[Porkrind]

Heading to the North Cascades NP in mid-August and am interested in the 'Bacon-Blum Traverse'. From what I've researched, most enter by Watson Lakes and exit by Blum Lakes to the Baker Lake Trail. For those who have done this, a few questions: Could someone send me a map with general direction arrows. I don't necessarily want to follow the exact route, just want to avoid being way off course or cliff out. Would we need crampons, etc.? How many days would it take? Is exiting by Blum Lakes the best/only way out? (Heard it's tough) Are there any shuttles to get us back to our car? Thanks for the help.

[iron]

some areas, such as this, should only be discussed via PM. sensitive areas require sensitive internet exposure. there are many TRs on here, and i suggest PMing folks.

[Sore Feet]

Yes, you'll want crampons (and Ice Axes). Exiting Blum is the most direct way out, but it is pretty brutal (especially if your knees are not in perfect condition) - there are other viable options though (probably not any better though, certainly equally brushy). You'll have to either set shuttle for yourself or hitchhike back up to the Watson TH. Plan on at least 6 days depending on what you want to see - strong hikers could probably do it in five, but unless you're really constrained on time there's no reason to not draw it out.

[Gimpilator]

[iron]

[iron]

further, i will add this: when i first started hiking off-trail in obscure places, i thought it was the greatest thing ever. you get this sense like you're the first person that's ever been there. now, put in a boot path (see: ptarmigan traverse) and now this uber remote experience is no different than the PCT which has a decidedly different flavor to it. nice? sure. the same? no way. i think you can appreciate this, but perhaps not.

[Gimpilator]

You have some strong points. If all goes as planned I'll be up there in the snow with zero impact to vegetation. I still think we can't control who and how many visit certain areas without more road closures. Ultimately with population growth, it's going to happen. It's a personal choice whether to share beta or not. I'll have to think about it. To each their own. I really can't imagine an area this difficult to reach ever getting crowded unless a trail is built. I've been up to the top of Blum and that route is just never going to be popular. Those who are really worried about crowding in the mountains should petition to close as many access roads as possible.

[mountainsandsound]

I dig your logic, iron. You pretty much distilled my feelings into words. And I'll be the first to say I'd hate for an "attitude" to develop among off-trail hikers or mountaineers, but I've never seen it, at least never on the trail or at the trailhead. I was a surfer in my previous life and the not-infrequent attitude aspect of that hobby was a huge bummer. PMs or personal interactions are different than trip reports posted on the internet.

[Bedivere]

[Alpendave]

Perhaps NWH should charge a membership fee which proceeds go toward environmental/trail type stuff. Then make it to where you have to have a membership to read the trip reports and other threads. I know this has probably come up before and other sites do it. That This area has simply become too crowded is the main problem IMO. How to stop that? It's not my prerogative to lock the door behind me. But if I could...

[DIYSteve]

I'm with Iron on all points. Please please please never post red line maps of routes lacking treads, lest treads will develop and the place will be changed for the worse. Compared to other trailless alpine areas of NCNP, once up high there is much route flexibility in the Bacon/Hagan/Blum/Berdeen area, and that translates to great opportunities to explore. Look at the map and figure out what goes. If you lack the chops to do that, go elsewhere and develop those chops.

[gb]

[DIYSteve]

Well said, gb. The seemingly endless route possibilities up high is a big part of what makes the area so special and results in the lack of treads.

[Alpendave]

I think it could be argued that there exists an unhealthy aversion to failing to meet the trip's objective with the ensuing micromanagement of anything that would be viewed as a setback. Such an attitude doesn't develop a full appreciation for the wilderness (it's dangers and rewards) and IMO, kinda robs the adventurer of what makes it an adventure in the first place. Besides, one doesn't become a seasoned hiker/closer without a good amount of failure along the way. At least that's how I feel when I remember past miseries in the mountains. That and the fact that I've observed that few people, in later years, reminisce about the times when all went well. They tend to talk most fondly of when things went to sh--. Not that I'm hoping the OP's trip isn't successful or enjoyable. I'm just saying that one shouldn't make the mistake of thinking that failure to meet the objective makes the trip a failure or that you'll miss out on a wonderful life experience. Often it can give life substance that you can't get any other way.

[Riverside Laker]

Are trip reports for the ego? Especially places that are sensitive areas?