North Cascades National Park hiking guide
Ptarmigan Traverse
A 20.3-mile point-to-point with 21,600 ft of climbing in Cascade Pass, rated extreme.

Key facts
- Length
- 20.3 mi (32.7 km)
- Elevation gain
- 21,600 ft (6,585 m)
- Route type
- Point to point
- Difficulty
- Extreme
- Area
- Cascade Pass
- Trip length
- Multi-day
About Ptarmigan Traverse
This demanding route traverses the Cascade Crest, crossing multiple glaciers and offering breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. It requires mountaineering skills due to steep terrain and glacier travel. The traverse is known for its stunning alpine landscapes and diverse wildlife.
