Anyone have thoughts or concerns to share on this route by Glacier Peak Wilderness in Washington? I only backpack once or twice a year (almost always in US) so I do my best to pick awesome trails (scenery and sometimes a bit off trail or scramble to spice it up – but nothing technical). I plan on going sometime in August through Labor Day.
– Start by Trinity Trailhead and go up and through Spider Gap connecting Spider Meadows with Lyman Lakes / Cloudy Pass. Looks like the Spider Gap section is a off trail route and might encounter steep snowfields. I have trekking poles and could bring micro spikes if needed.
– By Cloudy Pass I would like to explore possible side trails up Lyman Ridge, Cloudy Peak, and/or Image Lake. Any of these a must do compared to the others? For example if I just have time to do one which should it be?
– Continue from Cloudy Pass to Buck Creek Pass
– I could continue from Buck Creek Pass back on easy trail to Trinity Trailhead though it looks like there is some interesting scenery and possible unmaintained route from Bucks Creek Pass over High Pass and down to Boulder Pass Trail in the Napeequa River Valley. As long as its nothing crazy I would prefer to add the extra scenery and mileage.
– Assuming I go through Napeequa River Valley it appears I go out over Little Giant Pass and need to cross an unbridged Chiwawa River shortly before the short road trek back up to Trinity Trailhead. How is the river crossing in August? I would miss my flight if I had to backtrack and/or take a risk to ford it if its dangerous conditions.
– What type of weather is it here? Does it get hot and humid on the trail in August?
– Is there a better hike I should consider in Washington that does not have permit considerations?
Thanks for any input!
