Trekking in the North Cascades

The North Cascades hold hundreds of glaciers and some of the wildest mountain terrain outside Alaska, with steep valleys of old-growth forest below. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm offer high country in a day, while the Ptarmigan Traverse is a legendary off-trail glacier route.

Big elevation gains through forest to open ridges, with snow on the passes until July. The Ptarmigan Traverse needs glacier travel and navigation skills; the trails elsewhere are rough but clear.

Get a backcountry permit for overnight trips in the national park. Walk Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm first, do the Copper Ridge loop over several days, and plan the Ptarmigan Traverse only with a rope team and glacier experience.