LGBTQ+ Tahoma (Mount Rainier) Backpacking Adventure
Wander through alpine meadows and old growth forests, all while in the shadow of the mighty Tahoma
Trip Length
5 Days

Intensity
Moderate – Advanced

Group Size
8-10 Persons

Trip Dates
September 17-21, 2023
Activities
Backpacking
Included
Medically-trained, naturalist guides
All transportation in passenger van
Camping fees & backpacking permits
Tent, sleeping pad, and group camping equipment
All meals indicated in itinerary
Park entry fees
Not Included
Gratuity for your guide
Sleeping bag (Available to rent for $50)
Flights to destination
$895 per person
Trip Info
This trip brings LGBTQ+ identities on a journey along one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier backpacking routes – the Northern Loop and Wonderland Trail of Mountain Rainier National Park. This five day journey takes you from the banks of its glacial rivers to the tops of its peaks – through alpine meadows and dense old growth forests. Remote and wild, this landscape is truly unparalleled.
Weather
Our journey will take us through varied terrain and elevation. Expect daytime temperatures mainly in the 60s-70s, possibly reaching into the 80s. Evenings are cool and may drop as low as the 40s or even 30s this time of year, depending on elevation. Rain and wind is common this time of year, so be prepared for varied conditions!
Group
All public trips are 18+. Please make sure to review the Intensity section for information about what to expect on your trip!
Intensity – Moderate to Advanced
Hiking days will usually include about 8+ total hours on the trail, covering anywhere from 8-10 miles on the day with weight and about 2,000+ feet of elevation gain daily. This trip includes four days of backcountry hiking, so it’s best for travelers who are comfortable being active for most of the day, multiple days in a row. Some hiking experience is recommended. Backpacking experience is preferred, not required.
Accommodations
- One night frontcountry camp at White River or Cougar Rock Campground
- Three nights backcountry camp
Flights
If you are flying, please arrive into Seattle by the late morning (10 AM) for pick up. If you’d prefer to arrive a day earlier and arrange your own lodging, we can also arrange pick up from Seattle locations.
If you’d prefer to drive, please email us so we can arrange the best location to meet based on your starting point.
LGBTQ+ Tahoma (Mount Rainier) Backpacking Adventure
Day 1
Arrive in Seattle by late morning and meet your group for a transfer to Mount Rainier National Park. We’ll settle into our frontcountry site and will take an afternoon hike to stretch our legs. Tonight, we’ll get to know one another at camp while we review our route and check our gear.
Meals: D
Day 2
We’ll set off early today, departing the stunning area of Sunrise and climbing up, up, up. Our goal today is Mystic camp, located next to a peaceful and serene alpine lake. And we’ll certainly earn it! We’ll gain and lose elevation as we head into the wilderness and will arrive just in time to eat a hearty dinner and collapse into bed.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3
Today is a more mild day compared to our first. We can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning at the lake before setting off for our next camp. Our day includes 5 miles with modest elevation gain and lots of elevation loss. Tonight, we’ll camp along the Carbon River and will rest up for our biggest day tomorrow.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4
This is the biggest day yet. Over our 10 miles, we’ll gain and lose several thousand feet of elevation – but the payoff is worth it. Today takes us through the Windy Gap – one of the most beautiful destinations in the entire region – with massive rocky cliffs around us, wildflowers dotting the trails, and ripe blueberries and huckleberries to grab by the handful. Tonight, we’ll be camping at Fire Creek where we’ll fall asleep to the sound of the stream.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5
Our final day is here! We still have quite a ways to go with 7 miles back to sunrise. Our elevation gain and loss is less today, but will still provide one final challenge. After we get back, we’ll load up for the drive back to Seattle for evening departures or an additional night at a hotel in the city. Those opting to stay in the city for the final night can enjoy a final group dinner before heading to bed and flying out the following day.
Meals: B
LGBTQ+ Tahoma (Mount Rainier) Backpacking Adventure Packing List
- Required Gear
- Backpack (45-60 L recommended)
- Duffel or suitcase (to be left in the vehicle when backpacking, 1 small suitcase or duffel per person)
- Sleeping bag (also available to rent), rated to 20 degrees or below
- Pack cover
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L total capacity)
- Recommended Gear and personal items
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- Hiking poles
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
- Camping pillow
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
- Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
- Small, quick dry towel
- Personal plate, mug, and utensils (your guide will have these items if you don’t have your own)
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- Required Clothing
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- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket or shell
- Rain pants
- Breathable wicking base layers
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Warm hat
- Light gloves
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
Recommended Clothing
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- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Sandals or camp shoes
- Clothes for dinner on final night
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