North Cascades Overnight Backpacking
Description: Join our professional instructors for an overnight backpack into one of the most stunning areas of North Cascades National Park. We will begin our journey up over Cascade Pass moving down through the Pelton Basin to set up camp at Basin Creek. You will be fully immersed in the rugged grandeur of the North Cascades with day hikes to the towering cliffs of Horseshoe Basin and a spectacular trek up the Sahale Arm to Sahale Glacier Camp. At just over 15 miles roundtrip with around 4,000 accumulative elevation gain and loss, this trip is guaranteed to take your breath away. Please note: this is an intermediate level backpacking trip with strenous exercise. On the trip we'll explain how to choose and use equipment (including how to load and carry your backpack) to maximize your comfort and fun. You'll also learn about campsite selection, navigation/route finding, camp cooking, water treatment and Leave No Trace etiquette. REI provides the following gear: tent, stoves, all cookware, trekking poles, water filter and food.
Skills you'll learn:
- You will learn how to pack a backpack for fit, balance and accessibility
- Learn techniques of how to properly wear and hike with a backpack for ultimate comfort on the trail
- Learn advanced techniques of pacing, rest step and backcountry navigation
- Additional camp skills such as choosing a camp site, camp cooking, water treatment, sanitation, and Leave No Trace principles will also be taught
Duration: 2.0 days
Required Legal Form:
This course requires the participant to read and sign a liability release form before participating. Please see "Required Legal Form" for the session you are registering for. You will need to print, sign and bring the form to your class.
North Cascades Overnight Backpacking Information
- Activity Level (5) Strenuous
- Skill Level (2) Intermediate
NORTH CASCADES OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING
- Class Details
- Gear List
North Cascades Overnight Backpacking Gear List
Gear to bring to class:
(Required)
- Personal Toiletries
- Rain Gear - Waterproof/resistant jacket, pants and hat.
- Sun Protection - Lip balm, sunscreen, wide-brim hats, etc.
- Warm Socks - Wool or Synthetic.
- Lip Balm/Protection
- Warm Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Hiking Boots
- Warm Jacket - Down or Synthetic.
- Plate/Bowl
- Hiking Socks - Mositure wicking socks to help keep your feet cool and dry.
- Sleeping Pad - Closed cell foam or self inflatable.
- Warm Hat
- Energy Snacks
- Pocketknife
- Headlamp/Flashlight
- Insect Repellant
- 2 Liters of Water - At least 2 Nalgene sized water bottles or a large Camelback style reservoir
- Water Bottle
- Hat/ Sun protection - An item to help protect your face and neck from sunburn.
- Mug
- Base Layers - Wool or synthetic.
- Extra Warm Synthetic Clothing
- Appropriate clothing for the weather and conditions - Moisture wicking clothing that will help keep you warm and/or dry.
- Three Season Sleeping Bag - A bag rated 15 degrees plus.
(Optional)
- Personal Backpack & Equipment - The backpack and equipment you use.
- Binoculars
- Personal Camera
- Personal GPS
- Camp Chair - A good choice is the REI Comfort LTG Chair
- Personal Compass
- Eyewear Retainer - A strap to help keep your glasses or sunglasses from falling off in the event of big splash or a capsize.
- Notebook and Pen or Pencil
Gear provided by REI:
- Utensils - A good choice is the REI Campware Utensil Set
- First Aid Kits
- 3 Season Backpacking Tent - A tent suitable for spring, summer, and fall camping.
- Water Filter
- Backpacking Stove
- Backpack - Internal frame 45-65 liter pack.
- Hiking Poles - REI will provide but you are welcome to bring your own.
- Food - Camping food.
- Topographical Maps - Local course area maps.
MSR Camping Gear
Snow Peak
National Geographic