Trail

McGregor Mountain Trail

Trail
A view looking down a forested mountain valley, with rugged snow-capped peaks in the distance.

This is a strenuous, high-commitment hike: 7.5 miles with 5,700 feet of relentless elevation gain, plus an exposed 1,000-foot scramble to the summit. The first section to Howard Lake is forested, but thereafter relentless switchbacks climb through increasingly exposed terrain with minimal water after mile 6. The real payoff: views at mile 2.9 (2,100 feet up) overlooking Stehekin River Valley, or continue to Heaton Camp at mile 7 (7,000 feet) for subalpine vistas of surrounding peaks and Glacier Peak Wilderness. Summiting requires hand-and-foot climbing on exposed rocky ledges—route-finding skills and comfort with exposure are essential.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
7.5
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
5700

Trail profile

Distance Miles
7.5
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
5700
Estimated Time
5-7 hours to trail's end (fit hikers), 3-4 hours descent. Add 1-2 hours if attempting the summit scramble. The 2.9-mile viewpoint is reachable in 3-4 hours round trip as an alternative turnaround.
Trail Surface
Dirt and root trail transitioning to rocky switchbacks, talus slopes, and exposed rock scramble to summit
Trail Features
  • Sweeping valley views
  • Forested switchbacks
  • Rocky outcrops
  • Talus slopes
  • Subalpine forest at 7,000 feet
  • Mountain peaks
  • Exposed rock scramble
  • Stehekin River Valley overlook
  • Glacier Peak Wilderness vistas
Trail Highlights
Viewpoint at mile 2.9 with 2,100 feet of elevation gain, overlooking Stehekin River Valley. Heaton Camp at mile 7 sits at 7,000 feet in subalpine forest with 360-degree views of surrounding peaks and Glacier Peak Wilderness to the south. The summit (if attempted) provides unobstructed vistas with a radio repeater visible as a navigation landmark.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
High Bridge (11 miles from Stehekin Landing via shuttle). Access via Pacific Crest Trail north to Howard Lake; turn-off for McGregor Mountain Trail is immediately beyond the lake.
Shuttle Required
1
Shuttle Details
Trailhead access requires shuttle from Stehekin Landing to High Bridge (11 miles). Most shuttle layover times do not allow completion as a day trip from the landing—backcountry camping at High Bridge or Tumwater camps is recommended.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Backcountry permit required for camping at Heaton Camp (mile 7.0). Day hikers may proceed without permits. If attempting a full summit push as a day trip from Stehekin, consider camping at High Bridge or Tumwater camps beforehand.
Fees
No entrance fee for North Cascades National Park. America the Beautiful annual pass: $80 (covers all federal recreation sites).
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Top 2 miles may be under snow until August. Check with rangers for current conditions. No formal closure dates; assess snow coverage and scramble safety before attempting the summit section.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Little water after mile 6, especially in late season. Filter at creeks near Howard Lake and on lower trail sections. Carry 3L water minimum for the upper section.
Accessibility
Rooty, steep forested switchbacks leading to rocky talus slopes and exposed scramble. Hand-and-foot route-finding required to reach the summit.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Steep, exposed terrain
  • Drop-offs with real exposure
  • Route-finding required on summit section
  • Water scarcity after mile 6
  • Snow until August
  • High elevation and thin air
  • Scrambling on exposed rock
Hazard Details
Relentless switchbacks with exposed cliff edges and drop-offs. The summit section requires hand-and-foot scrambling on exposed rocky ledges—route-finding skills are essential. Faint red arrows mark the way. No water after mile 6 in summer—severe dehydration risk. The upper 2 miles may be under snow until August, creating slippery conditions and navigation hazards. Elevation increases exposure as you climb.
Cell Service
Likely unreliable or absent—remote mountain location. Plan to be without cell service.
Crowd Level
Lighter than main park trails due to remote shuttle access required. Less traffic than the North Cascades Highway corridor trails.
Best Season
Late July through September. Top 2 miles typically under snow until August—check with rangers for current conditions before committing to the full route.
Best Time To Visit
Late July through August—snow clears from upper sections by late July, and weather is most stable. Start by 6 AM to finish before dark and avoid afternoon exposure. Early season (late May-June) has snow on the upper 2 miles. September is possible but weather becomes unpredictable. Avoid the hike if snow blocks the upper section—exposure becomes serious.
Tips Advice
  • Bring 3L water minimum—water is scarce after mile 6
  • Start by 6 AM for a day hike
  • Trekking poles essential for the relentless descent
  • Map and compass required—red arrows on the summit section are faint
  • Don't underestimate elevation gain—first 2.9 miles is 2,100 feet of climbing
  • The 2.9-mile viewpoint is a legitimate turnaround if conditions look sketchy
  • Route-finding skills are not optional on the summit scramble

