Cascade Pass — Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025

What more is there to say about this iconic hike? One thing first about the road. It's washboardy for miles, some potholes but not a lot, after you cross into the National Park, the road gets better for a bit then worse. There are 2 or 3 really bad spots that, if you are not paying attention (because the scenery is distracting you), you will be jarred awake. I have a Durango (high clearance) and I bottomed out at one of those points. I arrived at the circular parking lot at 6:15 am on a Thursday morning and had no trouble finding a parking spot. The trail is in great shape, all 30 switchbacks are gradual in elevation gain. This is not a difficult trail. My photos are a little muted due in part to the wildfires, I believe, but the views are gorgeous. There's no water on the trail so take whatever you need and have fun!