Pasayten Wilderness Loop (5 Days)

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/c/d/e/event_249315582.jpeg Let's go explore the Pasayten Wilderness. It's going to be a 45 mile adventure!

The Pasayten is located just east of North Cascades National Park. The trailhead for this trip is Slate Peak, about 4 & 1/2 hour drive from Seattle. Much of this trip will be spent above the tree-line--be prepared for rocky trails which are labeled "steep and dangerous" and "difficult for stock" and "trails not normally maintained".

Approximate itinerary (check out Green Trails #18): Friday hike 6.6 miles, camp at Silver Creek. Saturday hike 10.5 miles, camp at Pasayten River. Sunday hike 10.7 miles, camp at Freds Lake. Monday hike 10 miles, camp at Ferguson Lake. Tuesday hike 6.3 miles back to the car.

Since this is going to be a long difficult hike, it's not a good one for novices. You should have done at least a few 2 & 3 day trips. You should be in excellent physical condition. Since I haven't done this route before, I don't exactly know what it's like. Please DO NOT RSVP FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE. When you RSVP, you need at answer a few questions. I've been told the questions don't pop up on some/most phones.

What to bring: tent, sleeping bag, warm clothes, rain gear, food for 5 days, stove, water filter, positive attitude, thirst for adventure. Optional: bear canister, hiking poles, gators (could be a little snow in the highest areas), bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, book or ipod. If you'd like to share stove/filter/tent with someone else, please post below to arrange sharing before the trip.

COST: be prepared to pay an equal share for gas ($25-35). Each car will need a NW Forest Pass (most people in this group have one). On Friday around noon we'll stop for sandwiches at the Mazama General store, and on Tuesday we'll stop for a big restaurant dinner on the way back.