The Great North Cascades Traverse
Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Whatcom County, WA
Point-to-point trail in Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Whatcom County, WA. Hiking.
- Distance
- 31 mi (49.9 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 9,898 ft (3,017 m)
- Est. Time
- 15 hr
- High point
- 6,099 ft (1,859 m)
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Point to point
Features
Along the way
- Trailhead: East Bank Trailhead 5.1 mi (8.1 km) from start
- Campsite: Panther Group Camp 8.8 mi (14.1 km) from start
- Campsite: Fourth of July Camp 12.1 mi (19.4 km) from start
- Campsite: Neve Camp 14.4 mi (23.2 km) from start
- Campsite: McAllister Camp 18.5 mi (29.7 km) from start
- Campsite: McAllister Stock Camp 18.5 mi (29.8 km) from start
- Campsite: Tricouni Camp 20 mi (32.2 km) from start
- Campsite: Junction Hiker Camp 22.1 mi (35.6 km) from start
- Campsite: Junction Stock Camp 22.2 mi (35.8 km) from start
- Campsite: Skagit Queen Camp 25.6 mi (41.2 km) from start
- Campsite: Thunder Basin Stock Camp 28.4 mi (45.8 km) from start
- Toilets: Composter - No pee, No Trash 29.5 mi (47.5 km) from start
- Campsite: Thunder Basin Hiker Camp 29.5 mi (47.5 km) from start
- Viewpoint 29.5 mi (47.5 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about The Great North Cascades Traverse
How long is The Great North Cascades Traverse?
The Great North Cascades Traverse is 31 mi (49.9 km) long. Most people take about 15 hr. It climbs 9,898 ft (3,017 m) in total, up to a high point of 6,099 ft (1,859 m).
How hard is The Great North Cascades Traverse?
GoTrails rates it Expert, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for The Great North Cascades Traverse?
3 more lots along the route.
Are there water and toilets on The Great North Cascades Traverse?
No water mapped: bring all you need. Toilets: Trailhead, 8.7 mi (14 km), 22.1 mi (35.6 km), 29.5 mi (47.5 km).
Is The Great North Cascades Traverse shaded?
Mostly shaded (93% under trees).
What can you do on The Great North Cascades Traverse?
Best for Hiking.
Is this a good week for The Great North Cascades Traverse?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near The Great North Cascades Traverse
- Ross Lake Resort Access Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.2 mi (0.3 km)
- Happy Flats Trail Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.3 mi (0.5 km)
- Green Point Camp Access Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.9 mi (1.5 km)
- Happy Creek Trail Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Moderate · 2.4 mi (3.8 km)
- Sourdough Mountain Trail Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Hard · 5.6 mi (8.9 km)
- Big Beaver Camp Access Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Easy · 0.7 mi (1.2 km)
- Diablo Lake Trail Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Hard · 5.9 mi (9.5 km)
- Jack Mountain Trail Ross Lake National Recreation Area · Expert · 8.2 mi (13.2 km)
More hikes in Ross Lake National Recreation Area
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap