Cascade Pass,Sahale Arm
Aug 12, 2008
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- 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
- Be Aware Of
- Bugs
I've been aching to return to Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm for nearly 20 years, and yesterday turned out to be my lucky day. A lot can happen in so long a time, so the first thing we noticed was that the Cascade River Road is much improved. In addition, the trailhead parking lot is downright spiffy, although the incredible views haven't changed a single iota. In fact, the trail to Cascade Pass, 3.7 miles or so, seems quite similar with the same endless (though easy) switchbacks and splendid peeks at Johannesburg. The ridge section before the pass is heavenly and made us grateful to be alive.
Cascade Pass itself is a worthy destination and includes stunning views of valleys both east and west. There has been a substantial amount of work on the pass, both restoration and the addition of benches. Nevertheless, it was Sahale Arm or bust, so up we went. Someone has also done a ton of work in this area. Instead of the steep, straight-up struggle of yore, there are now proper switchbacks complete with stone paths that were obviously constructed. We even saw bags of stones to be added later. This section of the trail is now longer, but definitely more civilized than in the past. Nevertheless, it is still steep enough to scare off the tennis shoe-clad.
Once you reach the cutoff to Doubtful Lake, the trail levels out and follows a ridge to the bottom of Sahale Glacier. (We stopped just short of attaining the climbers'camp, because the scenery didn't seem like it would change much, not sure.) The ridge area is a real lunar landscape and well worth the extra effort. Such incredible views of both Sahale Glacier and a myriad of other peaks. There were also plenty of exotic alpine flowers, including valerian, tiny lupine, and possibly some sort of saxifragia. Some nasty flies attacked us at the top and bothered us for a bit. Overall, this is probably one of the best trails in Washington. Apparently many agree, because there was quite a crowd at the pass and on the lower trail during our descent. Estimated stats are about 3400 of gain and just under 12 miles.
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Sahale Arm View
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