Backpacking in the Pacific Northwest

R

R@nger

Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2022
Messages
9
Howdy folks!

I'm looking at getting out and doing some backpacking in the Pacific Northwest this year - I'm happy with anything from desert to rainforest. Does anybody have suggestions of wilderness areas within a long day's drive of Portland? The quieter and more remote, the better. Don't feel like you have to post any of your secret spots though, haha!

I'm very comfortable with high mileage days, intense off-roading, challenging conditions, etc.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
I was recently looking into the PNW myself for the first time, since I'll be there for a wedding in late August. I'm leaning towards going to the Glacier Peak Wilderness and doing a trip centered around the Napeequa Valley area (High Pass, Louis Creek High Route, Butterfly Butte, Little Giant Pass, etc). I'll probably tack that part onto the end of the popular Spider-Gap-to-Buck-Creek-Pass loop. At least that's an area that caught my eye; I'll be interested to see other suggestions on this thread. @NorthwestWanderer may have some suggestions.
 
RyanP said:
I was recently looking into the PNW myself for the first time, since I'll be there for a wedding in late August. I'm leaning towards going to the Glacier Peak Wilderness and doing a trip centered around the Napeequa Valley area (High Pass, Louis Creek High Route, Butterfly Butte, Little Giant Pass, etc). I'll probably tack that part onto the end of the popular Spider-Gap-to-Buck-Creek-Pass loop. At least that's an area that caught my eye; I'll be interested to see other suggestions on this thread. @NorthwestWanderer may have some suggestions.
Click to expand...
Nice, thanks for the input Ryan. That area looks gorgeous - reminds me of some of my favorite places growing up in Colorado.
 
R@nger said:
Howdy folks!

I'm looking at getting out and doing some backpacking in the Pacific Northwest this year - I'm happy with anything from desert to rainforest. Does anybody have suggestions of wilderness areas within a long day's drive of Portland? The quieter and more remote, the better. Don't feel like you have to post any of your secret spots though, haha!

I'm very comfortable with high mileage days, intense off-roading, challenging conditions, etc.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Summer

Glacier Peak Wilderness (what has been said previously), also a good remote spot in the wilderness is going to "Glacier Peak Meadows" use North Fork Sauk trail to gain White Pass then head north toward the massive open glacial basin south of Glacier peak. Also going to Ice Lakes is worth a trip, but may not have the solitude you desire. If you are up for a bushwhack from hell go to Slide Lake TH or Snowking TH to cyclone lake

Pasayten Wilderness - anything from Iron Gate (horshoe mountain/armstrong mountain/sheelite/cathedral/ampitheatre to remmel lake
 
Goat Rocks is relatively close to Portland. Map study and some easily researched trip reports can give an idea of where to find solitude. East side of the crest has some gems of quietness. Much open terrain for simple off trail navigation. Steer clear of the PCT around Snowgrass to avoid crowds.
In the central cascades if it is a scenic lake with a maintained trail less than 7 miles or so of an approach, it will be busy on weekends.
 
The Eagle Cap/Wallow area is fantastic. Easy to escape the crowds (the few there are) as well.
 
I've heard good things about the Umatilla NF but have not visited there myself yet
 
What do you consider a long day drive? What do you consider the Pacific Northwest? Its considered all the way to the rockies in Idaho/Montana

Seven devils near Riggins ID is about 8 hrs. The Bob is about 10 hrs, etc....... Bitterroots are in there. Now if youre talking just Oregon or Washington?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top