Ross Lake Desolation Peak

Shuttle to the trailhead: 3 hours Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet This multi-day North Cascades National Park hiking trip begins with a pick up at your hotel in Seattle, and then a scenic drive into the North Cascades. When we arrive at the trailhead, we’ll get our packs and gear sorted out and hike along Ruby Arm. Small inlets, glacier-fed streams, and moss-covered old growth trees will accompany us. We’ll turn away from Ross Lake for a few miles, climb moderately to cross Hidden Hand Pass, and then find our our camp for the night at May Creek, where your guide will prepare the first of many delicious backcountry dinners.

Hiking Mileage: 8.5 miles Elevation Gain/Loss: Minimal Day two takes us along the edge of Ross Lake for many miles—dramatic views of deep blue water and peaks across the lake will accompany us as we traverse north to Lightning Creek. The elevation change on Day 2 is minimal, as we’re hugging the lake all day long, but the views are spectacular, and we’ll watch for fish jumping and eagles flying over the lake.

Hiking Mileage: 13.6 miles Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,400 feet We will spend two nights at Lightning Creek and attempt too summit Desolation Peak as a day hike. It’s a big hike, but we’ll leave our heavy gear behind and take only daypacks. After a pleasant 2 mile jaunt along the bank of the lake, we’ll start climbing quickly, and won’t stop till we reach the top of Desolation Peak at 6,102 feet. It’s a challenging hike, but the 360 degree views are stunning, and the historic fire lookout at the top—where Jack Kerouac spent 63 days in 1956—is a welcome respite. After a nice break we’ll head back to camp for a well-earned dinner and a good night’s sleep.