Itinerary
- Day 1
Seattle to North Cascades National Park
The adventure kicks off with a 3-hour shuttle from your Seattle hotel to the North Cascades trailhead. After getting your gear sorted, you'll hike 7.5 miles along Ruby Arm, where glacier-fed streams and old growth forests line the trail. You'll cross Hidden Hand Pass and reach camp at May Creek by evening for your first backcountry dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Backcountry dinner prepared by guide)
Included Activities
- Shuttle to trailhead from Seattle hotel
- Hiking along Ruby Arm with guide
- Cross Hidden Hand Pass
Landmarks/POIs North Cascades National Park Ross Lake Hidden Hand Pass - Day 2
North Cascades: Ross Lake to Lightning Creek
Today's an 8.5-mile trek that runs along Ross Lake's edge with pretty minimal climbing. The deep blue water and surrounding peaks stay in view as you head north toward Lightning Creek. You'll likely spot fish jumping and eagles overhead at various points throughout the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking along Ross Lake edge to Lightning Creek
Landmarks/POIs Ross Lake Lightning Creek - Day 3
North Cascades: Desolation Peak Day Hike
You'll stay at Lightning Creek for two nights, but this day is dedicated to tackling Desolation Peak as a day hike. Leaving your heavier gear behind, you're looking at 13.6 miles total with 4,400 feet of elevation gain. After a 2-mile warm-up along the lake, the real climbing starts and continues until you reach the 6,102-foot summit where a historic fire lookout stands. Jack Kerouac actually spent 63 days here in 1956. The 360-degree views from the top make the effort feel worth it.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Day hike to Desolation Peak summit (6,102 feet)
- Visit historic fire lookout at Desolation Peak
Landmarks/POIs Desolation Peak Desolation Peak Fire Lookout - Day 4
North Cascades: Lightning Creek Valley
Moving away from Lightning Creek, you'll switchback upward steeply for final looks at Ross Lake before descending into the Lightning Creek valley. This 6.4-mile hike takes you up the creek and into camp under tall cedar trees. The sheltered forest setting here feels quite different from the open vistas you've had the past few days.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking through Lightning Creek valley
- Switchback climb with Ross Lake views
Landmarks/POIs Lightning Creek - Day 5
North Cascades: Hozomeen Lake
You'll continue up Lightning Creek for 5.5 miles through old growth forest, crossing a small pass before a spur trail leads to Hozomeen Lake. The blue-green waters sit beneath the dramatic granite peak of Hozomeen Mountain. Since you're close to the Canadian border, watch for wildlife like black bears, deer, elk, wolves, and possibly grizzlies. Your last backcountry dinner and a good night's sleep set you up for the final day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking up Lightning Creek through old growth forest
- Hiking to Hozomeen Lake
Optional Activities
- Wildlife viewing (black bear, deer, elk, wolves, grizzly bears)
Landmarks/POIs Hozomeen Lake Hozomeen Mountain - Day 6
North Cascades to Seattle
The final 4-mile hike winds through forest from Hozomeen Lake, descending with new panoramic views opening up to the west and south. You'll reach a spot that's only accessible by foot or a long drive through Canada. After days of backcountry solitude, a water taxi carries you across Ross Lake back to your vehicle. Then it's the drive back to Seattle where real beds and hot showers are waiting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Final hike from Hozomeen Lake
- Water taxi across Ross Lake
- Return shuttle to Seattle hotel
Landmarks/POIs Ross Lake
