Backpack Spider Gap (No actual spiders!)

Park at the Phelps Trailhead and walk 3-4 miles with gentle elevation gain to Spider Meadow. Camp in the woods or at the meadow, if you're feeling lazy, or forge ahead and cross Spider Glacier.

The glacier is non-technical. Wear regular hiking boots (or even tennis shoes) and carry hiking poles. Definitely load up on sunscreen and wear your sunglasses, as you'll be blasted by the sun.

As soon as you cross the pass, meander down the glacier on the other side toward Lyman Lakes. This is a phenomenal, quiet place to camp. Glacial creep is evident in this valley, as are avalanches and rockfall. (Don't be an idiot and camp below the scree. Rocks fall throughout the day and night here.)

The next day, cross the next mountain pass and head toward the Pacific Crest Trail for views of Glacier Peak (est. 18 miles roundtrip, and stout elevation gain and loss if you want to camp another night at Lyman Lakes). Badgers, birds, and alpine meadows abound. The glacier peak will knock your socks off.

Want to make it a loop? Take the trail down the mountain valley (you can't miss it, just follow the valley carved by glaciers). The trail is pretty dull compared to the Dr. Suessian valley of wonder that is Lyman Lakes - views diminish, and plants hang over the trail. However, if you're jonesing for an ice cream cone in a Lutheran town that has no liquor, you're headed in the right direction. Take the boat across Lake Chelan from Lucerne to the town of Chelan, and hitchhike or pay for a ride back to Phelps Creek Trailhead. It's on the way to Steven's Pass, so tons of traffic heads in that general direction.