Backpacking trips offer the opportunity for immersive wilderness experiences lasting from four to eight days. These trips will be a fully guided experience with a focus on helping you find a rhythm with your movement through the mountains and the movement of God within you. Your guides will make sure all your needs are tended to so that you can be fully available to listen and see what is happening around you.
Day hikes provide a chance to sample the great beauty found within the mountains. You’ll be given the chance to summit a peak, visit a lake, or walk through an ancient forest. Your guides will find a pace that allows your group to enjoy the experience to its fullest. Expect big experiences, great snacks, and a fun day.
Cady Ridge Loop
A loop hike starting in a deep valley alongside a creek slowly ascending into the high country and joining the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). You will follow this famous trail past lovely peaks, views of Glacier Peak and alpine lakes before descending down a ridgeline and back to your starting location. This is a good introduction to backpacking in the Cascades. This trip is not without challenges, but they are very approachable for most people.
- Age: 13+
- Season: Mid-July – September
- Length: 2 – 5 days
- Group Size: 6 – 10 people
- Cost: varies
Leroy High Route
This loop is a little different from your normal backpacking trip. The Leroy High route follows a course through the mountains following disconnected sections of trail, open valleys, and high passes. This moderately difficult trip is a little more adventurous than your normal backpack but not as technical as a mountaineering trip.
- Age: 15+
- Season: Late July – September
- Length: 4 – 6 days
- Group Size: 6 – 10 people
- Cost: varies
Tunnel to Chatter Creek route
This point-to-point high has the distinction of connecting some of the most beautiful and secluded areas near Stonewater. Beginning at Tunnel Creek and ending in the Icicle Canyon, this trail connects high ridgelines and alpine lakes as you cross the Cascade Crest from east to west. Beginning on the lush western side of the mountains you will climb higher and higher until you reach a series of spectacular alpine lakes on the eastern side of the mountains before descending into Icicle Canyon just outside of Leavenworth. This trip is long and difficult but those who take on the challenge will be rewarded.
- Age: 13+
- Season: Early August – September
- Length: 5 – 8 days
- Group Size: 6 – 10 people
- Cost: varies
Where will we be hiking?
There is so much terrain open to us throughout the state. Just in the region near Stonewater, we have access to the Alpine Lakes and Glacier Peak Wilderness areas. Both of which hold everything you could look for in a destination. Your specific course area will be chosen based on what will provide the best experience for the time frame and dynamics of your group. No matter where you go, Washington is one of the best places to go for a backpacking trip in the USA.
How hard will the hiking be?
We try to keep our trips approachable for people with normal physical capacity. Mountain travel is rigorous for anyone. Generally, hiking days are not longer than 6 miles and when spread across a whole day of travel our pace is very gentle. The mountains are enjoyable for anyone who is willing to work hard and be a bit uncomfortable. I’ve never had anyone be physically unable to complete a trip.
How many people can we bring?
Most of our backpacking trips happen within federally designated “wilderness” regions. This designation is the highest level of protection any land can receive. Part of that protection is group size limits and in wilderness zones, the limit is 12. Each trip requires two guides so your group size will usually be capped at 10. There are some exceptions, but this should be considered the general expectation.
What do I need to bring?
A trip equipment list will be sent to you the month before our start date. That being said Youth Dynamics is able to provide all essential clothing and gear needed. The guides will check all participant clothing and equipment before hitting the trail to ensure everyone has everything needed.
I’ve never been hiking before, can I participate?
Of course, you can. Hiking experience is not necessary at all. This is a fully guided trip designed to allow you to just participate. The guides will cover all the logistics and decision-making. The participants can focus on their experience and what God may be doing in them.
I often have back pains, will that be a problem for me?
No one will be turned away based on their health history. Many health situations can be accommodated, including back or knee pains, with properly fitted packs and hiking poles. If you have questions about how we can manage any chronic conditions or recent injuries don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What will we eat?
Backcountry food can make or break a trip. It is a challenge to find food that is nutritionally diverse, light, packable, and tasty. We try to always pack more food than necessary so participants are never hungry. Warm meals are eating for breakfast and dinner with generous snacking opportunities. Examples of some meals include breakfast burritos and chicken-tator casserole. We also are very prepared to accommodate any food allergies or dietary needs you may have.
What about bugs, bears, and cougars?
Coming in contact with mountain wildlife is one of the best parts of a trip like this. Although bears and cougars are very scary to come across while hiking solo, they present little to no danger to a group and are a wonderful opportunity to see the local residents. We practice good bear safety and although we have seen many of such animals they have never presented an issue. Bugs are common in the mountains but they tend to be worse in June and early July. Around camp wearing head nets, long sleeves, and pants seem to be the best defense and are often enough. It is rare that bugs negatively affect a trip.
Our staff will equip and provide the essentials for your experience (e.g. gear, food, equipment, training, insurance) and will work with your group leader for programming and other logistical needs. In addition, our staff will provide the technical and professional skills needed to provide a safe and life-changing adventure.
Our goal is to assist you in providing a memorable experience for your group that has the opportunity to be life-transforming. Whether you are trying to create unity in your church youth group or build community in your school, group home, or youth-related organization—we are with you!
Let’s adventure together!
