Guided Backpacking Trips
Experience the backcountry of North Cascades National Park
Summary
Whether you’re an avid day hiker looking to do your first backpacking trip, or an experienced backpacker looking to see the best routes without the hassle of lottery or walk-up permits, our guided backpacking trips are a turnkey experience. With our own gear inventory of backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and more, we are able to provide a fully-outfitted backpacking trip with high-quality gear.
About us
As an expansion of Olympic Hiking Co., we are excited to offer guided backpacking trips within North Cascades National Park through our growing Hike Cascades operation. As a commercially authorized tour company within the National Park Service for 10+ years, we enjoy leveraging years of experience to operate memorable trips for friends, families, organizations, and other small groups.
Trip Cost
Includes all backcountry gear, meals, permits, and commercially authorized guide.
3 Day, 2 Night Trip: $500 per hiker per day
4 Day, 3 Night Trip: $450 per hiker per day
5 Day, 4 Night Trip: $400 per hiker per day
Plus: 3% online booking fee
Group Size
We can accommodate any group size up to 10 hikers, however, we have a 4-hiker minimum price to operate.
Departure Point
Hampton Inn & Suites in Burlington, WA. Discounted rates available for participants after booking.
Follow our 4-Step Reservation Process
Submit Request: Select departure date, group size, trip duration, and if you have a trail or destination in mind.
Trip Planning: Our Operations Team will contact you to review your itinerary request.
Pay Deposit: To finalize the reservation, hikers will submit a one-day deposit to lock-in dates.
Book permits: After we receive the deposit, our team will book the required permits to finalize the route.
Most Requested Itineraries:
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Trip Details:
Price: $500 per hiker per day or $1,500 total per person
Trip Duration: 3 days, 2 nights in North Cascades National Park
Mileage: 16.16 miles
Required: 8.82 miles (out/back) to camp at Pelton Basin
Optional: 7.34 miles (out/back) day-hike to Sahale Glacier
Elevation gain/loss:
Required: +1813' gain, -646' loss (one-way) to camp
Optional: +3478' gain, -3459' loss (one-way) for day hike
Activity Rating (1-5): 2 - Easy to moderate due to elevation gain up to Cascade Pass. Optional day hike to Sahale Glacier will be more challenging.
Trip Summary:
This backpacking trip to Cascade Pass and Pelton Basin is the perfect introductory trip into the backcountry and an amazing weekend adventure. After a 2-hour shuttle from Burlington, our group will enjoy a relaxed pace and ascent up to Cascade Pass for sweeping vistas for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we’ll make our short descent to our group camp at Pelton Basin for a manageable 4.41 mile Day 1. With base camp set-up, leave the heavier backcountry gear behind and enjoy a day-hike to Sahale Glacier and a subalpine swim at Doubtful Lake for up to 7.34 miles on Day 2. After two nights of backcountry living, it’s time to return to civilization. Make the 4.41 mile trek back to the trailhead and enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Marblemount before returning back to Burlington.
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Trip Details:
Price: $450 per hiker per day or $1,800 total per person
Trip Duration: 4 days, 3 nights in North Cascades National Park
Mileage: 29.5 miles
Elevation gain/loss: +6,849 feet / -6,849 feet
Activity Rating (1-5): 4 - Strenuous due to 29+ miles of backpacking and consistent of elevation gain and loss.
Trip Summary:
This loop samples a little bit of everything the flora and fauna offer in the North Cascades. Starting from Bridge Creek Trail (Hwy 20), you will hike through large trees until you climb to the shores of McAlester Lake. Continue through the subalpine meadow and forest of mountain hemlock and larches before descending down McAlester Pass to the Rainbow Creek Trail. After traversing the forest floor you will climb back up to Rainbow Lake for another vista between Bowan and McGregor Mountains. Finally, you will go back to Bridge Creek Trail and intersect with the historic Pacific Crest Trail, retracing your steps back to your vehicle. This is one of the hardier backpacking trips we offer, so get ready to sweat!