Treks

We offer a number of different backpacking trips throughout the northwest for novices through experts. On all of our trips, we cover  a number of learning objectives, including: Leave No Trace principles, equipment selection and maintenance, optimal clothing/layering systems, proper pack fitting and packing, route selection, pacing, navigation, weather assessment, site selection, water filtration, and stove usage and maintenance.

Jump to a location:

Cowlitz Ranger District

Goat Rocks Crest

  • Trip Distance: 30 miles/50 km
  • Trip Elevation: 7,300 ft/2,225 m
  • Season: July-September
  • Cost: *Price includes guides, transportation, permits, trekking poles, ropes, ice ax, climbing harness, crampons, food, tents, and all cooking equipment.
  • Group Size: Minimum of three people
  • About the Hike: This four day trip combines spectacular scenery and terrain, wondrous wild flowers and the summit of a glaciated peak.A 105,600-acre alpine wonderland, the Goat Rocks Wilderness is a portion of the volcanic Cascade Mountain Range in southwestern Washington between Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. The Goat Rocks are remnants of a large volcano, extinct for some two million years. This ancient volcano once towered over the landscape at more than 12,000 feet in elevation, but has since eroded into several peaks averaging around 8,000 feet. The cluster of rocks and peaks have become known as Goat Rocks because of the bands of mountain goats that live here.

    Goat Rocks Wilderness features mountainous terrain with elevations from 3,000 feet to 8,201 feet on Gilbert Peak. Much of it lies above timberline, providing out-standing alpine scenery. Many high-elevation trails remain impassable, due to snow, until July and snow can return as early as September.

  • Skill Level: This is a challenging backpacking trip.  Similar and previous backpacking experience is required.  Hikers must be in peak physical condition.
  • Itinerary: Rare Earth Adventures will make every attempt to follow the trip itinerary.  However, this itinerary is subject to change due to group dynamics, unsafe weather and/or route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control.
    • Day 1:  Pacific Crest Trailhead #2000 to Hidden Springs Camp -  8mi/ 13.3km -  2,200ft/ 671 m: Drive to the Pacific Crest  Trail head (PCT) #2000.  After checking in and loading up our gear, we will hike 6.5 miles to Leech Lake to the intersection of Trail #117.  From here, we will descend to Shoe Lake and follow trail #117 around Shoe Lake for .5 miles to our campsite at Hidden Springs.
    • Day 2:  Hidden Springs Camp to Meadows Camp – 7.5 mi/ 14.2 km -  800 ft/ 244 m: Wake up, eat breakfast, break down camp and depart.  We will hike 0.5 mi on trail #117 from Hidden Springs to rejoin the PCT #2000.  We will hike for 8 miles to our campsite at a meadow just below Elk Pass.
    • Day 3:  Meadows Camp to Cispus Basin- 9 mi/ 15 km -  1,530 ft/466 m: Wake up, eat breakfast and breakdown camp.  We will continue our hike on PCT #2000 for 9 miles climbing over Elk Pass to our campsite at Cispus Basin with an excursion to climb Old Snowy by North Ridge route on our way.
    • Day 4:  Cispus Basin to Walupt Lake – 7.9 mi/13.2 km -  2,500 ft/762 m: Wake up, eat breakfast and breakdown camp.  We will continue our hike on PCT #2000 for 3.4 miles to the Nannie Ridge Trail intersection # 98 at Sheep Lake.  From here, we will descend 4.5 miles to the Walupt Lake trailhead where our return vehicle will be waiting for us.  We will head back to Portland.

Snowgrass Flat – Goat Ridge Loop

  • Trip Distance:
  • Trip Elevation:
  • Season: July-September
  • Cost: *Price includes guides, transportation, permits, trekking poles, ropes, ice ax, climbing harness, crampons, food, tents, and all cooking equipment.
  • Group Size: Minimum of three people
  • About the Hike:
  • Skill Level:
  • Itinerary: Rare Earth Adventures will make every attempt to follow the trip itinerary.  However, this itinerary is subject to change due to group dynamics, unsafe weather and/or route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control.
    • Day 1:  Berry Patch Trailhead to Goat Lake: Drive to Berry Patch Trailhead and hike to Goat Lake.
    • Day 2:  Goat Lake to Berry Patch Trailhead: Wake up, eat breakfast, break down camp and depart.

