Guided Backpacking Trips

Experience the backcountry of North Cascades National Park

About our guided backpacking trips

As an expansion of Olympic Hiking Co., we are excited to launch small group backpacking trips within North Cascades National Park through our growing Hike Cascades operation. As a commercially authorized tour company within the National Park Service, we are excited to hold special commercial permits for three of the top-rated backpacking routes within the North Cascades!

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.

Trip Cost

Includes all backcountry gear, meals, permits, and commercially authorized guide.

  • 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.

2025 Backpacking Trips

3-Step Reservation Process

  1. Select your trip: From our 2025 trip calendar, select the backpacking trip that works best for your schedule, backpacking goals, and activity level (i.e. 1 - easy, 5 - very strenuous). Email our Operations Team if you have any questions!

  2. Pay deposit: Select the departure date of the trip you want to join and submit 1-day deposit to secure your reservation.

  3. 60-day confirmation: 60 days prior to our trip departure date, our Operations Team will email an invoice link for the remaining balance due.

  • 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: 28.05 miles (plus optional day hiking of 6 miles)

    • Elevation gain/loss: +4,566’ / -5,453’

    • Activity Rating (1-5): 3 - Challenging due to 28+ miles of backpacking and a good amount of elevation gain and loss.

    Trip Summary:

    Start your trek with a gradual descent along the world renowned Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which will lead us into the interior of the park and dense forests. Enjoy vistas of mountains, lakes, rivers, and streams on Day 1 and Day 2. On Day 3, we will make the rewarding, but challenging ascent up to Cascade Pass with an optional day-hike to the Sahale Glacier after setting up camp. Our exit day will showcase the best views of Cascade Pass, which are some of the best sweeping views in the Pacific Northwest.

  • 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!

  • Trip Details:

    • PRIVATE TRIP ONLY: Please call us at (360) 755-8290 or email us at go@hikecascades.com for a custom quote for your group.

    • Trip Duration: 5 days, 4 nights in North Cascades National Park

    • Mileage: 36.9 miles

    • Elevation gain/loss: +6,841 feet /-5,902 feet

    • Activity Rating (1-5): 4 - Strenuous due to 37+ miles of backpacking, 5 days of trekking, and consistent elevation gain and loss.

    Trip Summary:

    Trek across the heart of the North Cascades on this historic through-hike adventure. The trail begins at the end of Cascade River Road surrounded by high peaks and waterfalls. The elevation gain begins immediately via the steady grade of the well used switchback trail. But the rough start is well worth the stunning vistas atop the culturally historic Cascade Pass. After cresting the Pass you will have your first side-quest option to Sahale Glacier. Beyond the pass you will descend the eastern side into the valley following the origin of the Stehekin River. Continuing downhill to the bottom of the valley, you will walk along the river surrounded by peaks and huckleberries in the Stephen Mather Wilderness. After our second night of camp, enjoy a reprieve from heavy backpacks and enjoy a day-hiking adventure into the remote village of Stehekin at the north end of Lake Chelan. The backpacking trek will continue along the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking along Bridge Creek. Savor the forest and the wilderness before reentering civilization at Highway 20.