Backpacker Magazine – June 2008

Trip Finder: Ridgewalks

From the West Coast to the Rocky Mountains to New England, we've got nine epic ridgewalks just for you.

by: Drea Knufkin

West Coast | Rocky Mountains | New England

2 DAYS
Tahoe National Forest, CA
The Pacific Crest Trail from Donner Pass to Squaw Valley is 15 miles of heart-pounding exposure. From the Donner Summit trailhead, hike seven miles north past weather-stunted white bark pine and granite basins to Warren Lake. Camp here, then continue five miles to Squaw Valley, going up and over 8,949-foot Tinker Knob. Tag the summit and drop 3.8 miles through carpets of yellow mule ear. fs.fed.us/pct

3 DAYS
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
Cruise the sky-high Goat Rocks, a two million-year-old volcano, on this 24-mile out-and-back from Walupt Lake Campground (20 miles south of Packwood). Camp at the trailhead, then rise for a 2,000-foot climb to lupine-covered Nannie Ridge and the PCT. Ascend four miles to 6,400-foot Cispus Pass and views of St. Helens, Rainier, and Adams. Spend your second night amid blueberries near Snowgrass Pass. Return to Walupt on day three. fs.fed.us/gpnf

4 DAYS
Chena River State Recreation Area, AK
See the forest from above the trees on this 29.5-mile loop. From mile 50.5 on Chena Hot Springs Road (57 miles east of Fairbanks), hike five miles to treeline, where a flat ridge leads to rocky 4,421-foot Chena Mountain summit. On day three, overnight at Upper Angel Creek. From there it's three easy miles through dwarf birch to Milepost 49.1 (then left to your car). dnr.state.ak.us

West Coast | Rocky Mountains | New England