Mount Adams Ranger District

Mount Adams is the second highest mountain in Washington state and the third highest mountain in the Cascade Range (range of mountains in western North America which extends from southern British Columbia through Washington, Oregon and Northern California).  Mount Adams is a potentially active stratovolcano that is asymmetrical in shape and has a mostly flat summit which was created by cone-building eruptions from two separated vents. Built up by many hardened layers of lava, volcanic ash, tephra and pumice from explosive eruptions over time, Mount Adams has not erupted in well over 1,400 years; however, geologically it is still considered potentially active. We offer the following backpacking trips on Mount Adams:

Indian Heaven Loop

  • Trip Distance: 15 mi/24 km
  • Trip Elevation:  4,030 ft/1,228 m to 5,568 ft/1,698 m
  • Season: August-September
  • Cost: *Price includes guides, transportation, permits, trekking poles, ropes, ice ax, climbing harness, crampons, food, tents, and all cooking equipment.
  • Group Size: Minimum of three people
  • About the Hike: This backpacking trip involves hiking through pristine meadows lined with alpine flowers, to alpine lakes lined with trees.  There are spectacular views of Bird Mountain,Mount Adams, Mount Rainier and Mount Hood throughout this trip.
  • Skill Level: This is an easy to moderate backpacking trip.  It is recommended that you be in peak physical condition so that you can enjoy the adventure.
  • Itinerary: Rare Earth Adventures will make every attempt to follow the trip itinerary.  However, this itinerary is subject to change due to group dynamics, unsafe weather and/or route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control.
    • Day 1:  Cultus Trailhead to Elk Lake – 4.5 mi/7.2 km – 4,080 ft/1,244 m to 5,568 ft/1,698 m: Leave Portland, Oregon at 7:00 am and drive to Cultus Trailhead (4,080 ft/1,244 m).  We will pack up and hike 1.5 mi/2.4 km to to the pass on Bird Mountain where we will leave our backpacks and scramble up to the north peak for spectacular views of Mount Adams, Mount Rainier and Mount Hood (5,568 ft/1,698 m).  We will head back to pick up our backpacks and make our way to the Pacific Crest Trail continuing south to our camp at Elk Lake for the evening.  This camp offers a forest and lake setting with spectacular views of Bird Mountain across the lake.
    • Day 2:  Elk Lake to Lake Wapiki- 6 mi/10 km -  6,800 ft/2,073 m to 5,200 ft/1,585 m: Wake up, eat breakfast, break down camp and head south on the Pacific Crest Trail to Junction Lake. We will head north on the Lemei Lake Trail.  We”ll climb up to the pass at Lemei Rock for a beautiful view of Lake Wapiki below.  We’ll then, descend to our second camp at Lake Wapiki.
    • Day 3:  Lake Wapiki to Falloon Trailhead – 4.5 mi/7.5 km - 5,200 ft/1,585 m to 4,000 ft/1,219 mWake up, eat breakfast and breakdown camp.  We will descend through lush forest to our vehicle at Filloon Trailhead.

