Cascade Pass

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

It's no wonder that this is the most popular hike in North Cascades National Park! Climbing through seemingly endless switchbacks leads to one of the most spectacular views in the park. Once at the pass, visitors have the option to end their journey and turn around there, or continue on to further adventures like Sahale Arm or the Ptarmigan Traverse.

Bring extra clothes for when you reach the pass - you may be sweaty and it's often cool and windy at the pass. Arrive early, as this is one of the most popular trails in the North Cascades and the parking area fills quickly. Also note that Cascade River Road closes for the winter, and typically reopens in late June.

To get to the trailhead, you'll take Cascade River Road from Marblemont off of North Cascades Highway (this is not the main entrance to North Cascade National Park). Cascade River Road starts paved, but then becomes unpaved (this will be a slow drive!) Nearing the end of the 23-mile road, you'll see spectacular views of peaks. The end of the road takes you right into the parking area for Cascade Pass - there are picnic tables and restrooms. The parking area alone is worth the drive - beautiful mountain peaks, glaciers, and many tall cascades from melting snow virtually everywhere you look during the summer months. You might also hear some distant falling ice from glaciers.

The trail starts right from the parking area. You'll climb steadily through about 30 or so switchbacks. The trail is mostly shaded by trees and there's a chance to see wildlife. As you climb, a few sections of trees are cleared, giving you awesome views of the surrounding mountains (and a little bit of encouragement to keep climbing) - these are the perfect spots for short breaks. Listen for falling ice or water from the many cascades.

Just when you are about to give up, the trail levels out and you'll have beautiful views. Cross a screefield, and you're almost there. Once you reach the pass you'll be rewarded with open views of peaks and glaciers. There is a short trail to a pit toilet here. This is a great place to stop, rest, and eat lunch. You may be sweaty from the switchbacks, and it can get very breezy and chilly so this is a good time to change into dry clothes before eating lunch. Chipmunks are known to steal food, so watch out (and don't feed the wildlife).

From here you can continue to explore the area. Several trails continue onward toward Sahale Arm or Pelton Basin (campsites available). If Cascade Pass is your destination for the day, turn around once you've rested up and head back down the way you came.

As you reach the pass, you are following the footsteps of travelers from ancient times. Native Americans used this route as a passage through the rugged Cascades. In 1811, fur trader Alexander Ross explored this route. Later, prospectors with dreams of gold and silver came this way.