Hiked to Cascade Pass. Cascade River Road closed about 2 miles from trailhead (it ought to open pretty soon, however). Trail head ignored for a more direct route over snow. Since visibility was almost nil, we did locate it later in the thick timber. Much blow-down and lots of snow. Eventually we found the final switch back leading to the Pass even with the 4 - 10 feet of snow on it. At the pass there is still several feet of snow. Conditions were miserable: rain, strong wind, and no visibility. The next day, however dawned clear and calm. Saw a good sized bear and plenty of scat. The trip back to the car involved about an hour of standing-glissading interspersed with snow walking, down-climbing. If visibility allows, take snow route to pass. If not, trail is easily found with a little poking around once one is above the initial brushy section. (We gained about 700' on snow/talus before heading into the timber and found the trail immediately.) Bring an ice ax.

It's a long ride on a
gravel road(25 miles) to the trailhead of Cascade Pass, but it's worth it. IT WAS HOT! Most of the hikers looked exhausted by the heat. We headed up to the pass at about 2 pm and even though it was hot it was getting cooler. There is water on the trail periodically and that made it easier. The top was cooler and a lot more comfortable. A GREAT HIKE AND A BEAUTIFUL VIEW!

Road to Cascade Pass in
pretty fair shape - 3 hours from Bellevue (142 miles). Probably 15 cars in the lot @ 11AM on a Friday, but only saw 12-14 people on trail. Trail in fine shape, no problems. Snow field just before Pass is safe, as even if fall and don't self arrest, the run out is short and flattens out. Warm, with scattered clouds, a brief ""heat rain"" made for a pleasant day. Was surprised by the lack of bugs and flowers. Some glacier lily, heather, and one clumb of columbine. Saw a varied thrush, heard a grouse, saw a pika, 2 marmot and heard reports of a bear on an upper slope before we got there. Nice rewards for the long drive. JPP Clyde HIll

Started out on Hidden
Lake Lookout trail and ran into 6 hunters and decided to turn around and head to cascade pass. The road is in good shape now with one construction bridge with a night watchman. At the trailhead the forest service was helicoptering out old tent pads from somewhere over the pass towards cottonwood where the river has changed course this year and decide to go along the road. I have to wonder if it would have been cheaper to burn the wood ' Away the trail is in excellent shape with snow starting 300 m from the pass. At the pass there is about 6 inches of snow. The trail heading up to Sahale arm the snow is only 4 inches deep and easy walking until the plateau where the snow deepens to about 2 feet. This was my turn around point since it was now 5 pm. Check out previous trip reports for better trail decscriptions.

9/19/97 Terry Love
A clear and sunny morning, Bruce and I arrived at the parking lot of the Cascade Pass hike. To the pass and back is about 7 miles. A climb of 1800 feet. From the parking lot looms large and formidable Mount Johannesburg. We both sling on our packs and head up the easy grade to the Pass. After ten minutes on the trail we hear a loud crashing of rocks. Peering through a gap in the trees at Mount Johannesburg, we see a large section of glacier at least 400 feet across and 100 feet deep and thick break off with a continuing roar and start it's smashing way down the steep side of the mountain flowing like a river carrying rocks and ice on it's way.  On the last traverse, the trail breaks out into the open and Mount Johannesburg is near, seeming to fill the view to the West. At the Pass,  the view opens to the East, looking far into Eastern Washington. A small stone patio with log benches allows people to gather, eat lunch and enjoy the view of the Glaciers above Pelton Basin. To the left, the trail heads up the ridge to Sahale Arm, 1200 feet higher than the pass. http://www.psbl.com/hiking