4 Days
Thornwood Ridge Traverse
A high-alpine ridge walk through old-growth forest, above the treeline for two full days.
Small groups. No trailheads you've heard of.
The backcountry doesn't need more people in it.
The backcountry doesn't need more people in it.
Just the right ones.
Northbound leads small, guided trips into wild country — six people, one guide, zero crowds. Est. 2011.
Upcoming Trips
Where we're headed next
7 Days
Coldwater River Descent
Pack rafts and quiet water through a river valley almost nobody paddles.
3 Days
Longmoor Basin Loop
An easy, family-friendly loop through wildflower meadows and glacial lakes.
Our Approach
We keep it small on purpose
Six guests, one guide, no exceptions. Every trip is built around the group that's on it, not a fixed itinerary we run on repeat.
01
Leave No Trace, always
Every guide is LNT-certified. We leave every camp better than we found it.
02
Local guides, real knowledge
Our guides live where we hike — not seasonal hires flown in for the summer.
03
Gear included, no rentals
Tents, cook kit, safety gear — all provided, all maintained between every trip.
Meet the Guides
Led by people who live out here
EM
Elena Marsh
Lead Guide, 14 seasonsTK
Tomas Kade
River & Water, 9 seasonsRH