Glacier Peak Shangri-La

Glacier Peak Wilderness, Washington

55 Miles

4-6 Days

Introduction:

In the 1960’s a summer ranger named John Warth layed eyes into a deep isolated valley in the North Cascades, what he saw was a wilderness utopia. From the hanging Glaciers from Mt Clark down to the meandering white waters and lush meadows of the valley basin. It was a sight to behold, a place so hidden from modern man he referred to it as the “Shangri La of the Cascade Range”. I could not resist…I had to see this place... in classic John Muir tradition I told my wife that the mountains were calling and I must go. But what I soon learned was that to gain entry to Shangri La would require a bit of work. And soon I found my self at the begining of the trek cursing, step after grueling step up the 4200 ft of elevation gain in under 5 miles towards the top of Little Giant Pass. The relentless accent clearly was a test of my worthiness to enter such grounds, but an few hours later, there I was, taking those last few uphill steps, I look up, the views of the valley and untamed wilderness unfold before me and I simply think, ,“I found it.”

This trek hits many of the highlights of the 30 by 20 mile wide Glacier Peak Wilderness, which can be characterized as deep forested valleys surrounded by dramitic glacier crowned peaks. Along this fine route There are 6 passes to cross, including Little Giant Pass (which is not little by any means), High Pass, Buck Pass, Suiattle Pass, Cloudy Pass and Spider Gap.

Highlights

Concerns

Unmatched Views from the top of Little Giant Pass

Navigating up the Alaska like Napeequa Valley

Camping in the Alpine terrain of High Pass

Endless Flowered Meadows along the way

Image lakes postcard view across valley to Glacier Peak

Dramatic Lyman Lake basin and glacier

Navigating overgrown / nonexcistant trail in areas of the Napeequa

Napeequa is notorious for flys

Finding the “path” up to the North Fork of Napeequa

Snow crossings at High Pass / Spider Gap

Storms can be long lasting / very cold even in summer months

Thinking about hiking this route and seeking information? Or arm-chair traveling? Or just Curious?

Purchase Glacier Peak Shangri-La Guide

For $5 you get a pdf guide containing:

1) Detailed description of route

2) Locations of Recommended Campsites / Areas of interest to Photographers

3) Authors personal experience / Tips

4) GPS coordinantes for key locations along route (especially important for off-trail portions)

5) Pictures of crucial route finding sections / accompanied by explanations or GPS coordinates

6) Will personally answer any questions via email


	Video / Photographs (Available in 720p HD)

	Fly-Over of Route (Available in 720p HD)


	Photographs

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