Round-the-Mountain

  • Trip Distance: 34 mi./57 km
  • Trip Elevation: 5,500 ft/1,677 m  to 8,300 ft/2,530 m
  • Trip Length:  5 days + 1 orientation day prior to departure
  • Season: July-September
  • Cost: *Price includes guides, transportation, permits, trekking poles, ropes, ice ax, climbing harness, crampons, food, tents, and all cooking equipment.
  • Group Size: Minimum of three people
  • About the Hike: Mount Adams Round-the-Mountain is one of the premier backpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest for it’s scenic views and variety of terrain.  This trip will take you through rolling trails along the base of Mount Adams where you will enjoy beautiful wildflowers, subalpine fir and white pine trees, glacier travel, rock and snow covered trails, alpine lakes, meadows, stream crossings and spectacular views of the North Cascades and Mount Adams.
  • Skill Level: This is a challenging backpacking trip.  Similar and previous backpacking experience is required.  Hikers must be in peak physical condition.  You will be hiking off-trail, in snow fields, glacial moraine, steep and loose rock, roped glacier travel, stream crossings, and up and down rocky ridges.  This trip includes an orientation session prior to trip departure.
  • Itinerary: Rare Earth Adventures will make every attempt to follow the trip itinerary.  However, this itinerary is subject to change due to group dynamics, unsafe weather and/or route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control
    • Day 1:  Bird Creek Meadows Trailhead to Sunrise Camp – 3 mi/5 km – 6,100 ft/1,860 m to 8,300 ft/2,530 m: Leave Portland, Oregon at 6:00 am and drive to Bird Creek Meadows Trailhead (6,100 ft/1,860 m).  We will pack up and hike 3 mi/5 km to Sunrise Camp (8,300 ft/2,530 m) at the base of the Mazama Glacier.  This hike is challenging because it requires travel off-trail through loose rock and snow.  After setting up camp and enjoying a snack, we’ll discuss glacier travel techniques.  Then, relax and enjoy the spectacular views while your guides prepare dinner.
    • Day 2:  Sunrise Camp to Avalanche Valley – 4 mi/6.7 km – 8,300 ft/2,530 m to 6,800 ft/2,073 m:Wake up at 5:00 am, eat breakfast, break down camp and depart at 6:30 a.m.  Hike to the edge of Klicktat Glacier, rope up and traverse across the glacier to Battlement Ridge where we will scramble up to the ridge crest.  After descending the ridge, we will make our way across multiple streams to our campsite in Avalanche Valley.
    • Day 3:  Avalanche Valley to Pacific Crest Trail – 9.5 mi/15.8 km – 6,800 ft/2,073 m to 6,640 ft/2,024 m: Wake up, eat breakfast and breakdown camp.  We will climb up and down on the Highline Trail.  We’ll pass under the Wilson Glacier to the Devil’s Garden, under the Lyman and Lava Glaciers then, to Foggy Flats where the Highline Trail intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail.  You will enjoy spectacular views of the North Cascades to your right and Mount Adams to your left.  We will meet our support guide at our secluded lake campsite.  Our support guide will provide us with the remainder of our food and take our ropes and glacier gear that we no longer need for the rest of our trip.
    • Day 4:  Killen Creek to Horseshoe Meadow Area – 10 mi/16.7 km – 6,640 ft/2,024 m to 5,900 ft/1,799 m: Wake up, eat breakfast and breakdown camp.  We will head south on the Pacific Crest Trail  passing under the Adams and Pinnacle Glaciers.  At Horseshoe Meadows, the Pacific Crest Trail turns west.  We continue east rejoining the Round-the-Mountain trail.  We’ll enjoy spectacular views of four volcanoes, including our first look at Mount Hood.  We will camp on a ridge next to a glacial stream with great views of Mount Adams above us.
    • Day 5:  Horseshoe Meadow area to Bird Creek Meadows Trailhead – 7.5 mi/12.5 km – 5,900 ft/1,803 m to 6,100 ft/1,860 m: Wake up, eat breakfast and breakdown camp.  We’ll traverse up and down on the Round-the-Mountain Trail east towards the intersection at 5 mi/8.3 km (6,200 ft/1,890 m) with the trail to the Cold Springs Trailhead.  We then cross into the Yakima Indian Reservation and pass through beautiful fields of wild flowers and the sparkling streams of Bird Creek Meadows (6,100 ft/1,860 m).  Our vehicle will be waiting at the trailhead.  We’ll pack up and head to Portland, Oregon.

