North Cascades National Park

Sahale Glacier Camp, North Cascades National Park.

Ask Me: Where Should We Backpack Around Sahale Glacier Camp in the North Cascades?

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Michael,

We are thinking about a trip to North Cascades National Park in late August or early September. We will have about four days for a backcountry trip. I would love to camp one night at Sahale Glacier Camp. It looks more like an out-and-back trip. Any suggestions on how to incorporate Sahale into a three- to four-night trip in that area? Just my wife and me, 10 miles a day max, preferably seven to eight miles a day. Thanks for the help. You responded to an email I wrote last year on Grand Teton National Park. We did the Teton Crest Trail—it was great. Thanks for the advice on that trip.

Blake
Hartselle, AL

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Liberty Cap, Glacier Peak Wilderness, Washington.

Ask Me: Where’s Best For Backpacking Photos, Glacier, Tetons, Rocky Mountain, or Cascades?

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Michael,

Thank you for all you do (gear reviews, trip posts, etc.) and for your outstanding blog! I’ve read almost all of your travel blogs but failed to find anything that speaks to the specific interests of photography, as the main focus point (pardon the pun). If I missed such a post, please refer me to that. I am looking to take on a backpacking hike of seven days this summer, most likely in early Sept. (after Labor Day and after the summer crowds have dissipated). I have narrowed down possible venues to Glacier National Park, Grand Teton N.P., Rocky Mountain N.P., or the Cascades of Washington.

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Hikers on Dog Mountain, Columbia Gorge, Washington.

Photo Gallery: My Best Wildflower Pictures

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By Michael Lanza

On a sunny, spring afternoon, we hiked through lush, quiet forest up the steep Dog Mountain Trail, on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. After climbing more than 2,000 vertical feet (the trail ascends a calf-pumping 2,800 feet in three miles to the summit), we broke out of the shade of trees onto slopes carpeted with one of the best wildflower displays you’ll see anywhere. Climbing higher still, we got sweeping views across the gorge to the snow and glaciers of Mount Hood. But the wildflowers stole the show.

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Ask Me: What Are Your Favorite Places in the Northwest and Northern Rockies?

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Michael,

I’ve been checking out your excellent backpacking posts and think you may be the right person to help me out with my search. My partner and I have taken a year off work to travel around the U.S. We had a great time hiking and canyoneering in Escalante. So now we’re in the Northwest, and want to find a great wilderness base camp where we can set up for a few days and explore the surrounding area. I’ve heard great things about Idaho, but Washington, Montana and Wyoming are all within striking distance, too. So much choice! If you have any recommendations for us—even if it’s just a wilderness area to hone in on—they would be most gratefully received.

Thanks,
Brian
London, England

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Ask Me: Advice about North Cascades, Olympic, and Mt. Rainier National Parks and Mt. St. Helens

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[Originally a message via facebook.com/TheBigOutside]

Hi Michael,

Thank you SOOOO much for taking time out to answer some questions I have. Myself (55 years young), my husband, my daughter, and her boys, age seven and 11 are hoping to camp at the Sahale Glacier camp in North Cascades National Park in August. We do backpack and have great gear. We did the Grand Canyon, to the river and back, last year.

Read onAsk Me: Advice about North Cascades, Olympic, and Mt. Rainier National Parks and Mt. St. Helens