Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm — Saturday, Jul. 11, 2015

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Set out with the intent to camp atop Sahale Arm, but all the permits had been snapped up (this is in North Cascades National Park, so have to get camping permits in person), so we went for a permit nearby in Pelton Basin instead. The hike up Cascade Pass was a lot less strenuous than we were all expecting - LOTS of switchbacks made the grade consistent but totally manageable. Whatever website we'd checked the weather from had misled us into thinking it was going to be a warm day with a low chance of rain - not the case. We basically hiked in cloud/mist/fog/light rain all the way up, which made for an extremely limited view for much of the day, but still a great hike. Had a deer hang out with us for a few switchbacks. Not a particularly crowded hike. Went over the pass, descended into Pelton Basin to set up camp (if it's open, I would highly recommend the lowest campsite (turn right at the signpost past the latrine), because it's the one with the grandest view of the basin. Gorgeous waterfalls, glaciers, and peaks visible when the clouds let up. Many thanks to the descending hikers who gave that tip to us!). We'd left the parking lot around 11:30 and arrived at camp before 2:00, so we still had plenty of daylight to fill. Decided to make the Sahale Arm a day hike from camp and headed back up to the pass and the Sahale trail. The Sahale portion of the trail is significantly more strenuous than the Cascade Pass hike, and we were already a bit tired from carrying our packs, which slowed us down, but it was incredibly worth it. Had a long standoff with a grouchy grouse guarding her babies in the middle of the trail and ultimately needed to dash around her while she hissed angrily at us, because she was not about to budge. The clouds continued to envelop us until we reached the plateau before the rock scramble, and then they finally opened up for us to see the surrounding peaks. Incredible! We could watch the clouds swirling in and out rapidly, revealing and hiding various parts of our surroundings. We headed the rest of the way up the rocks, which have fairly clear cairns marking the trail. No snow on the trail the entire way up. Got to the campsites and had a fabulous view above the clouds. Quick snack in one of the sites with a wind barrier and we started making our way back down. Camped overnight at Pelton and headed back up and out over Cascade Pass in the morning. The views were much clearer, although still partially obscured by clouds. Traversed the road to and from the trail in a Honda Fit - a few tough uphill spots on the gravel switchbacks, but made it just fine. Bottom line: Even if it's a grey day, this is a great trail that can make for an excellent one-nighter (or even strenuous day hike) if that's all the time you have. Can't wait to come back on a clear day and hopefully camp atop Sahale! Will also head down to the lake next time - my group didn't have the daylight or the stamina to add that side trip this time.