More details

Park Area
Stehekin Area, North Cascades National Park
Trail Markers
Faint, intermittent red arrows on the summit section mark the route. Lower sections are well-worn but may lack clear markers—navigation skills required.
Dogs Allowed
Leashed dogs allowed
Shade Level
Mostly forested in the beginning with rocky outcrops offering occasional respite from sun. Upper section becomes increasingly exposed as forest thins to talus slopes and subalpine areas—full sun exposure in the final 2 miles.
Emergency Contacts
Call 911 in emergencies. For non-emergency park assistance, contact North Cascades National Park Ranger Station.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Top 2 miles typically under snow until August. Check with rangers for current conditions before attempting the upper section.
Insider Tips
  • The 2.9-mile viewpoint (2,100ft gain) is a legitimate turnaround for those not committed to the full hike—still delivers excellent views
  • Red arrows on the summit section are faint—scan ahead for paint on rocks, not trail markers
  • Start by 6 AM if doing a day hike from High Bridge
  • Bring 3L water and ration it once you pass mile 5
  • The descent is harder on knees than the ascent—use trekking poles on the way down
  • If snow blocks the upper section, reconsider the summit scramble—exposure becomes serious and route-finding becomes guesswork
  • False summit at mile 7 might tempt you—look for the radio repeater ahead to confirm you're heading the right direction
Recent Updates
No recent updates available in NPS data. Check with park rangers for current trail conditions, snow status, and water availability.
Family Friendly Notes
Not appropriate for young children or families. Exposed drops, relentless climbing, and remote location present serious hazards. Requires strong fitness, route-finding ability, and comfort with exposure. Adults with kids should stop at the 2.9-mile viewpoint instead of continuing to Heaton Camp.
Review Summary
Hikers describe this as a lung-buster with relentless elevation gain and increasingly exposed terrain. Those who reach Heaton Camp report world-class subalpine views of Stehekin Valley and Glacier Peak Wilderness. Summiteers describe the final scramble as serious exposure requiring route-finding confidence. The climb is brutal but legitimate.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this trail?

If you've hiked 5,000+ feet of gain before, you can do it. This is purely cardiovascular and leg-strength work—not technical. The scramble to the summit requires route-finding confidence and comfort with exposure, but it's not rock climbing.

How long does this actually take?

Most fit hikers take 5-7 hours going up to trail's end. Descent takes 3-4 hours. Add 1-2 hours if scrambling to the summit. Many hikers stop at the 2.9-mile viewpoint (3-4 hours round trip) and call it a day.

Do I need a backcountry permit?

Only if camping at Heaton Camp (mile 7). Day hikers don't need permits. If you can't finish as a day trip from Stehekin Landing, get a permit and camp at High Bridge or Tumwater beforehand.

Is this safe to hike alone?

Yes, but the upper section is exposed. Bring a map, compass, and know how to use them. Start early so you finish before dark. The red arrows are faint—take a photo of the summit section if you have service. Solo hikers on exposed scrambles should know their comfort zone.

What will kill me on this hike?

Dehydration (no water after mile 6 in summer). Exposure (drop-offs on the summit section). Cold if snow is present. Darkness if you start late. Underestimating time. Bring 3L water, trekking poles, a map, and expect to be exhausted.

When should I NOT do this hike?

Skip it if snow is present above 6,000 feet (typically before August). Skip it if you're not comfortable with exposed scrambling or route-finding. Skip it if you can't secure shuttle access from Stehekin or backcountry camping. Skip it if weather is unstable or you're tired.

What's the water situation really like?

Little to no water after mile 6, especially late season. Filter at creeks on the lower sections and at the lake near Howard Lake. You MUST carry 3L minimum and ration it carefully. Dehydration is the primary hazard.

Agnes Gorge Trail

5 miles, 500ft gain. Muddy spring; wildflowers mid-summer. Easy-to-moderate ramble to a 200ft cascade.

Cascade Pass Trail

Relentless switchbacks to a glacier-rimmed pass. Most popular trail in the park—arrive early or miss the summit.

Company Creek Trail

Steep climb through forest to Bonanza Peak views. Nettles and overgrown sections demand respect.

Diablo Lake Trail

Exposed bridge crossing, 1,300ft gain. Moderate challenge with ferry escape option on return.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.