or up to Spider Glacier for the more adventurous.

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 12.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft

Meet at Phelp's Creek Trailhead, allowing plenty of time to be ready to hike at 11am. 

  • Day 1: Phelp’s Creek TR to Spider Meadow, Basecamp 
    • 6.23 Miles, Elevation: +1662′ -362′
  • Day 2: Day Hike up to Spider Glacier (Optional)
    • 3.71 Miles, Elevation: +2004′ -2005
    • **** Update **** I hiked into Spider Meadow on 7/16 and the trail up to Spider Glacier still has some snow cover. We can explore up the trail a bit, gaining some good views back toward the meadow, but we will NOT proceed past any snow (the trail and steep and narrow). 
  • Day 3: Spider Meado to Phelp’s Creek TH 
    • 6.04 Miles, Elevation: +303′ -1596′

CalTopo Map

Route/Place

Spider Meadows, Spider Gap, Lyman Lakes & Buck Creek Pass



  • Green Trails North Cascades Lake Chelan No. 114SX

    Green Trails Holden No. 113

    Trails Illustrated Glacier Peak Wilderness
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

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

Hiking poles are highly recommended if you opt for the Day 2 hike up to Spider Glacier. We will not be hiking the snow field up to Spider Gap.

There are several water crossings. You will get your feet wet and there are too many crossings to swap shoes each time. Probably best to plan to get feet wet, so bring camp shoes and extra socks!

Trip Reports