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Basic Backpacking Field Trip

Field trip: Basic Backpacking

Basic Backpacking Field Trip - East Bank Trail

Overnight field trip for the Seattle Basic Backpacking Course. This is the last scheduled activity for the course.

Contacts

Gail Buquicchio
Gail Buquicchio
Primary Leader
Placeholder Contact Profile
Maria Mueller
Instructor
  • Easy/Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 13.4 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 mph

We will meet at 8am at the Ash Way Park & Ride, 16327 Ash Way, Lynnwood, WA 98087.  From there, if you are interested in carpooling you can divide up.  

We will be hiking at a pace of about 1.5-mph (conversational pace) with stops, to adjust layers, have a snack, bio-breaks, re-tighten/loosen shoelaces, i.e. on an as-needed basis. We may make some quick stops at scenic points to snap some pictures. The goal is to get to the campsite at a reasonable and relaxed pace. We will stay together as a group and always be in view of each other while hiking.

When we get to the campsite we will proceed to set up camp.  

On Sunday, we will start packing camp up after breakfast, with a goal of getting back to our cars by 1-2pm.  

Note that mileage and elevation gain posted is to Roland Creek Campground not the whole East Bank Trail.  

Since this is an early season backpacking trip, it will likely get cold at night BUT there should be very few bugs (hurray!) and hopefully not as busy as usual. There's a nearby stream very close to the campsite where we will be gathering water. There's no privy of any kind at the campsite.

Sickness of leader(s) or inclement weather will cancel the trip, that is, constant precipitation that leads to 1 inch of rain per day, sustained high winds or wind gusts that make it dangerous having a tent close to trees. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for this area.

About Basic Backpacking Field Trips

The Basic Backpacking Field Trip  is the final scheduled activity of the Basic Backpacking Course.   For most students it will be their first overnight trip in the backcountry.  Basic Backpacking Field trips are usually single-night trips along Easy or Moderate routes that do not present any unusual technical challenges.

Route/Place

East Bank Trail


  • Green Trails Jack Mountain No. 17
    Green Trails Ross Lake No. 16
    Green Trails Diablo Dam No. 48
    Green Trails Mt Logan No. 49
    Trails Illustrated North Cascades National Park
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

See course lectures and handouts.

Trip Reports