Easy Pass — Wednesday, Aug. 25, 1999

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

I arrived to the trailhead on a gorgeous day and found only a few other cars there. Despite what some books say, there is no longer a bridge at the creek crossing about .25 miles along the trail. It is an easy wade across though--only about knee deep. The first two miles climbs gently in forest and the trail is in excellent condition. At the second creek crossing, the trail emerges from the trees and continues through some slightly overgrown brush for about .5 miles. Once out of the brush, you can see the pass up above. The switchbacks were in fine condition and there is only one brief patch of snow to cross. The last .25 miles is moderately steep and is in loose rock, but is easy to assend. No one else was at the pass, and the views were breathtaking. I didn't see any wildlife besides a few marmots. There was hardly any snow at the pass. Make sure to bring a lot of film!