On this page you will find supporting materials and media for upcoming hikes (other activities are listed on the Service and Calendar pages). The contents below are intended to supplement information found in the Boy Scout Handbook, Fieldbook, Merit Badge Worksheets and Pamphlets. If you have any questions you can ask the Scoutmaster, event coordinator or any adult. Hikes and outings will be discussed during regular Troop meetings so if you miss a meeting be sure to get the information as soon as possible.
7/15-19/13 PNT section hike from Diablo Dam
This is the big one! These five days will test your trail discipline and provide opportunities for advancement. Be sure to have your packs ready for inspection during the Troop meeting on 7/11. Pack inspection is mandatory so be sure that you have all of your food, gear and clothing ready for this great hike. Check out the itinerary and resources below.
Itinerary:
July 15th - Drive to the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center/Boat launch on Diablo Lake. Hike the Diablo Lake Trail to Little Beaver
Trail and stay at the Big Beaver Campground for night 1.
July 16th - Hike the Little Beaver Trail northwest to the Luna Campground for night 2.
July 17th - Hike the Little Beaver Trail to the northwest and return to Luna campground for night 3.
July 18th - Depart Luna Campground and head southeast back to Big Beaver campground for night 4
July 19th - Depart Big Beaver campground and head back to the Diablo Lake boat launch then return to the Scout Shack.
July 16th - Hike the Little Beaver Trail northwest to the Luna Campground for night 2.
July 17th - Hike the Little Beaver Trail to the northwest and return to Luna campground for night 3.
July 18th - Depart Luna Campground and head southeast back to Big Beaver campground for night 4
July 19th - Depart Big Beaver campground and head back to the Diablo Lake boat launch then return to the Scout Shack.
Resources:
PNT trail maps (pages 2-4 correspond to the overnight camps)
6/22-23/13 Wallace Falls hike
This hike will be the last outing before the 50-miler in July. This outing will be a test of conditioning in which you will be expected to maintain a 10 mile/day pace. This hike will feature significant elevation change over difficult terrain so be sure that your hiking boots fit properly. Also bring an extra pair of socks as well as moleskin in your first aid kit. Obtaining water will be difficult until camp is made on the first night. Be sure to pack enough water for an entire day's hike without resupply. Scouts that will be going on the 50-miler in July will be expected to participate in this hike.
Resources:
Wallace Falls park information
Wallace Falls trail map
USGS 7.5' 24k Wallace Lake topo map
USGS 7.5' 24k Gold Bar topo map
5/4-5/13 Baker Lake hike - Shannon Creek to Noisy Creek
Look at the USGS Welker Peak and Bacon Peak quads below for the Maple Grove hike or look for the Green Trails #46 (Lake Shannon, WA) at an outdoor retailer. Laminate your map or get a map sleeve to protect it while on the trail (or a large resealable freezer bag). Check your Scout Handbook for gear lists for camping. Remember to dress in layers as the weather can change unexpectedly. Be sure to bring sunscreen and bug repellent.
3/30-31/13 Baker Lake hike - Maple Grove
Check out the topo maps and other information below to help out with the Baker Lake hike. Be sure to bring clothing appropriate for unexpected changes in weather.
Resources:
REI guide to packing a backpack
WTA Maple Grove hike information
Northwest Forest pass information
WTA hiking pass information
USGS 7.5' 24k Welker Peak topo map
USGS 7.5' 24k Bacon Peak topo map
10/13-14/12 Monte Cristo hike (new date TBA)
Look at the USGS Welker Peak and Bacon Peak quads below for the Maple Grove hike or look for the Green Trails #46 (Lake Shannon, WA) at an outdoor retailer. Laminate your map or get a map sleeve to protect it while on the trail (or a large resealable freezer bag). Check your Scout Handbook for gear lists for camping. Remember to dress in layers as the weather can change unexpectedly. Be sure to bring sunscreen and bug repellent.
3/30-31/13 Baker Lake hike - Maple Grove
Check out the topo maps and other information below to help out with the Baker Lake hike. Be sure to bring clothing appropriate for unexpected changes in weather.
Resources:
REI guide to packing a backpack
WTA Maple Grove hike information
Northwest Forest pass information
WTA hiking pass information
USGS 7.5' 24k Welker Peak topo map
USGS 7.5' 24k Bacon Peak topo map
10/13-14/12 Monte Cristo hike (new date TBA)
Here is some information about the upcoming hike/camp and some essential gear for the location and time of year. Check the requirements for the Wilderness Survival (below), Orienteering, Camping, Cooking or any other Merit Badges that may interest you.
Resources:
Ten essentials list
WTA Monte Cristo hike information
WTA Monte Cristo town information
Monte Cristo wiki page
GeoPDF Adobe Acrobat Reader toolbar (it will allow you to view and print topographic maps using Adobe Acrobat). Follow the installation steps below.
- Install the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Install the GeoPDF toolbar for Acrobat.
- Open a map in a new browser tab or window (ex. the two below). Printing is possible from the tab or window but there are fewer formatting and viewing options.
- Select "Download Ctrl+S" from the file menu in the new tab or window.
- Open the map (.pdf file) that you downloaded using Acrobat with the installed GeoPDF toolbar.
- View or print the map in high resolution color. If you print on a field paper, such as Rite in the Rain Paper, your maps can be reused many times. An alternative is to print on standard paper and have your maps laminated.
- If you choose to print the map be sure that you print it on a wide-format printer in high-resolution color as most 7.5-minute maps will need to be 22" x 27" when printed.
USGS 7.5' 24k Monte Cristo topo map
USGS 7.5' 24k Blanca Lake topo map
USGS 7.5' 24k Blanca Lake topo map
9/15-16/12 Lord Hill Park mountain biking
Check out the videos below and be sure to read through the Cycling Merit Badge requirements and workbook. You might also consider working towards Merit Badges such as Wilderness Survival or American Heritage.
Resources:
A basic tune-up routine
A nice tutorial on bike tuning (many other tutorials available)
Mountain bike-specific checklist
Multiple repair and component-specific checklists and tutorials
A nice tutorial on bike tuning (many other tutorials available)
Mountain bike-specific checklist
Multiple repair and component-specific checklists and tutorials
8/25-26/12 Blewett Pass gold panning
Please review the state regulations on gold panning as well as the video playlist. Also think about how you can transform your experience into a Merit Badge such as Geology or Nature.
Resources:
Resources:
Washington State mining website, informational flyer and rules
USGS gold general interest pamphlet
Gold Magic (they produce spiral pans/concentrators) site on finding gold
Excellent site about prospecting
Excellent site about prospecting