Forum Index > Trail Talk > what is the best loop backpacking trip in WA
Previous :: Next Topic  
Author Message
thomasbaker
Member
Member


Joined: 21 Jul 2008
Posts: 1 | TRs

thomasbaker
  Top

Member
PostMon Jul 21, 2008 4:28 pm 
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Hello,

I am new to the area. I have done some backpacking in the alpine lake wilderness area, however I was wondering where there are some good backpacking hikes in the North Cascades. I am interested in loop backpacking around 30 miles. (I have three days and 2 nights.) I would also like to have great views....(in other words I don't want to waste my time)....

I prefer higher elevation/alpine/subalpine compared to
valleys/forests.

does anyone have an opinion to the absolute best backpacking trips in the north cascades?

Thanks
Back to top
View user's profile Search for posts by this user Send private message Reply to topic Reply with quote
Davidą
Token Canadian



Joined: 25 Jul 2002
Posts: 3043 | TRs
Location: The Great White North
Davidą
  Top

Token Canadian
PostMon Jul 21, 2008 4:40 pm 
Reply to topic Reply with quote
EDIT: (posted before I looked up the stats)

First blush: Whatcom Pass/Copper Ridge Loop

No good it's 45 miles but Joe has a great trip report here plus he did a bit of off trail exploring too

--------------
Warning! Posts may contain traces of sarcasm.

Hiking Website: http://members.shaw.ca/karenanddavid/Index.htm
Back to top
View user's profile Search for posts by this user Send private message Send e-mail Reply to topic Reply with quote
El Matador
Member
Member


Joined: 25 Jun 2008
Posts: 198 | TRs
Location: Portland, OR
El Matador
  Top

Member
PostMon Jul 21, 2008 4:47 pm 
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Agree that Whatcom Pass/ Copper Ridge is a great hike, would be more enjoyable over 5 days or so.  We spent 6 including Tapto Lakes, total milage was 50 miles including some wandering. See  our report.

http://www.summitpost.org/trip-report/335866/Copper-Ridge-Whatcom-Pass-Backpacking-Loop.html
Back to top
View user's profile Search for posts by this user Send private message Send e-mail Reply to topic Reply with quote
Backpacker Joe
NWH Joe-Bob



Joined: 16 Dec 2001
Posts: 23622 | TRs
Location: Cle Elum
Backpacker Joe
  Top

NWH Joe-Bob
PostMon Jul 21, 2008 4:49 pm 
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Welcome to the site TB.  I'm sure you'll get many opinions to/for your question.  I'm not certain I have an answer to your loop question.  Im sure you could find some nice loops within the Pasayten area.

--------------
"If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide."

— Abraham Lincoln
Back to top
View user's profile Search for posts by this user Send private message Send e-mail Reply to topic Reply with quote
Scrooge
Famous Grouse



Joined: 16 Dec 2001
Posts: 6958 | TRs
Location: wishful thinking
Scrooge
  Top

Famous Grouse
PostMon Jul 21, 2008 7:06 pm 
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Lyman Lakes ...... Buck-Spider loop ........ You wanted alpine scenery? This is better.

LymanLk & BonanzaPk
LymanLk & BonanzaPk
LymanLk f Cloudy Pass
LymanLk f Cloudy Pass

Here's JimK's report. He says they did 45 miles in 4 days, but I'm pretty sure a fair chunk of that mileage was side trips. It's one you'll at least want to consider.

Buck - Spider Loop
7/29 - 8/1/05


If you run a search on "Lyman Lakes" on this site, you'll find a bunch of reports and a huge number of incredible photos.

ps - Take an extra day, if you have to.       agree.gif

--------------
Something lost behind the ranges. Lost and waiting for you....... Go and find it. Go!
Back to top
View user's profile Search for posts by this user Send private message Send e-mail Reply to topic Reply with quote
Malachai Constant
Member
Member


Joined: 13 Jan 2002
Posts: 14921 | TRs
Location: Back Again Like A Bad Penny
Malachai Constant
  Top

Member
PostMon Jul 21, 2008 7:51 pm 
Reply to topic Reply with quote
I have always been partial to the loops near Glacier like Trinity loop. Lost Creek Ridge, Pilot Ridge or North Fork Sauk, loops.

--------------
"You do not laugh when you look at the mountains, or when you look at the sea." Lafcadio Hearn
Back to top
View user's profile Search for posts by this user Send private message Reply to topic Reply with quote
lanzscape
Member
Member


Joined: 28 Mar 2007
Posts: 74 | TRs
Location: youngstown, ohio
lanzscape
  Top

Member
PostTue Jul 22, 2008 8:40 am 
Reply to topic Reply with quote
It's only about 20 mi, but for a nice 2nt/3day loop hike, I'd recommend ONP's High Divide trail.
Back to top
View user's profile Search for posts by this user Send private message Reply to topic Reply with quote
RichP
here and there



Joined: 13 Jul 2006
Posts: 5012 | TRs

RichP
  Top

here and there
PostWed Jul 23, 2008 4:56 pm 
Reply to topic Reply with quote
The so called "Golden Lakes Loop" in the Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness is a fine trip.
Back to top
View user's profile Search for posts by this user Send private message Send e-mail Reply to topic Reply with quote
   All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Forum Index > Trail Talk > what is the best loop backpacking trip in WA
  Happy Birthday Brian Curtis, Cascade Hiker Podcast!
Jump to:   
Search this topic:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum
   Use Disclaimer Powered by phpBB Privacy Policy