Light Backpacking in the North Cascades

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the North Cascades, WA, please refer to Washington State Department of Health and Washington State Coronavirus Response.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 7 days of backpacking
  • Lunch at Stehekin Lodge
  • Transportation to the trailhead including a float plane flight from Lake Chelan to Seattle
  • All group gear (maps, compass, first aid kit, stoves, fuel, water filtration, emergency communication device, toilet paper and trowel)

What’s not included:

• • Transportation before the beginning of the adventure and from Northwest Seaplanes to your final destination (taxi is readily available)
  • Personal clothing and equipment (backpack, tent, sleeping gear, headlamps, etc.)
  • Food
  • Medical/evacuation insurance
  • Trip cancellation insurance

In order to participate in this fast-paced adventure, you need to be in prime hiking shape and an intermediate to advanced backpacker. You’ll be moving quickly and covering lots of ground. You need to be ready to push yourself and be in shape for this trip so that you can walk long hours. You’ll be hiking 10-20 miles per day on trails over rugged terrain with elevation gain ranging from 900-2600 m. You need to be ready to leave the weight behind and bring the bare essentials—all with the help of your guide.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
  • Tent and sleeping gear
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Food (the guide will provide a suggested menu for ultralight eating)
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For the group trip, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1
  • For the private tour, the min client to guide ratio is 4:1. Private tours can be arranged for bigger groups, but it takes a minimum of 4 people for the tour to run.
  • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

Backpacking in the North Cascades can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has backpackers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to the North Cascades, most people fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, about 2.5 hours from North Cascades National Park. From there, you can rent a car or ride the light rail to get to downtown Seattle, where you’ll meet up with your guide and drive through Skagit Valley towards the Hannegan Pass trailhead.

You can also arrange your own transportation to Whatcom Falls State Park.The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.