Little Giant Pass
Central CascadesBest Aug–Oct
A punishing 4,000-foot climb to the rim of the Napeequa Valley, where Glacier Peak's glaciers fill the horizon.
About This Trail
Little Giant Pass sits at 6,409 feet on the rim of the Napeequa Valley, one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. The trail gains 4,000 feet in 5 miles, switchbacking through forest and burned snag stands before emerging into subalpine meadows where cairns mark the route to the pass.
The view from the top looks straight down into the Napeequa River's glacially carved U-shaped valley. The river threads a flat valley floor flanked by Clark Mountain and Luahna Peak. The descent into the valley is steep and loose. Most hikers stop at the pass itself.
Access requires fording the Chiwawa River at the trailhead. The crossing runs mid-calf to waist-deep in cold, glacial water and is only safely passable from August through October. Earlier attempts risk dangerously high water. The Chiwawa River Road approach is long dirt but was regraded after the 2025 fire season.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
River ford and difficulty filter most visitors. Even peak weekends rarely see more than a few parties.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Mandatory Chiwawa River ford at trailhead, waist-deep in cold glacial water
- Only safely crossable August through October
- Steep loose scramble near the pass
- Route-finding required in upper meadows, follow cairns
Getting There
Start early to allow time for the ford and the 4,000-foot climb. River is lowest in early morning before afternoon snowmelt.
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