Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm — Thursday, Sep. 2, 1999

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

This one definitely makes the Washington dayhike top 5 list. The first 3 miles are on a well maintained trail through Mountain Hemlock. This section should have been designed a little steeper but it's pleasant none the less. There are 2 small, moderately steep snow fields to cross just before the pass at 3.8 miles. The view from the pass is very nice but you shouldn't miss the superior views from atop Sahale Arm. From the pass the trail switch backs up steeply about 1 mi to the top of the ridge. The last mile is an easy meander through wonderful highland meadows. Bugs were moderate on the first 3 miles, mild at the pass, and minimal on top of Sahale Arm. Flowers are only scattered now. There are a few small snow patches on Sahale Arm, but the trail is generally snow free.