Gap Traverse

  • Trip Distance: 19 mi/ 31 km
  • Trip Elevation: 4,400 ft/1,341 m  to 8,300 ft/2,530 km
  • Season: July – September
  • Cost: *Price includes guides, transportation, permits, trekking poles, ropes, ice ax, climbing harness, crampons, food, tents, and all cooking equipment.
  • Group Size: Minimum of three people
  • About the Hike: This is one of the more challenging backpacking adventures in the Pacific Northwest with spectacular views and a variety of terrain.  During this trip, we will pass through Tract D in the Yakima Nation (access is only available to the public July-September).  The Yakima people consider Mount Adams to be sacred.  Leave no trace will be demonstrated throughout this trip.
  • Skill Level: This is a challenging backpacking trip.  Similar and previous backpacking experience is required.  Hikers must be in peak physical condition.  You will be hiking off-trail, in snow fields, glacial moraine, steep and loose rock, roped glacier travel, stream crossings, and up and down rocky ridges.
  • Itinerary: Rare Earth Adventures will make every attempt to follow the trip itinerary.  However, this itinerary is subject to change due to group dynamics, unsafe weather and/or route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control.
    • Day 1:  Bird Creek Meadows Trailhead to Sunrise Camp – 3 mi/4.8 km – 5,700 ft/1,737m to 8,300 ft/2,530m: Leave Portland, Oregon at 6:00 am and drive to Bird Creek Meadows Trailhead (6,100 ft/1,860 m).  We will pack up and hike 3 miles to Sunrise Camp (8,300 ft/2,530 m) at the base of Mazama Glacier.  This part of the hike requires travel off-trail through loose rock and snow.  After setting up camp and enjoying a snack, we’ll discuss glacier travel techniques.  Then, relax and enjoy the spectacular views while your guides prepare dinner.
    • Day 2:  Sunrise Camp to Avalanche Valley – 4 mi/6.7 km – 8,300 ft/2,530m to 6,800 ft/2,073m: Wake up at 5:00 am, eat breakfast, break down camp and depart at 6:30 a.m.  Hike to the edge of Klicktat Glacier, rope up and traverse across the glacier to Battlement Ridge where we will scramble up to the ridge crest.  After descending the ridge, we will make our way across multiple streams to our campsite in Avalanche Valley.
    • Day 3:  Avalanche Valley to Muddy Meadows Trailhead – 12 mi/19 km – 6,600 ft/2,012m to 4,400 ft/1,341m: Wake up, eat breakfast and breakdown camp.  We will climb up and down on the Highline Trail.  We’ll pass under the Wilson Glacier to the Devil’s Garden, under the Lyman and Lava Glaciers then, to Foggy Flats where the Highline Trail intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail.  You will enjoy spectacular views of the North Cascades to your right and Mount Adams to your left.  Our vehicle will be waiting for us at the trailhead.

