McAlester Lake / South Pass Trail

Starting from the Fireweed Camp trailhead along the Stehekin Valley, this trail climbs steadily through old-growth forest before opening into subalpine meadows that explode with wildflowers in midsummer. The route follows a well-worn path shared with stock animals, so expect wider tread and the occasional evidence of horse traffic. The seasonal bridge at Rainbow Ford is the crux — it gets pulled every fall, meaning early-season and late-season hikers face a potentially dicey creek crossing. Beyond the ford, the trail grinds upward through increasingly dramatic terrain toward McAlester Lake, a classic North Cascades alpine gem ringed by rugged peaks. Push further to South Pass at roughly 6,300 feet and you're rewarded with sweeping views into the heart of the range. This one is for hikers who don't mind earning their scenery the hard way and appreciate backcountry solitude that the more famous Cascade Pass crowd will never find.