Know Before You Go:

• A personal favorite backpacking route in the North Cascades.

• Obtaining camping permits for this route is extremely competitive. You can reserve them at recreation.gov or try for walk up permits if your itinerary is flexible.

• The trailhead is located outside the NP boundary, hence the parking fee.

• This trail combines with the Chilliwack River Trail to form a much longer loop, you can choose to do as much as you'd like. Silesia Camp is about 9 mi in along the route and has the best views.

• All the campsites have bear boxes and compost toilets. Water sources are scarce once you reach the ridge, so plan accordingly.

• Hannegan Pass makes an excellent turning around point if you're looking for a shorter day hike option here.

• Bring lots of bug spray although it won't do much to deter the black flies that are common in the area.

• Wildflower displays are prolific along the way and once you hit the ridge you’ll get 360 mountain views - you'll even spot Mt. Baker and peaks over the Canadian border!

• The final few miles of the road to the trailhead are rough, sedans may have difficulty navigating the many potholes.