Mt. Margaret Backpacking

[april12345]

Hello,
I was able to get permits to camp in the Mount Margaret Backcountry. This will be my first time backpacking here. I've done the loowit trail, but not mount margaret. Anyways, most of the camps I wanted were already taken but I was able to get a camp site at Panhandle camp on the first night and Ridge Camp on the 2nd night. This is in Mid-July. I'm just starting me research of the area and trails and thought i'd post here to get some help.

My question is what route would you suggest we take between these two campsites and where should we start? I've heard to avoid trail 214 (Whittier ridge). Is there any other trails that should be avoided. Will there still be snow? I heard Norway Pass is closed until early July due to snow. Does that mean that starting at the norway pass trailhead is probably a bad option?

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[adamschneider]

Whittier Ridge is awesome. Don't avoid it!

[cfm]

I've done the reverse trip, in July a few years ago. Whittier can be tricky with a full overnight backpack but it's a really fun ridgewalk, just take your time.

Went up in the snow this past fall, it was a little sketchier:

[teachpdx]

I did the exact same trip last year, to and from Norway Pass.

Panhandle is a great spot. Ridge, well, same as you it was the only one left. Not my favorite by far, but not bad by any means.

It made a long day back to Norway Pass at the end, but it was totally fine.

Mid-July should really be no issue, there will be patches of snow along the trail but not enough to stop you.

And definitely take the Whittier Ridge route. Just go slow and you'll be totally fine.

[retired jerry]

is there drinking water at ridge?

I think if you keep walking down the other side a stream starts

I was there a few years ago

[teachpdx]

is there drinking water at ridge?

I think if you keep walking down the other side a stream starts

I was there a few years ago

Jerry, your memory serves you correctly. There is a creek just a few minutes walk down Trail 230.
And there should be plenty of water in mid-July.

[retired jerry]

good, thanks

it would be a shame to get up there and find no water, have to hike a long ways to find any

[adamschneider]

Went up in the snow this past fall, it was a little sketchier:

cfm's photo makes it look much scarier than it is.

[pcg]

Went up in the snow this past fall, it was a little sketchier:

cfm's photo makes it look much scarier than it is.

Isn't that the point of photos posted on the Internet?

[Chip Down]

Went up in the snow this past fall, it was a little sketchier:

cfm's photo makes it look much scarier than it is.

Isn't that the point of photos posted on the Internet?

Well, it worked for me! I was imagining going up, but then noticed partner over there to the right. Doesn't look like my idea of a good time!