Mt. St. Helens

Loowit Round-the-Mountain

  • Trip Distance: 30 mi/48 km
  • Trip Elevation:  2,700 ft/823 m
  • Season: July-September
  • Cost: *Price includes guides, transportation, permits, trekking poles, ropes, ice ax, climbing harness, crampons, food, tents, and all cooking equipment.
  • Group Size: Minimum of three people
  • About the Hike: This trip will take you through old growth forest, lakes, streams, waterfalls, blow-down zones and will provide views of Spirt Lake, Pumice Plain, Johnson Ridge Observatory and Mount St. Helens.
  • Skill Level: This is a challenging backpacking trip.  Similar and previous backpacking experience is required.  Hikers must be in peak physical condition.
  • Itinerary: Rare Earth Adventures will make every attempt to follow the trip itinerary.  However, this itinerary is subject to change due to group dynamics, unsafe weather and/or route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control.
    • Day 1:  June Lake Trailhead to Pumice Butte – 7 mi/11 km – 2,700 ft/823 m to 2,700 ft/823 m: Leave Portland, Oregon at 6:00 am and drive to the southeast side of Mount St. Helens to June Lake Trailhead (2,700 ft/823 m).  We will pack up and hike the June Lake Trail (No.216B) to Loowit Trail 216 (3,400 ft/1,036 m).  Loowit is the Native American name for Mount St. Helens.  We’ll head through forest and the Muddy River Lahar area to our first campsite at Pumice Butte (4,290 ft/1,308 m).
    • Day 2:  Pumice Butte to South Fork Toutle River – 13 mi/21 km – 4,290 ft/1,308 m to 3,300 ft/1,006 m: Wake up, eat breakfast, break down camp and continue on Loowit Trail 216 through the blast zone.  At mile 4.7, we’ll leave our packs and walk 1.5 miles to the Loowit Falls viewpoint (4,700 ft/1,433 m).  We’ll also enjoy spectacular views of Spirit Lake, the Pumice Plain, and Johnson Ridge Observatory.  Then, we’ll return to the Loowit Trail and continue through the blast zone for 7.3 mi/11.75 km.  Then, we will pass out of the Restricted Zone to our campsite at the South Fork Toutle River which is on the west side of Mount St. Helens.
    • Day 3:  South Fork Toutle River to Butte Camp - 8 mi/13 km – 3,300 ft/1,006 m to 4,000 ft/1,219 m: Wake up, eat breakfast and breakdown camp.  We’ll climb out of the Toutle River drainage through old growth forest as we make our way south on Loowit Trail 216.  There will be blowdown to our left and standing forest to our right as we make our way to Trail 238A intersection (4,800 ft/1,463 m).  From here, we will descend 800 ft/244 m to our last campsite at Butte Camp.
    • Day 4:  Butte Camp to June Lake Trailhead – 9 mi/14.5 km – 4,000 ft/1,463 m to 5,900 ft/1,799 m: Wake up, eat breakfast and breakdown camp.  We’ll head east with views of Mount St. Helens summit rim to the left and the Cascade peaks to the right.  At 2.5 mi/4 km, we’ll cross Monitor Ridge climbing trail (4,700 ft/1,433 m) and gradually descend to June Lake Trailhead where our vehicle will be waiting for us.

Mount Margaret Backcountry (4 days)

  • Distance: 30 mi/48 km
  • Trip Elevation:5,727 ft/1,746 m
  • Season: July-September
  • Custom Dates Available: Give us a call or send us an email to schedule a trip.
  • Cost: *Price includes guides, transportation, permits, trekking poles, ropes, ice ax, climbing harness, crampons, food, tents, and all cooking equipment.
  • Group Size: Maximum of three people
  • About the Hike: This is a 4 day, 30 mile hike where you will enjoy pristine lakes, streams, waterfalls, mountain views and a blow zone.
  • Skill Level: This trip is appropriate for backpackers in reasonable shape.
  • Itinerary: Rare Earth Adventures will make every attempt to follow the trip itinerary.  However, this itinerary is subject to change due to group dynamics, unsafe weather and/or route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control.
    • Day 1:  Norway Pass Trailhead to Bear Camp: Drive to Norway Pass Trailhead (3,640 ft/1,110 m) on the northeast side of Mount St. Helens.  We will pack up and hike 2.3 mi/3.8 km to enjoy a break with awesome views of Spirit Lake and the north side of Mount St. Helens.  Next, we’ll traverse to the westa about a mile and climb up to just below Bear Pass (4,980 ft/1,518 m).  We’ll drop our packs and walk up to the Pass to check out the route or our final day and enjoy views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and Mount Hood.  We then, continue east for 1.5 miles to Bear Camp (5,500 ft/1,676), our first camp.  Here we have views of mountains, Spirit Lake and St. Helen’s Crater.
    • Day 2:  Bear Camp to Ridge Camp: Today is peak-bagger day. From Bear Camp we hike west about a mile to Mt. Margaret. A short trail and a scramble puts us up on the summit (5,858 ft/1,787 m).  We then continue on the Boundary Trail about 4 miles with continuous views of Spirit Lake, St. Helens Lake,  and Mt. St. Helens to Coldwater Peak (5,727 ft/1,746 m). A short trail leads to the summit, formerly the site of a fire lookout, now a seismic monitoring site. Just south of Coldwater Peak we turn onto the Coldwater Trail and after 2.4 miles of very interesting hiking, reach our second stop, Ridge Camp (4,000 ft/1,219 m).  Ridge Camp is typically without water so we will carry a good supply with us from Bear camp.
    • Day 3:  Ridge Camp to Snow Lake: Today we go from peaks to lakes. From Ridge Camp we descend the Coldwater Trail for 2 miles into the Coldwater Creek drainage to the  intersection with the Lakes Trail (2,540 ft/774 m). From here we do a 4 mile rising traverse along the steep valley wall up to Snow Lake (4,700 ft/1,433 m), our final camp. Snow Lake is a beautiful camp set at the base of a ghost forest with stunning views across the Coldwater Creek drainage to the Mt. Margaret ridgeline.
    • Day 4:  Snow Lake to Norway Pass Trailhead: Today is lake day. From our Snow Lake Camp we climb 500 ft. to the summit of Pleasant Pass. We then descend past Shovel Lake to Panhandle Lake (4,492 ft/1,369 m) where we can stop to fish. We then ascend 500’ over a pass and drop back down to Obscurity Lake (4,348 ft/1,325 m), passing waterfalls, wildflowers, and, in season, huge huckleberries.  We continue traversing around the valley, pass Grizzly Lake on our right, and work our way up back to Bear Pass (4,980 ft/1,518 m). We have gone about 5 miles today, and now roll downhill the last 3 miles, backtracking past Norway Pass and to the Trailhead.

