Cascade Pass
Jul 08, 1999
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Cascade Pass
- Region: North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway
- Agency: North Cascades National Park Visitors Center (Newhalem)
- Avg Rating: 3.65
- Be Aware Of
- Blowdowns
- Snow on trail
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.
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