Backpacking in the Pasayten Wilderness

[Aaron Zagrodnick]

While much of Washington is a veritable backpacker’s paradise, its three national parks and the areas of national forest closest to the Seattle megalopolis seem to absorb the bulk of the crowds. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness, with its spectacular scenery and name-brand destinations like The Enchantments, and Mount Rainier, with its life-list Wonderland Trail, deservedly draw hordes of eager backpackers. But for those willing to travel a bit further east, incredible backpacking and ample opportunity for solitude await in the Pasyten Wilderness of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Located to the east of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which needs no elaboration for its beauty and wealth of backpacking options, the Pasayten’s more than 500,000 acres offer another opportunity to experience a remarkable landscape. Without having to worry about getting coveted backcountry permits and sticking to an itinerary for campsites – regardless of the weather, energy levels, or how good the fishing is – the Pasyaten allows for a truly wild and free-flowing experience in a spectacular landscape...

@Mark shares this overview guide and introduction to backpacking and hiking in Washington's Pasayten Wilderness, take a look at the full article in Issue 40:

East of Cascadia: Solitude and Scenery in the Pasayten Wilderness

Issue 40 Page 1

[ppine]

Shhh.