Have you dreamed of backpacking some of the most incredible multi-day trails in Washington’s national parks but don’t know where to start? Trek for the Trails is the fundraising program for you. Through Trek for the Trails, join us for a guided backpacking Ross Lake traverse in the North Cascades on June 30 – July 4, 2025.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to all of the trekkers who were a part of our 2024 Trek for the Trails program; you raised over $7,000!
Ross Lake in North Cascades National Park.
We’re excited to offer the opportunity to commit to a fundraising trek in North Cascades National Park. The funds you raise over and above the cost of the trek will support critical park projects like trail maintenance in Washington’s three largest national parks.
Through our partnership with world-class guided adventure and trekking company Wildland Trekking, this five-day trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience traversing Ross Lake. You’ll hike 32 miles along the lakeshore, over tumbling creeks and side drainages between high granite spires, until emerging just a few miles from the Canadian border.
New to trekking? You can participate as an individual by joining an existing team — or you can ask your company to work with us to put together a group trek. Many local companies will even match the funds you raise toward your trek.
Trekkers and their colleagues, friends, and families contribute to Washington’s National Park Fund and trekkers are able to realize their dreams of backpacking through some of the most iconic backcountry routes in Washington’s national parks.
When it comes to previous backpacking experience, don’t let that be a deterrent: this program is open to beginners. The key is to train, train, train — and to start preparing early.
Our qualified partner guide company, Wildland Trekking, offers tons of great resources on their website. Check to see if you’re physically able to complete a trek, what the itinerary will look like, the types of gear and equipment you’ll need, where you’ll camp during the trek, and more.
Get answers to questions about reserving your spot, fundraising for your trek, and more in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Jun 30 - Jul 4
Ross Lake | North Cascades National Park
On this 5-day trek traversing Ross Lake, you’ll hike 32 miles along the lakeshore, over tumbling creeks & between high granite spires, while supporting critical park projects like trail maintenance! Learn about Trek for the Trails here, and contact Kristen (kristen@wnpf.org) to learn more about this trek!
For individuals: If you’re interested in signing up, reach out to Kristen Oliphant (kristen@wnpf.org) for details. This trek will have a maximum number of 5 trekkers.
For organizations: Interested in starting your own trekking group? We’d love to hear from you so we can work together on a trekking program that meets your company’s needs. Reach out to Kristen to get started.
Funds raised through Trek for the Trails support critical projects like trail work and trail maintenance programs in Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Give a gift that supports the trekkers’ fundraising efforts today!
I’ve always wanted to backpack to the Enchanted Valley, but at four days I wasn’t quite confident enough to do it solo. This way, I get to go with qualified guides, meet other passionate park lovers like me, AND give back to one of my favorite national parks! — Alex Day, 2024 Trek for the Trails participant
Cover photo: Ross Lake from Desolation Peak Trail by Andy Porter, and footer image (below): sunset on Ross Lake by Andy Porter 📷