Highlights - Alpine scenery: Expect to see dramatic, rugged peaks - Glaciers: The largest concentration of glaciers in the contiguous U.S. outside of Alaska - Remote experience: a relatively uncrowded park, allows for better wild experience Climate - North Cascades sunrise times in mid-August generally around 6am, sunset is as late as 9pm. - August is the hottest month with temp averages 72 °F high, 55 °F low. Game Plan Sat 15 th Travel Day - Meeting in Seattle airport by 1:30pm the latest - Drive over 2 hours to our residence, around 100miles - Stop at a major grocery store on the way - Arrive to residence - Get in the zone: A scenic stop at Hurn Field https://maps.app.goo.gl/HXjJyGi45fwNkdfS7 and/or: Short walk at Rasar State Park https://maps.app.goo.gl/k5Cd31Ljta6L5X2Z7 Sun 16 th " The kickstart" Hike 1 – D4 The Heather-Maple Pass Loop Trail Trail Length: 7.2 miles Elevation Gain: 2,020 feet Driving Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SDvjoqb9k1kGqPgJ7 AllTrails Link: maple-pass-trail The hike has lots of greenery and wildflowers blanketing the hillsides. By hiking clockwise, we start with an unrelenting climb up switchbacks, climbing the entire 2,200 feet of elevation gain over 2.3 miles. Then, it’s a long, gradual descent back down to the trailhead. We will take the offshoot trail to the right to the shore of Lake Ann. The hike starts on US Forest Service land, not inside the national park, Northwest Forest Pass needed for parking. Mon 17th "The Big Bang" Hike 2 – D6 The Cascade Pass / Doubtful Lake / Sahale Arm Trail Trail Length: 13.0 miles Elevation Gain: 4,600 feet Trail Type: Out and Back Driving directions (1:20): https://maps.app.goo.gl/SgfBpjpgwwwtLfU36 AllTrails Link: The Cascade Pass / Doubtful Lake / Sahale Arm Trail Absolutely one of the best hikes in the North Cascades that perfectly encapsulates what makes this part of the world special. This is actually 2 hikes + a bonus excursion to the lake: first is the initial climb to Cascade Pass, followed