North Cascades National Park
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 -
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 --
$1900
★★★★
Description
Tucked away in the rugged wilderness of northern Washington, North Cascades National Park remains one of the least visited yet most spectacular national parks in the continental U.S. This vast and remote landscape encompasses over 2 million acres of federally protected wilderness, including ancient rainforests, glaciated peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine rivers. It offers an unparalleled escape for hikers seeking solitude, challenge, and unspoiled natural beauty.
Our route follows a loop trail that includes a scenic stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail, which we’ll traverse twice—once at the start and again at the end. Along the way, we’ll pass through McAlester Pass, skirt the edges of Rainbow Meadows, and take in sweeping vistas of the jagged peaks that define this region. We'll hike primarily on established park trails, which wind through diverse terrain that ranges from mossy forest floors to exposed alpine ridgelines.
The North Cascades are rich in wildlife, offering a chance to observe marmots, Pikas, black-tailed deer, Douglas squirrels, and the unmistakable banana slug. If we’re fortunate, we may also catch sight of rarer species such as gray wolves, wolverines, grizzly bears, bald eagles, osprey, or Harlequin ducks. Towering over the landscape is Mount Baker, the 10,778-foot glacier-capped volcano that keeps quiet watch over this rugged, untamed land.
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See Topo map
Weather
Weather is always a critical factor when backpacking, especially in a remote and mountainous region like the North Cascades. In July, you can typically expect daytime hiking temperatures in the 60s to 70s°F and nighttime temperatures in the 40s to 50s°F, offering generally comfortable conditions for hiking and sleeping.
That said, mountain weather is highly unpredictable. Be prepared for a wide range of conditions, including the possibility of intense daytime heat reaching into the 80s or even low 90s, or overnight lows near freezing, particularly at higher elevations. Sudden storms, wind, rain, or temperature swings are always a possibility in this environment.
Come equipped with layered clothing, rain protection, and cold-weather sleep gear, even if the forecast looks favorable. Being prepared for weather extremes will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in this wild and beautiful corner of Washington State.
Probable Trip Leaders
Beau Devlin
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Gabe Beauchamp
Cost
$1900
per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. Single room accommodations are available for purchase. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Seattle / Sea-Tac (SEA) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides. You may also be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.
Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, storage fees, 6 days of trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the National Park, park permits, park entrance fees and awesome guides.
Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to)
other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve.
Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make
up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important
part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the
trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally
account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the
greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted
to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing
exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well,
please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles
of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small
holes they've dug.
Important Note about this trip
Although many of the trails in North Cascades National Park are well-maintained with solid footing, this is still a strenuous and remote wilderness expedition. The route includes significant elevation gain and loss, and some days will involve sustained climbs or descents. This is a physically demanding trek that requires strong fitness, sure-footedness, and mental endurance.
Due to the park’s remoteness, we may be several days from evacuation or rescue in the event of an emergency. While this adds an element of seriousness to the trip, it also underscores the exceptional solitude and deep wilderness experience that make this area so unique. You’ll be traveling through enchanted backcountry landscapes that few people ever get to see, with minimal human presence and maximum immersion in nature.
Our route may be modified at any time due to weather, trail conditions, or unforeseen circumstances to ensure safety and the best experience possible.
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