backpacking in the northwest

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The defining backpacking trek in this region, and perhaps in the entire province, is the Nuxalk-Carrier Grease Route/Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail. Alexander Mackenzie is Canada's Lewis and Clark, both wrapped up into one intrepid explorer. Mackenzie was the first European to cross the Rocky Mountains, predating the aforementioned Lewis and Clark by 12 years. He

- Guided climbs on Mt. Adams, High Ropes challenge course, Instruction in rock, ice, and alpine climbing, High Angle Rescue, Retail Store, Rental Equipment for climbing and backpacking, Shuttle Service around Mt. Adams and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

If you long for the great unspoiled outdoors, we guarantee you'll find it if you go backpacking in the Northwest Territories.

Decades ago before even carrying a camera, I'd hiked north of Sherman Creek Pass along the "Kettle Crest National Recreation Trail" to Copper Butte. It was quite the hike. As the topo maps will show this trail roller coastered through a magnificent series of peaks and passes on its journey there - and beyond.

Written by Ira Spring and Harvey Manning, I get the sense the guide is a local favorite, although I personally don't like the chatty style and lack of consistent structure in the trail descriptions. For some people, notably armchair readers, or area residents seeking local color and history, this style would be considered a bonus.

The Pacific Northwest provides an exceptional environment for extended backpack trips. Active from April to October, the backpacking group plans outings in the Cascades, Olympics and beyond.

Pack your water bottle deep inside of your backpack so that it does not freeze. Be sure that the top is screwed on tight and store the bottle upside down. Water freezes from the top to the bottom so if your bottle is stored upside down, the mouth of the bottle will remain free of ice. Use a bottle insulator to prevent the water from freezing also.