[drm]

Okay, it seems pretty clear that some version of the White Pass / Pilot Ridge (or Bald Eagle) Loop is the preferred choice. I was thinking of going the coming Sat-Tues, but the weather is going downhill and I'm not driving six hours for a hike in August that barely gets out of the 40s and a decent chance of rain. Will this route be too crowded on Labor Day weekend? I might be able to get to this later in September, but that is not looking likely.

[altasnob]

Why don't you do the South/McAlester/Twisp Pass route? Much less crowded area, shorter drive, and better weather. You will be joining the Seattle masses on the other route.

[FiresideChats]

I would recommend not Twisp Pass, not that that's poor fare, but rather the McAlester and Rainbow lakes loop. Hiked it a few weeks ago - spectacular! And the bugs will be lessening now. My other all-time favorite hike? Yeah, you guessed it: The North Fork Sauk cathedral forest, the headwall climb, the stunning meadows full of curious marmots. Pilot Ridge stretching on and on. The massive Glacier looming like a surprise as you round nobs and bumps. The wobbly leg drop endlessly down to river far below. But I can't do it justice. Sigh

[drm]

I'm kind of saving Rainbow Lake for a Stehekin out-and-back trip, particularly since Bowan Pass and it's north side don't have the best rep. What was the pass and the north side like?

[Sculpin]

Do you mean over South Pass, down to the trailhead, walk the road to the Twisp Pass trailhead, and then back up? I wouldn't do that, or any loop hike on those trails because the loops all involve long drops and climbs.