McGregor Mountain Trail

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Distance

7.5 mi

Elevation Gain

5,700 ft

Est. 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.

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

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.

Overview

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous

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.

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

Best Season to Hike

Late July through September. Top 2 miles typically under snow until August—check with rangers for current conditions before committing to the full route.

Hiking Tips

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

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 7.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 5,700 ft

Duration: 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.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Dirt and root trail transitioning to rocky switchbacks, talus slopes, and exposed rock scramble to summit

Getting There

Trailhead: 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.

Requirements

Permit Required

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).

Shuttle Required

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.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed

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.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: 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.

Shade: 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.

Cell Service: Likely unreliable or absent—remote mountain location. Plan to be without cell service.

Hazards:

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.

Emergency: Call 911 in emergencies. For non-emergency park assistance, contact North Cascades National Park Ranger Station.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Lighter than main park trails due to remote shuttle access required. Less traffic than the North Cascades Highway corridor trails.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty, steep forested switchbacks leading to rocky talus slopes and exposed scramble. Hand-and-foot route-finding required to reach the summit.

Family Notes:

What Hikers Say

FAQs

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?

Do I need a backcountry permit?

Is this safe to hike alone?

What will kill me on this hike?

When should I NOT do this hike?

What's the water situation really like?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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