Cascade Pass - Sahale Arm
Jul 09, 2009
by
juliep
—
last modified
Jul 12, 2009 11:42 AM
- Type of Outing
- Overnight
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm
- Region: North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway
- Agency: North Cascades National Park
- Avg Rating: 3.74
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
- Be Aware Of
- Water on trail
- Snow on trail
We planned an overnight trip up at the base of Sahale Glacier after attempting it once before 3years ago but only made it to the base of Sahale's arm. We started out at the trailhead at 12:30 for Cascade Pass- Sahale Arm. The day was absolutely amazing, warm weather with a nice gentle breeze the whole entire stretch. Minding the endless 33 switchbacks along the way, you have gorgeous views of Johannesburg Peak and plenty of canopy to keep you covered from the sun. There are lots of opportunities to get water along the way. Snow patches are still along the trail and especially one just a quarter mile before reaching the Cascade Pass lookout that you should be careful to watch your footing--but we made it, just don't look down. We arrived to the Cascade Pass lookout at about 2:30, there were only 2 other groups of hikers resting there for lunch. We continued on the push up the steep climb up to Sahale and saw lots of marmots on the rocks and a deer resting under tree cover. The rest of the hike is uncovered and we were so thankful for the breeze in the sunny weather. The meadows are in bloom of berry blossoms, but it will be at least another 2weeks before the berries ripen. There weren't a lot of bugs on the hike. Sahale's Arm still has lots of areas of snow patches along the trail, and walking poles would've been helpful for us but we didn't have any. We lost sight of the trail just about 1/2mile before reaching the campsites, and really wish we had the poles to help us trek across the shortcut on the snow that the other hikers ahead took. Instead, we found the trail again and ascended another steep and rocky climb to the campsites. Alas, we made it! Only two other campsites were occupied when we reached Sahale Glacier's base at 5pm. Campsites are secluded from each other and encased by a rockwall with great views from all sites. Found a snowmelt creek for water. We were up in the clouds with unbelievably spectacular views of Doubtful lake, Mt. Rainier, Shuksan, and the North Cascade Mt. ranges (Mt. Baker was hidden from view by a mountain peak).
The wind made it chilly throughout the night, but had a full moon and clear skies that lit up the mountain range all night. Woke up to a pair of friendly mountain goats less than 10feet from our camp who spent about 4hrs visiting between all of the campers. The next day, we headed back at 9:40am and made it back to the parking lot at 1:30pm, taking only short water breaks. There was lots more hikers as well as overnight campers on the trail the next day. Photos will be uploaded soon.
The wind made it chilly throughout the night, but had a full moon and clear skies that lit up the mountain range all night. Woke up to a pair of friendly mountain goats less than 10feet from our camp who spent about 4hrs visiting between all of the campers. The next day, we headed back at 9:40am and made it back to the parking lot at 1:30pm, taking only short water breaks. There was lots more hikers as well as overnight campers on the trail the next day. Photos will be uploaded soon.
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