This sub-range of the North Cascades is considered the most rugged terrain in the lower 48. A traverse through the Picket Range is a true adventure.
This sub-range of the North Cascades is considered the most rugged terrain in the lower 48. Local mountaineers talk about the Pickets Range, but very few ever really go there. It is truly one of the last remaining alpine mountain wildlands in our country. Be prepared for strenuous days in exposed terrain. The traverse consists mostly of light mountaineering, but the participants should be in excellent physical shape. We guide this wild traverse in a north to south direction from Hannegan Pass to Newhalem.
It cannot be overemphasized that excellent physical fitness is a must for this North Cascadian Adventure. The days will be long and strenuous, but it will all be worth it.
Overall Difficulty: very difficult
Skills required: prior mountaineering experience required; one should have glacier travel experience, solid cramponing and rock climbing skills up to 5.6 YDS. Continuous movement in exposed terrain should not be a problem. Elementary rope handling skills such as tying in, rappelling and belaying are required.
Fitness level: excellent physical fitness; you should be able to hike or climb for more than six hours with a pack varying from 20 to 40 pounds and ascend 4,000 to 5,000 feet of vertical gain per day for up to a week.
Day 1: We will meet at the Ranger Station in Glacier, WA and conduct a final gear check before proceeding to the Hannegan Pass trailhead. The goal of the first day is to make it over Hannegan Pass and on to Easy Ridge.
Day 2: We will proceed on to Mount Challenger via Perfect Pass and camp near the southeastern edge of the Challenger Glacier.
Day 3: We should be in perfect position to descend down to Luna Cirque and climb up to Luna Lake.
Day 4: The summit of Luna Peak should be in good striking distance. We will camp at the Luna – Fury col.
Day 5: Another big day; From the Luna–Fury Col we will have to drop down into the McMillan Cirque and then climb back out of it to the Stetattle Ridge.
Day 6: We will be travelling on the Stetattle Ridge all the way until we hit the Sourdough Lake trail.
It cannot be overemphasized that excellent physical fitness is a must for this North Cascadian Adventure. The days will be long and strenuous, but it will all be worth it.
Some prior mountaineering experience and excellent physical condition is a must for this week.
No, you are responsible for your own food. We are glad to help with good suggestions, though.
Try to fit your gear into a 50 liter pack. We will be moving with all of our gear every day, so a light pack is essential.
Although tipping is not a requirement, it is considered standard practice in the guiding industry and is appreciated by our guides. We generally recommend roughly 10%-15% of your course or trip cost or a flat amount that you are comfortable with.
