Stock trails in the North Cascades are designated and have specified camps for use with stock groups. Most are accessed from the Lake Chelan NRA but Ross Lake NRA is the access to several long trails that allow stock; Thunder Creek, Ross Lake and East Bank. All Wilderness party size limits apply, meaning that no more than twelve including all people and stock are allowed. 

PLAN AHEAD

• Be well informed about the regulations and trail conditions in the area in which you plan to travel.
• A safer more enjoyable trip can be had when you and your stock possess a high level of fitness.
• For their well-being, condition your stock to the equipment and feed you plan to use, and the sight of ‘unusual creatures’ such as humans wearing large backpacks, dogs, llamas and other stock animals.
• Acquire information on permits, proper equipment, backcountry food storage, and other trip planning considerations from the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount

BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL

Stock

• In the Park Complex, ‘stock’ are understood to be horses, mules, donkeys, and llamas.
• Goats are prohibited throughout the Park Complex.

Trails

• Not all trails in the Park Complex are maintained to standards safe for stock use.  See backcountry camp chart for trails and camps open to stock.
• Hitch rails are provided as a convenience at selected trailheads and backcountry sites.  Where they are not provided use a highline.  Picketing is prohibited.
• For sanitation reasons, stock are not permitted in tenting areas of campsites.
• Be a role model for other trail users and stay on trails, regardless of mud, snow, or ruts.
• Not all people know how to act when encountering stock.  Greet other trail users and instruct them on how to allow your party to pass.

Camping

• For overnight trips, Backcountry Camping Permits are required.
• Permits are issued at Ranger Station locations on a first-come, first-served basis, and no sooner than the day before the start of a trip.  Review your trip with a ranger for campsite availability and trail conditions.
• Campfires are prohibited in some areas, so plan to use a lightweight stove for cooking.
• Keep camps and trails sanitary and tidy: carry a rake to scatter dung piles and fill in pawed areas.

Party Size

• Note that the maximum group size for day use or camping, including animals, is 12 pairs of eyes.

MINIMIZING IMPACTS

 Water

• Water animals at established fords where low gravel or rocky areas exist.  Carry lightweight containers to water stock where clear access to water is hard to find.
• Clean water is crucial to life; prevent stock from defecating directly into water a water source.

Feed

• Sterile weed-free pellets (loose hay prohibited) are light weight and an excellent source of nutrition on the trail, especially where grazing is limited or prohibited.  Pellets also decrease introduction of non-native plant seeds into the backcounty.  Non-native plants can wreak havoc on the health and diversity of native plant communities.
• Keep wildlife healthy and self-reliant by not feeding them.  Secure your food, garbage, and toiletries from resident rodents, deer, and bear to avoid potentially unpleasant or dangerous encounters.  Store these items in wildlife-resistant containers or panniers, and hang at least 15 feet from the ground and 5 feet from the trunk of a tree.
• Use a nose bag, ground cloth, or container when feeding stock as it can attract wildlife.