Avid hikers and backpackers in the Pacific Northwest have long touted the beautiful and challenging trek into Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm in North Cascades National Park. Depending on your level of hiking ability, there are several options. Take the day hike along the Cascade Pass Trail for quick access into the alpine environment and incredible views of Eldorado, Johannesburg, Magic, Mixup and McGregor peaks. For a longer hike, continue through subalpine meadows and talus fields on the Sahale Arm Trail to the Sahale Glacier. This is a popular backpacking destination as the high-altitude backcountry Sahale Glacier Camp sits just below the glacier. From the Sahale Glacier Camp, you’ll have jaw-dropping views of glacier-covered peaks and lushly forested canyons. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering hiking Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm.
Reserving a Backcountry Permit If Backpacking
Plan early for your Sahale Glacier Camp stay. There are a limited number of designated backpacking campsites available. You’ll need a backcountry permit for an overnight stay. Generally, you can check available reservations starting March 15 (and until April 15) with the North Cascades backcountry office in Marblemount, Washington, for overnights between May 15th and September 30th. If you do secure a backcountry permit, count yourself lucky. At 7,400 feet, Sahale Glacier Camp is not only spectacularly beautiful, but one of the highest-elevation campsites in North Cascades National Park.
When to Hike Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm
The conditions are best for hiking Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm July through September – when most of the winter snowfall has melted. Check in with the North Cascades ranger office before your departure to ensure that the conditions are amenable to safe hiking. Keep in mind that because the Sahale Glacier Camp sits at 7,500 elevation, it is typically colder than standard weather forecasts might say. Again, check with a reputable alpine weather forecast such as NOAA.gov. It can be quite windy and exposed at camp, up to 60 mph at the glacier campsites.
How Long Is the Cascade Pass Hike?
What Is the Cascade Pass-Sahale Arm Hike Like?
Combining alpine meadows and dramatic, craggy mountains, the Cascade Pass hike is iconic as far as the North Cascades go. Start at the Cascade Pass Trailhead and climb north through wildflowers like glacier lilies and mountain blueberries (in the fall), past marmots and through meadows. Crest a shoulder at 6,000 feet in elevation and you can see Sahale Mountain and its shimmering glacier. Head left and start to see Doubtful Lake, then climb toward Sahale Mountain. During this steep climb, you’ll see Boston Basin, with Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan and Eldorado in the distance. Enjoy a more level section for a bit, similar in feel to the Scottish Highlands. You’ll start upwards again, along a quiet stream and eventually over scree and rock until you reach Sahale Glacier Camp. Pull out your binoculars and look around – you may see a black bear meandering about.
Another option from Cascade Pass is to head east and downward toward the campsites of Pelton Basin. Horseshoe Basin, with its steep walls, waterfalls, wildflowers and historic mining site, is another popular side trip.
If you are camping, look for one of the flat tent pads built onto rock mounds at the base of the glacier. Most are only big enough for one or two tents. Do not build new rock walls to protect your site from the wind – use only those that already exist.
Where Should I Stay?
Depending on where you’re coming from, and you’re not planning on camping, a good home base for the climb to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm is Marblemount. There are a limited number of rental homes and small inns in the area.
How Do I Get to the Cascade Pass Trailhead?
Take Highway 20 to Marblemount. Go straight when Highway 20 veers left to continue south of Cascades River Road. Follow Cascades River Road for 23 miles to the trailhead. There are no parking pass permits required to park.
What Other Hikes Are Found Along Highway 20?
There is no lack of incredible hiking in North Cascades National Park. There are a variety of hikes at Diablo Lake, Ross Lake and Rainy Pass. You can also access the Pacific Crest Trail here.
The Heather-Maple Pass loop is a particularly popular hike, especially in fall for the beautiful larches. It’s an easily accessible hike from Marblemount. This 7.2-mile roundtrip hike has just about everything, from wildflowers to alpine lakes to expansive mountain views. Along the way, you can take a detour to Lake Ann, a gorgeous spot for a picnic. Continue on above the lake through wildflowers to Heather Pass. If you choose to, you can branch off to visit Lewis and Wing lakes, and Black Peak. Reach the edge of North Cascades National Park when you crest the ridge and enjoy views of the Corteo, Frisco and Stiletto peaks and Goode mountain. Start switchbacking back downward, finally coming out on a paved path that is a half-mile from the parking lot.
What Should I Bring When Hiking in North Cascade National Park
Your hiking checklist should include:
-Backpack appropriate for hiking
-Weather-appropriate clothing (layers!)
-Hiking boots or shoes
-Food and water (bring extra)
-A map and compass
-First-aid kit
-Knife/multi-tool
-Headlamp or flashlight
-Sun protection
-Matches/lighter/tinder
-Shelter (emergency space blanket will suffice)