Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm — Wednesday, Aug. 25, 1999

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Cascade Pass: On Highway 20 from Marblemount take Cascade River Road by crossing a big bridge at the curve in the highway. Drive to the trail head at the end of the road. Trail is in good shape. Three small snow fields to cross before the pass. Ice axe was helpful but not mandatory. Only one camp snow free at the Pelton Basin Camp. Small biting flies were abundant. Three deer there think they are chipmunks and eat, chew everything they can find with salt on, including metal ice axes & packs. They don't shoo away for over 5 minutes. You might as well get used to them. Sahale trail is snow free and the marmots don't even seem to notice people 2 feet from them. The large biting flies are tenacious until 1/4 mile below the glacier. Must have ice axe and ice walkers would be very helpful to get above the glacier. Views were absolutely stunning. Glacier Peak looks like Rainier from here. There was plenty of water all of the way up. This trail was very busy even on a week day. But people were very congenial. Register for camping at Ranger Station at west end of town. Turn north for 1 mile to station. There are no bear wires and trees aren't very well-limbed. Bring a long rope to hang food at Pelton. There are no trees at the Sahale Glacier camp site.