South Cascade Loop --Full Moon Backpack

Strenuous, 50-65 mile, 14,300 ft elevation gain,Max 12 people. According to Douglas Loraine, in Backpacking Washington, “the rugged beauty of the North Cascades is on spectacular display in this extended loop hike. The route samples nearly all of the ranges many environments, from low-elevation eastside forests of ponderosa pine to low-elevation Westside forest of fire and hemlock. In between there are high snowy passes and deep basins surrounded by towering peaks. You can also expect to see big trees and tiny flowers, lumbering black bears and scurrying chipmunks, rushing streams and quiet mountain lakes. There just isn’t much missing from this wonderful hike.”Preregistration required by August 23rd at http://www.meetup.com/Portland-Hiking-Group/calendar/10818694/ $15 refundable or donatable deposit.