This is a fantastic loop and should be on anyone's bucket list for North Cascade's exploration. It truly wont disappoint with old growth forests, high alpine ridges, craggy peaks, challenging passes, quiet meadows, streams and lakes. The fall colors experienced on this loop were some of the most vibrant and full I have ever seen in the mountains. Also, BLUEBERRIES!! If you time it right you could practically go without any packed calories because of all the blueberries and wild strawberries along this route :p
I ran this route in 12 hours counter-clockwise. I recommend counter-clockwise for both a fast trip (trail run/2days) and for longer efforts (3-4 days). This allows the steepest and highest portion of the route to be at the beginning when you're fresh and full of calories and saves the rolling, well-maintained portion for the end (along with frequent dips in Ross Lake).
The trail overall is in fairly good shape with two exceptions: 1) When starting eastbound at the East Bank Trailhead / Devil's Dome Loop TH, approximately 1.5 miles east of the TH a large slide has taken the trail. It is passable, by way of climbing uphill toward a large root base of an old growth tree that is too large in diameter to climb over. Do not attempt to go down to the river as this is not passable. 2) There are many smaller diameter trees down across this route. Frankly, too many to count. They are all pretty small trees and are mostly easy to navigate through, they do however, slow you down and if you had a large and heavy pack, they would be frustratingly cumbersome.
Beyond these two issues, the trail is largely in good shape. There are a few overgrown sections primarily in avalanche gullies and basins where the slide alder and heather have choked the trail in places.
Water is mostly plentiful along this route in the late season, however between Devil's Dome Creek and the west side of Devil's Dome itself is completely dry. Additionally, this portion of the loop is fairly exposed and it can be hot so if taking your time along this section, carry plenty of water.
Go get it!!
Connect with me on Strava as Pen Cook
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