Katy Clark
Planning summer backpacking trips is at the top of my mind this time of year. I’m tired of the cold, dark days, and can’t wait to escape to the backcountry. In planning, I prefer to use paper maps to determine my route and study the terrain. Digital tools like Caltopo and Gaia are useful (and I love them!), but carrying a paper map in my pack – and knowing how to use it – is a practical tool that encourages self-reliance when digital devices fail. More than that, maps give me a big-picture view of the landscape: ridgelines towering above alpine tarns, creeks tumbling into waterfalls, meadows hidden beneath sheer cliffs.
Unfolding a map feels like opening a door to possibility.
And sometimes… the biggest adventures don’t require securing a permit in advance. There are countless stunning locations across the Pacific Northwest that forgo permit lotteries, and exploring these areas is easier with the right map in hand. Visit The Mountaineers Seattle Bookstore today to pick up your maps and start planning an unforgettable summer.
The Seattle Program Center Bookstore
7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Hours: Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm
(206) 521-6001
Where will maps take YOU this summer?
Early reservation system lotteries to secure permits for places like Mount Rainier are a determining factor in deciding where to go. If the coveted permit lotteries have come and gone without success - don’t worry. The Pacific Northwest is full of incredible places that don’t require a lottery win to secure a permit (and we have the map to help you get there).
Didn’t score a core Enchantments permit?
Consider Lake Ingalls. Wildflower meadows burst with color in the summer, golden larches light up the area in the fall, and a deep blue lake sparkles against the jagged peaks of the Stuart range. This backpacking destination is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Did Mount Rainier break your heart…again?
You're not alone. The Wonderland Trail is on countless backpacker’s bucket lists. With only 600 early registration system spots available, and thousands of lottery entries per year, Rainier permits are hard to get. If you’re willing to be flexible and arrive early at a Wilderness Information Center, you may be able to secure a walk-up permit, but there are plenty of alternatives.
Consider a trip to the Goat Rocks Wilderness. This area between Mount Adams and Mount Rainier is a popular backpacking destination for good reason, and there are many options to choose from. The Goat Lake and Hawkeye Point Loop promises breathtaking views of all three southern Cascade volcanoes, with self-issued permits at the trailhead.
No luck in the North Cascades?
Equally remote and rugged as the North Cascades, the Pasayten offers a less-crowded wilderness experience. Just outside of the Ross Lake Recreation area boundary is the Devil’s Dome-Jackita Ridge Loop, an incredibly beautiful 40-mile trek with soaring ridges, alpine meadows, and jaw-dropping views of Jack Mountain. This loop requires a car shuttle and water taxi ride to avoid permits along the east bank of Ross lake. Expect a steep climb no matter which direction you go, but incredible views will make the effort worth it.
Ready to map out your next adventure?
Visit us at the bookstore in the Seattle Program Center to start planning your summer adventures! Bring your PNW wish list, and we’ll find the perfect maps and guidebooks to bring your trips to life. Our shelves are stocked with a large inventory of Green Trails maps, local guidebooks, and Northwest Forest Passes to help plan an unforgettable outdoor season. Mountaineers members receive 20% off all Mountaineers Books titles and Green Trails maps in store and online.
Can’t make it to the bookstore? Prefer to order your maps online? Check out our new online Map Finder Tool, which brings the ease and confidence of purchasing maps in store to our website. Now, users can look at the exact route they plan to take, and ensure they have their paper maps as part of their Ten Essentials.
