The North Cascades National Park is a rugged wilderness playground in a land known as “the alps of the United States”, which runs along the Canadian border in Washington State. Massive mountains, deep valleys, hanging glaciers, crisp natural streams, and extraordinary mountain lakes provide the canvas for this 14-day multisport adventure.

As we backpack through old growth forests and skirting rushing rivers, each is greeted with an incredible concoction of beauty and challenge. Climbing over remote mountain passes, we explore beliefs that are reflected in how we approach our experiences. Glaciers hang in suspense as we walk by, slack-jawed with wonder. Cold-water dunks, just a few miles down from the snowmelt, awakens the senses, feeds the spirit, and rejuvenates the soul. Through this chapter, we build into a 48-hour solo that serves as a Rite of Passage and a deep check-in point in ones own development as youth on their way into adulthood.

This dead-end trail terminated at the 25-mile-long Ross Lake. Here, we exchange hiking boots for paddles for the transition from hiking to canoes. We are delivered a resupply, along with the boats, and make our way down the lake over the last few days, stopping to see waterfalls, lake-front campsites, and side-hikes. This chapter registers as a reward of spaciousness after the ordeal to take-in, digest, ground and deepen the experience while still in the sanctity of the wild.

This is a quintessential Inner Guide trip: wonderfully meeting the high school spirit and bursting with opportunity to answer the call to a deeper truth of self through adventure, challenge, and vulnerability.

From the Participant's Perspective:
“Being a part of Inner Guide Expeditions was one of the largest cultivating factors in my journey to become the man I am today. The connections, discoveries, lessons, and kindness of heart that I experienced with IGE have all left a permanent imprint on my life, and will always be remembered. From insightful circles to late nights with friends on the coast of a remote island, Inner-guide has been nothing short of a youthful miracle. Discovering Inner guide is a world I wish every growing teenager could experience. The love and character that is fostered within these young adults is truly one of a kind. It is authentic; A place where each individual’s differences are welcomed and celebrated.” - Anam M, (Participant)