Alpine Lakes High Camp Backcountry Adventure

Alpine Lakes, WA
Jan. 16 – 19, 2026, Fri-Mon
Intermediate and Advanced – Ungroomed Backcountry

Ready for the perfect blend of backcountry adventure and rustic comfort? Join us 9 miles deep in the Washington wilderness at Alpine Lakes High Camp, where warm cabins, a sauna, and cold plunge await after your days on pristine snow! Take this 2-minute video tour to see what’s in store. We will all bring our own food and enjoy the ONC potluck dinner tradition. Kitchen cooking amenities are provided in each cabin.

What’s Included:

• 3 nights in cozy Foxfire, Lupine, and Trillium cabins
• Transportation onto the property from their lot
• Option to ski out on the final day

The Terrain: These scenic, marked trails offer incredible variety – from gentle touring routes to challenging off-trail slopes for backcountry Nordic, Telemarking, AT skiing, or snowboarding. Create your own loops using their detailed topographical maps, or venture into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to more demanding terrain. Map and info is available HERE.

Daily Adventures – Choose Your Level:

• Intermediate Group: Explore Nordic tours in non-avalanche terrain
• Advanced Group: Access high-alpine tours based on current avalanche conditions, including all-day High Meadows expeditions or half-day McCue Ridge glade runs

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS- Please Read Carefully: This trip is NOT suitable for beginners. Participants need intermediate Nordic or AT skills with some backcountry experience. Advanced skiers are strongly encouraged.

For avalanche terrain access, you MUST:

• Bring complete avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel)
• Have AIARE 1 certification or equivalent training
• Demonstrate recent transceiver practice
• Commit to staying with your group and following all safety protocols

The Grand Finale: We have the option to ski back to our cars on the final day! Choose from three routes down to the parking lot, including the popular 8.5-mile road descent – a long, scenic cruise with just one short climb.

Logistics: Arrive independently by 9:30am January 16 (optional carpools may be arranged). Group hotel block available January 15.
If you have any questions about whether this is the trip for you – please contact the trip leader.

Trip limit:  15 participants including trip leaders
Cost:  $595/member, per person for 3 nights lodging. Meals and carpool additional.
Travel miles:  From Portland, 550 miles round trip
Trip Leader: Michele Barnett, michele.barnett@gmail.com
Co-Leader: Lindsey Addison, lindsey.addison@gmail.com