Sourdough Mountain & Lake Jeanita: 2 Night Backpack Trip

Hang onto your hats. This is the steepest maintained trail in Washington State and is located in the heart of the North Cascades. It gains 5,000 feet in 4.2 miles! You must be an experienced backpacker in great shape. We are going off trail too very steep.

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Holding tradition with my hikes, there is more. I plan to break off trail near the top and bushwhack to Jeanita Lake which is about a half mile off trail. It's beautiful. I visited here in 2001. Very few folks get to see this lovely lake with meadows all around. I'm betting it is good fishing too, but have not tried. Also, I remember seeing lots of golden larch's on Sourdough Mountain which I like to see every Fall!

After spending one night at Jeanita Lake, I plan to move to another campsite at the top of Sourdough Mountain which is full of meadows and very small lakes. You can wonder and wonder looking at mountain peaks.

This time of year, be ready for most any weather conditions, including snow. If stormy weather is predicted, this hike is cancelled. You don't push the limits this time of year in the North Cascades. A foot of snow is possible with strong winds.

From the Meetup point in Lynnwood, it's about 100 miles each way. I am looking for another driver if we have more than 4 people. Northwest Trail Pass is required at the trailhead. The drive is paved all the way. For carpoolers, recommended gas money is $0.20 per mile.