Northern Cascades Hiking Adventure

October 1-5, 2025

It’s larch season in the cascades!

This adventure is rated 3 out of 5 for difficulty level. Both hikes on this trip are listed as hard on alltrails. You will be required to carry just your lunch, snacks and personal gear for the day since you will not be backpacking. Training is not required, but recommended. Guests must be able to two difficult hikes on back to back days. All trail information is listed below.


Nestled in the charming town of Winthrop, Washington, this women’s adventure trip is your gateway to the wild beauty of the North Cascades. Over the course of a few unforgettable days, you’ll lace up your boots and explore alpine lakes, rugged ridgelines, and witness the changes of the larches, all while surrounded by a supportive group of adventurous women. Evenings are spent back in Winthrop’s cozy mountain lodges, where you can relax, share stories, and soak in the small-town charm after days filled with big mountain views. This is a trip designed to reconnect you with nature, challenge your limits, and create lifelong friendships.

ITINERARY

    • If driving, you will meet us in Winthrop at the hotel. If you have added on transportation, we will all meet in Downtown Seattle for our transfer to Winthrop - gateway to the North Cascades National Park. You’ll be spending the next 4 nights in a cozy hotel room located on the Methow River. 

    • Check in begins at 3 pm. Each room has 2 queen beds and a view over looking the river. You’ll also have access to a microwave, mini fridge and coffee-making supplies.

    • Tonight you’ll meet the crew at 7:30 pm to enjoy a group dinner while you get to know each other and talk about your upcoming adventure! 

    • Meals: Dinner

    • Wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee on the balcony as you relax to the sounds of the river. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local cafe or bakery to fuel up for today’s adventure!

    • With our boots on and backpacks ready to go, our local guide will pick us up early to make our way to the trailhead. After a scenic one hour driver we will arrive at the trailhead.

    • Today we are hiking Maple Pass Loop, a hike known for both incredible views and its golden larches. 

    • We will stop to enjoy a packed lunch along the trail while we take in the scenery of the stunning Northern Cascades.

    • In the afternoon we will return back to the hotel where you’ll have free time to wander around town. 

    • Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a place of your choice this evening. 

    • Meals: Packed lunch on trail

      Total Distance: 7.2 miles
      Walking Time: 4-6hrs 
      Elevation: 2k ft

    • Rise and shine, it’s adventure time! Enjoy coffee and fuel up with a delicious breakfast this morning. We have another incredible day in store for you!

    • Grab your boots and backpack, our guide will pick us up this morning and drive us to our next adventure.

    • Today we hike Cutthroat Pass, another stunning hike known for its incredible views and magical golden larches.

    • We’ll stop along the trail to enjoy a packed lunch and take in the scenery. 

    • After the hike, we will head back in to town and you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. We recommend grabbing an ice cream treat at Shari’s, you earned it!

    • Dinner is at your leisure this evening.

    • Meals: Packed lunch on trail.

      Total Distance: 10 miles
      Walking Time: 6-8hrs 
      Elevation: 2k ft

    • Today is all about intentionally connecting with our bodies and nature. The morning starts out slow with time to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee by the river enjoying the sound of the flowing water.  

    • Forest Bathing - After breakfast, with our guide we will head to the forest to immerse ourselves among the leaves and trees. On this guided walk in the forest, your guide will emphasize slowing down and using all five senses to fully experience the  environment around you. By engaging with nature in this way, forest bathing can help lower stress hormones like cortisol and reduce blood pressure, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Begin with mindful movement to connect to the land with our body, mind and spirit. After spend some time in stillness with a sensory awareness meditation. Then experience three different senses with three different walks and end with a tea ceremony.

    • After the hike, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring town how you’d like - stop for a tasting at the Lost River Winery, check out the Shafer museum or visit the North Cascades Smoke Base Jumper Camp.

    • Enjoy a farewell dinner with your new friends at a local restaurant in town.

    • Meals: Dinner

      Total Distance: 2 miles
      Walking Time: 2 hrs 

    • Enjoy a slow morning and relax with a warm cup of coffee as you enjoy the sounds of the river. 

    • Today, sadly our adventure ends and it’s time to head our separate ways. Say your good-byes and give your new friends a hug before heading home. Check out is 11 a.m.

Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com

Ready to Book?

Ready to Book?

  • $2,195 USD double occupancy hotel room overlooking the Methow River.

    Single occupancy available on request.

    If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.

    A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.

    • 5 days / 4 nights accommodations at the charming Rio Vista Hotel in Winthrop.

    • Local female guide for hiking and forest bathing activities.

    • Transportation to the trailhead for all included activities.

    • Entrance fees or parking fees to all the sites mentioned in the itinerary.

    • Meals as noted in the itinerary.

    • Pre-travel checklists, packing list, and support from your Women Who Explore trip host.

    • Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions

    • Small group; maximum group of 9 women plus your trip host and 1-2 local guides.

    • WWE Swag to make your heart happy!

  • Don’t have a car or are you flying in for this EPIC adventure? Don’t worry - add on round trip transportation with our local guide service for an additional fee of $120 per person. Limited availability.

    This service includes transfer from Seattle to Winthrop and back to Seattle. The shuttle would be leaving at 2 pm from Seattle (location TBD) on Oct. 1. and returning to the same location in Seattle on Sunday, October 5, departing Winthrop at 11 am. The drive is approximately 4 hours one way. Please plan accordingly.

    Guests are allowed to carry one piece of medium sized luggage and any additional items may be stored on your lap or under feet in the van.

  • • International flights to/from Seattle International Airport (SEA) or Spokane International Airport (GEG).

    • Transfers outside of designated times or meeting points.

    • Alcohol, speciality beverages, snacks, and meals not listed in the itinerary.

    • Any other additional excursions and activities not noted in the inclusions above.

    • Visas and entry requirements as applicable.

    • Travel insurance (required).

    • Tips and gratuity for guides, drivers, etc. The value of the tip is at the discretion of the client.

    • Medical expenses, immunizations, and any Covid-19 required testing as applicable.

    • Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.

  • All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.

  • This trip requires a minimum number of women to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).

  • Please see our Terms of Service.

    All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.

    Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.

    Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.

  • Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.

    For recommended travel insurance providers click here.

  • Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.

  • Please note that while this trip is planned during the typical golden larch season in the North Cascades, we cannot guarantee the presence, visibility, or peak color of the larch trees during your scheduled trip.

    Larch color change is a natural phenomenon influenced by a variety of unpredictable factors including weather patterns, temperature changes, and elevation. Peak color can vary from year to year, and may arrive earlier or later than expected. Additionally, fog, rain, snow, wildfire smoke, or other weather conditions may limit visibility or access to certain areas. The trip will proceed as planned, focusing on the overall experience of hiking in the North Cascades, regardless of larch visibility.

    We appreciate your understanding and flexibility, and we’re committed to providing a rewarding and memorable outdoor experience—whatever nature delivers.