Hints and Tips:

While planning our trip here are some things I learned. Your experience my differ under different circumstances, so take these for what they are worth.

  1. If you've got time, be sure to make a quick trip up to the Heather Meadows area, it's well worth it.

  2. The rangers at Glacier had lots of great information. Don't hesitate to ask questions or get recommendations. (this goes for almost every ranger at every ranger station I've ever visited here in the US).

  3. While the trailhead for Hannegan Pass doesn't have a sanctioned camping area, you can defintely find a place to toss up a tent for the night. Additionally, it's free. Normally I would never support such activity, I post this idea based solely on the fact that the ranger presented this option to us.

  4. Despite Silesia being a dry camp with the long walk to Egg Lake being the only option available for water, you definitely want to stay at Silesia if you have a chance. The views are incredible. Additionally, if you plan it correctly and don't need additional water the night you camp at Silesia, you can stop at Egg Lake as you continue west the next day. This would reduce the amount of extra travel by about 1/3rd since you wouldn't have to climb all the way back up to Silesia.

Information Sources:

Here are the sources I used to plan our trip. I found the North Cascades National Park website to be missing one very important piece of information - a map showing the trails AND locations of the backcountry camps. This made is very difficult to plan a trip using their information.

Books:

  • Washington's North Cascades National Park Region, Spring & Manning (The Mountaineers)

Maps:
Web Sites: