Newbie Cascades - Looking for Sea Plane drop off

[wbaker57]

Newbies to this forum but have a lot of experience.

 

My climbing buddy and I have years of back country experience all over the US, Asia and Europe. In the last two years we have climbed Mt. Shasta, Mt Hood and Mt. Whitney and have spent back country time in Glacier NP, Sequoia, Yosemite and more.

 

We are coming to Seattle Aug 24 and are looking for and Outfit that could fly us into a remote spot of the Cascades, drop us of for 3-5 days and return to pick us up.

 

What's available? What are the routes you would do? What do you guys suggest?

 

Many thanks,

 

Whit

[MarkMcJizzy]

Kenmore Air , but very few lakes in the Cascades are accessable by float planes, and those that are, would probably offer little in the way of climbing. Lake Chelan, thence up to Holden or the Stehekin River, or possibily Ross Lake. Edited July 4, 2007 by Markmckillop

[spotly]

If there's any place where a float plane might be useful, it's probably some place where you shouldn't take one anyway. If the idea is to get remote, add a few days to your trip and hump it.

[Blake]

you aren't allowed to land planes on the lakes in NCNP (other than at the end of Lake Chelan, and maybe Ross/Diablo)

 

basically anywhere remote is a no-go for flying into.

[DPS]

I would forget the whole idea of taking a plane anywhere into the Cascades. I have flown with Kenmore Air for my job and the pilot told me they do not like to fly over the Cascades specifically because there is no place to land a float plane.

 

There is plenty of backcountry accessible by a day's walk. I think that the Ptarmigan Traverse would fit your schedule and climbing experience and would feed your desire for a wilderness experience.

[MisterMo]

You could go by floatplane into the Serra stuff in BC but 3-5 days wouldn't really get it for that area. I thnk, but don't actually know, that people heli in there now anyhow...saves the walk up the Tellot.

[wbaker57]

Yes, our intent is to get remote. We tend to like to go where others are not. I'm Xing the days off the calendar in anticipation. Thanks for all your input.

 

Whit

[cj001f]

N Face of Mt Si

The Tooth

perhaps UW rock if you are feeling adventurous.

[tvashtarkatena]

If you want to get remote, go to any trailhead in the Cascades, have your blindfolded buddy pick a random spot on the compass dial, and start walking. I guarentee that 3 miles into you it you'll be more remote than you ever were in Europe or California.

[catbirdseat]

Tvash isn't exaggerating. The Pasayten Wilderness can afford you some great wilderness experiences.

[tvashtarkatena]

You might be able to find a seaplane pilot who will drop you off in the Cascades. If you prefer to land first, that's another matter.

[spicoli11]

I hope this is a joke

[ryland_moore]

The Pasayten Wilderness is indeed remote. I spent 21 days in there and only saw people when I crosed the Pacific Crest trail. Start hiking north from Strawberry Mountain and can go all the way to tcanada. Cut West and hit Ross lake and hike back along the lake. Or take a shuttle boat up Ross Lake and get dropped off at one of the many drainages. For an all around experience though i would second the recommendation on the Ptarmigan traverse. You may see a few people back there but it is remote.

[XXX]

The Pasayten Wilderness is indeed remote. I spent 21 days in there and only saw people when I crosed the Pacific Crest trail. Start hiking north from Strawberry Mountain and can go all the way to tcanada. Cut West and hit Ross lake and hike back along the lake. Or take a shuttle boat up Ross Lake and get dropped off at one of the many drainages. For an all around experience though i would second the recommendation on the Ptarmigan traverse. You may see a few people back there but it is remote.

 

I concur, spent a good week in the pasayten wilderness, did not see a soul for 7 days. Loved it.