Ptarmigan Traverse |

Suggested Climbers Route

The Ptarmigan Traverse (TAR-mi-gan) is a famous alpine climbing route in the North Cascades of Washington State. The route, from Cascade Pass to Dome Peak, is generally remote, unmarked, and challenging, traversing rugged terrain and several glaciers. The traverse is usually completed in about a week-long, off-trail high route weaving between the glaciated peaks of the North Cascades, never straying far from the crest, most commonly in July or August, and usually done from north to south. The Ptarmigan is not for hikers, so much as for climbers, and experienced ones at that. It requires off-trail wilderness navigation, extensive glacier travel, self-reliance, and commitment.

While on the Ptarmigan Traverse, expect to only pass a few lakes and you will be above the treeline for nearly the entire traverse. Whatever plants you encounter are precious. Do not even think about making a campfire.

You can expect to run into deer and small critters of all kinds. Black bears may be seen while on the Ptarmigan Traverse. Any that you do see are probably truly wild, not the garbage-raiding types you see in the lowlands or around campgrounds. Mountain lion, bobcat, and lynx are also common throughout the Cascades and even the grizzlies and wolves are starting to make a comeback, but are still a rare sighting.