Pristine forest and icy lakes come together with easy grace in North Cascades National Park, a relatively remote region particularly popular with backcountry campers and long-distance hikers.
This trail is the main east-west trail crossing the Pasayten Wilderness and tying together the other major access trails. The route varies from timbered valleys to long sidehills and high ridge routes. Much of the eastern position of the trail is above timberline.
Trail connections along this trail make many loop trips possible. The Horseshoe Basin, Remmel- Cathedral, and Sheep Mountain areas are all popular with stock users because of the plentiful graze. Graze is limited west of the Bunker Hill area.
Lakeshores are very sensitive areas. Locate your camp well away from them. Stock users should tie up well before reaching a lake and walk the rest of the way. Re-vegetation efforts are under way at Upper Cathedral and Quartz lakes. These sites are posted; please allow them to rest and recover.
Wilderness use restrictions apply.
Northwest Forest Pass required.
Details
Length:
73.1 miles
Difficulty:
Difficult
Season:
July to September
Useful Map(s):
USGS: Baueman Ridge, Remmel Mtn., Ashnola Mtn., Ashnola Pass, Tatoosh Buttes, Frosty Creek, Castle Peak.; Green Trails: Horseshoe Basin, Billy Goat Mtn., Pasayten Peak, Jack Mtn., Coleman Peak
Puget SoundThe Kitsap Peninsula is for those who are drawn to the sea. Located in the heart of Puget Sound, the Peninsula is surrounded by over 300 miles of shoreline and is situated between the dramatic mountain Olympic and Cascade mountains ranges of Washington. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Grays Harbor Western
Grays Harbor
WesternSpend time for part of the day relaxing near the inspiring Pacific Ocean, then, if the mood strikes you, you could find yourself in a lush rain forest one hour later. Although water is a big part of Grays Harbor, there are still beautiful land-based places to visit and enjoy. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory Northern Oregon
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory
Northern OregonFrom majestic Mount Hood to the green and sprawling Willamette Valley, Oregon's Mount Hood Territory is a place to be explored. Enjoy conquering historic hiking trails or take on Mount Hood on skis for an experience not soon to be forgotten. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Olympic Peninsula Northwestern Washington
Olympic Peninsula
Northwestern WashingtonIf over 60 miles of pristine wilderness coastline sounds appealing to you, the Olympic Peninsula is the place to be. Several untouched beaches provide scenery which makes a perfect setting for a romantic stroll or a reflective solitary walk along the shore. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Bellingham Whatcom County Canadian Border
Bellingham Whatcom County
Canadian BorderWe offer a break from the ordinary. With magnificent natural scenery, skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Baker, hiking, arts and theatre, charming villages and water adventures like whale watching – Bellingham Whatcom County is a unique area of Washington state. Visit our website to plan your trip. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Puget SoundThe Kitsap Peninsula is for those who are drawn to the sea. Located in the heart of Puget Sound, the Peninsula is surrounded by over 300 miles of shoreline and is situated between the dramatic mountain Olympic and Cascade mountains ranges of Washington. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Grays Harbor Western
Grays Harbor
WesternSpend time for part of the day relaxing near the inspiring Pacific Ocean, then, if the mood strikes you, you could find yourself in a lush rain forest one hour later. Although water is a big part of Grays Harbor, there are still beautiful land-based places to visit and enjoy. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory Northern Oregon
Oregon's Mt Hood Territory
Northern OregonFrom majestic Mount Hood to the green and sprawling Willamette Valley, Oregon's Mount Hood Territory is a place to be explored. Enjoy conquering historic hiking trails or take on Mount Hood on skis for an experience not soon to be forgotten. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Olympic Peninsula Northwestern Washington
Olympic Peninsula
Northwestern WashingtonIf over 60 miles of pristine wilderness coastline sounds appealing to you, the Olympic Peninsula is the place to be. Several untouched beaches provide scenery which makes a perfect setting for a romantic stroll or a reflective solitary walk along the shore. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Bellingham Whatcom County Canadian Border
Bellingham Whatcom County
Canadian BorderWe offer a break from the ordinary. With magnificent natural scenery, skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Baker, hiking, arts and theatre, charming villages and water adventures like whale watching – Bellingham Whatcom County is a unique area of Washington state. Visit our website to plan your trip. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Switch to Mobile Browser Mode
We offer a compact version of Go-Washington for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Washington on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.
