Cascade Pass
Aug 24, 2007
- 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
- Bugs
Great day for a hike!
Got an early start and made it to the trailhead by 9:30.
Temperatures comfortable for short sleeves, but not too hot.
The begining 2/3 of the hike were well graded and in the shade.
Can't say how many switchbacks there are, my accountant was not along for this hike.
Wonderful flower show beyond the halfway point, with pearly everlasting, spirea, columbines, gentians, several kinds of aster-esque blossoms and even one monkey flower putting in appearances.
Just short of the pass got to sample the local blueberries and saw a spruce grouse. (Why did the spruce grouse cross the trail?)
My early start meant I was very much alone on the way up.
Not so on the way down.
At the pass it was just me and the picas, the sunshine and the view on the talus for lunch.
Many more lifeforms intersected on the way down, including about 30 sailors up for the day. I am not used to being called sir by other hikers.
Also as the day warmed, the black flies swarmed.
Kept moving to keep them off.
The road is rough, washboarded and potholed, but the Carrola was able to handle it, without losing any parts.
The repaired washouts are obvious and much of the road is down to a single lane, drive carefully.
Document Actions
- Email this page
- Print this
- Share
Forgot your
New user?