Mount Margaret Backcountry (3 days)

  • Trip Distance:  6 mi/10 km
  • Trip Elevation:  4,980 ft/1,581 m
  • Season: July-September
  • Custom Dates Available: Give us a call or send us an email to schedule a trip.
  • Cost: *Price includes guides, transportation, permits, trekking poles, ropes, ice ax, climbing harness, crampons, food, tents, and all cooking equipment.
  • Group Size: Maximum of three people and guide
  • About the Hike: This is the perfect trip for families with strong children.  The hike will take you through pristine lakes, streams, waterfalls and a blow zone.
  • Skill Level: While it is not necessary to have previous backpacking experience, this trip is recommended for backpackers in reasonable shape.
  • Itinerary: Rare Earth Adventures will make every attempt to follow the trip itinerary.  However, this itinerary is subject to change due to group dynamics, unsafe weather and/or route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control.
  • Day 1:  Norway Pass Trailhead to Panhandle Lake – 3,640 ft/1,110 m to 4,492 ft/1,370 m Drive to Norway Pass Trailhead (3,640 ft/1,110 m) on the northeast side of Mount St. Helens.  We will pack up and hike 2.3 mi/3.8 km to enjoy a break with awesome views of Spirit Lake and the north side of Mount St. Helens.  Then, we’ll traverse west for about a mile and club up to Bear Pass (4,980 ft/1,518 m) and enjoy views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood.  We will descend traversing around the valley, pass Grizzly Lake on our left and ascend to Obscurity Lake (4,348 ft/1,326 m).  After a break, we will climb up 500 ft/152 m over a pass, passing waterfalls and wildflowers, and drop down to our campsite at Panhandle Lake (4,492 ft/1,370 m).  After we set-up camp, we’ll explore, fish, pick huckleberries or just take in the amazing scenery and wildflowers.
  • Day 2:  Panhandle Lake: We spend the day at Panhandle Lake to explore, fish, pick huckleberries, take in the amazing scenery and wildflowers -  enjoying good meals and a unique experience in a fantastic location.
  • Day 3:  Panhandle Lake to Norway Pass Trailhead – 9.5 mi/15.8 km – 6,800 ft/2,073 m to 6,640 ft/2,024 m: Wake up, eat breakfast and breakdown camp.  We’ll head back to Norway Pass Trailhead.  We’ll climb up to the 500 ft/152 m pass and drop back down to Obscurity Lake (4,348 ft/1,326 m).  We continue on traversing around the valley, pass Grizzly Lake on our right, and work our way back up to Bear Pass (4,980 ft/1,518 m), and roll downhill the last 3 miles/5 km backtracking past Norway Pass and down the trailhead to our vehicle.