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Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Suiattle River

This two day, one night, fifteen mile round trip moderate B3 backpack has 900 feet of elevation gain along the west Glacier Peak Wilderness's Suiattle River. Students can try out their gear and new skills with experienced mentors. Sarah and Jessica's mentor group has priority sign-up starting Sunday, March 31 at 8am. If space is still available on the trip, other interested and qualified B3 students can email the leader at hess@whidbey.com starting April 7 at 8pm to ask for permission to sign up. Registration closes April 13 at 8pm.

Contacts

Sarah Hess
Sarah Hess
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 13.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 900 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 2,500 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 mph

Meet at the Suiattle River trailhead at 10am Saturday, April 20.  Have your pack ready and boots on ready to go at 10:30am.  A NW Forest Pass is required for all parked vehicles.

This is a lovely early season hike along the glacial Suiattle River.  The river flows off the west flanks of Glacier Peak, and we'll hike in 6 1/2 evenly graded forest miles to a spacious Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) camp.  There are four creek crossings along the way, so water crossing shoes are recommended. Saturday afternoon there will be an optional hike to a suspension bridge on the PCT. This is a great trip to get your hiking legs moving and start dialing in your gear for the backpacking season.  We'll be going in beautiful or inclement weather, so be prepared for Pacific NW conditions (variable!)  More information will be provided about one week before the trip via a "Hello Hiker" email.

Route/Place

Suiattle River


  • Green Trails Mountain Loop Highway No. 111SX
    Green Trails Glacier Peak No. 112
    Trails Illustrated Glacier Peak Wilderness
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials, water crossing shoes, food, plus overnight gear as specified by the trip leader.

Trip Reports