The Great North Cascades Traverse
~12 days · 75.7 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the The Great North Cascades Traverse is known for
The Great North Cascades Traverse is a 10-14-day backpacking route in Washington (North Cascades).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 5,069 ft to 20,043 ft over 75.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 30.6 mi · 41%
- Downhill 39.5 mi · 53%
- Flat 4.9 mi · 7%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the The Great North Cascades Traverse?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the The Great North Cascades Traverse scores 42/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the The Great North Cascades Traverse take?
Most backpackers hike the The Great North Cascades Traverse in about 12 days (11 nights out) over its 75.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the The Great North Cascades Traverse?
The The Great North Cascades Traverse climbs roughly 19,203 ft total — about 254 ft per mile, topping out near 6,129 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.