Welcome to the Cascades visitor region!

Have you ever had a literal mountaintop experience? Like, sitting on a peak, gazing at a rumpled blanket of the world below?

The Cascade region is iconic, filled with alpine lakes, placid cisterns, scree-choked gorges, leg-burning switchbacks, wildflower meadows, and frolicking wildlife. It’s such a big area that it’s hard to know where to start. On this page you’ll find some general good-to-know things as well as local advice for exploring this area safely.

Perhaps you will descend from the mountain a changed person.

Bring the 10 Essentials

The 10 Essentials are the classic items that every backcountry explorer should have in their pack. These items will help keep you safe, warm, dry, hydrated, and fed. Which could be an absolute gamechanger if things start to go south.

Leave No Trace

What is “Leave No Trace”? Its principles are self-evident: pack in everything that you pack out and try to make zero impact on the landscape. This is our credo, our pact with nature. Please abide by “Leave No Trace” when you visit.

Is there cell service in the mountains?

It’s patchy in places at first and completely drops out once you’re in the mountains. Be sure to download maps to your phone before venturing out. Carry a GPS device, possibly one that can send out an SOS signal in case of emergency. Always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back. And (where applicable) sign the logbook at the trailhead. These safety measures can help to account for your whereabouts in case you happen to get lost.

What do I do if the trailhead is full?

Don’t park on the roadside. Disperse traffic and find another trail nearby – in fact, it’s a good practice to have a backup outing before you set out of your adventure, just in case your spot is “blown up.”

Could I get lost in the wilderness?

Yes. We cannot stress this enough. Even moderately experienced hikers wander off the trail on accident. Do not become the future subject of a missing persons podcast. Be smart and know what you can and can’t do. Don’t let “destination fever” put you in peril.

What are the most important things to bring when I go into the backcountry?

Be sure to bring the “10 Essentials.” These are items that can save your bacon when you get into a jam (to mix food metaphors).

Ethical traveling is important to me. How can I best support local businesses when I visit the Cascades?

Grab a beer or slice of pizza after your hike. Stock up on groceries. Spend money on the little guys when you can; it really helps out our local economy.