Cascade Pass, Downey Creek & Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm — Monday, Jun. 26, 2017

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

I know, I know, they're far apart, but I'm lazy so here's one trip report for both. We did the Ptarmigan Traverse, which starts up Cascade Pass and pops out via Downey Creek. Cascade Pass: The road is closed ~2mi from the trailhead. The toilets are surprisingly smelly already and nearly full but they do have toilet paper which is a nice perk. Patchy snow, you can skin directly to the pass or you can follow melted out switchbacks if you're on foot. The snow won't be consistent from the parking lot to the pass for long, I wouldn't be surprised if it's already melted out by now. If you're going for Sahale/Sahale Arm, you'll want traction and an ice axe as well since snow cover is consistent once you hit the pass. Downey Creek: This is a lovely trail! Well taken care of, lush green forest, and wow does the air smell good. The trail doesn't always stay near the creek, but everything is so healthy and alive! There is a campsite near the river around 3 miles in and another where it intersects with Bachelor Creek around 6 miles in. It's just so pleasant. The bridges are gorgeous. Road is open and easily passable for all vehicles all the way to the trailhead. I left a puffy jacket somewhere between Bachelor Creek and Downey Creek. So if you make it 6 miles in and come across an ultralight teal Patagonia puffy with a gen 6 ipod nano inside.... I am happy to pay a finder's fee. I love it dearly.

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://havetent.com/2017/06/29/ptarmigan-traverse/