cascade pass

knife_n_fork32168

Just imagine the Indians trying to make their way up and down these cliffs. How was this road built? This is one of mother nature's delights.

243irinap

Just wonderful!!! We came on October 26, it was around 5 pm and getting snowing, so visibility was pure. So we decided to return there next morning if the weather improves. We drove to Winthrop where we stayed overnight in the hotel, and then returned to Washington pass next day. And it worth it!!! Even extra km and time!!!

LoganD93

This was one of the best hikes I have ever done in my life the views were spectacular! It sometimes makes me sad that most people will never get to see something like this! Definitely a bucket list hike!

Del368

Beautiful hike to an alpine area. We were here on a cloudy rainy day and still enjoyed it. Luckily the rain broke as we neared the pass and we had a better view. Must be something on a clear day! Saw marmots, deer, like, and lots of chipmunks. Theres quite a climb at the beginning but it is well worth it, and somehow didn't seem as steep as it was. The drive was long but beautiful too.

461humb

We spent 4th of July at Colonial Creek campground which is supposed to be a National Park Campground, but it was not well kept and 2 days into our long weekend, the water was shut off for the entire day, so no water available and the toilets got backed up because they couldn't be flushed. The campsites were old and not maintained very well. The area is beautiful! The lake is jaw dropping awesome! BUT.... they keep the lake level very low most of the time, so launching a boat with a motor is pretty much not do-able. This is a floatie/canoe type lake. The southern part of the lake is mostly like a wet sandbar. There are lakeside campsites, but not as great as you would have thought. The northern side also has lakeside campsites, but there is a very bad odor on those beaches that would be undesireable for camping. The area was beautiful, but overall we were disappointed that we could not get our boat on the lake due to the low lake levels. We did visit some other campgrounds in the area and the Newhalem campground was much better, cleaner and maintained. If we ever go back we would stay at Newhalem campground.

M-F_Trackers

we drove to about 0.33 miles from the top when M chickened out. we hiked the last 1/3 mile and it was the best thing to do because we got to SLOw down and SeE what there was to SeE. Absolutely incredible. The glaciers, waterfalls, the QUIEt, the valley. Hello Lord

GeddyGolf

The scenery in the North Cascades is breath-taking and Cascade Pass does not disappoint. The only downside for us on this hike was that the road had been washed out and we had to hike an additional three miles each way to reach the trail head. So our nine mile hike turned into fifteen. The parking lot at the trail head is beautiful by itself. Cascades of water seem to be falling everywhere from the mountains surrounding the pass. We went in August and we saw lots of wild flowers. We were even fortunate enough to see a bear not far from Doubtful Lake. I'd recommend staying in a group :) Plus, we saw a marmot and the most friendly pika I've ever encountered. You only see pika at high elevation in the rocks. While normally very elusive, this little guy put on a show. Pikas are a pure joy to watch. Overall, an awesome hike that is guaranteed to bring joy to the soul. Note: We did experience a few clouds, however this did not damper the experience and it's quite nice to hike the temperature is in the 60s instead of 90s or 100s found back home.

_0mkq0_

We visited in late September, and on the day we planned to hike it was rainy and overcast, but we continued on. To get to the trailhead we drove 23 miles beyond Marblemount on a road that turns to gravel about halfway in. We were informed that parts of the road had been washed out in previous weeks, but had been repaired before we got there. The first few miles are switchbacks through a dense forest, but at the edges we could catch glimpses of mountains and glaciers. There were very few hikers on the trail that day, but we hiked part of the way up with a Park Ranger who was on his way up to Sahale Glacier. Once we were out of the switchbacks, it was a slight incline most of the rest of the way. As we got closer to the pass it became very windy and the temperature was dropping quickly. We heard Sahale Glacier is beautiful, but the weather was rapidly deteriorating and we decided not to go further. Visibility was not very good at the pass, but I'm sure it would be beautiful on a clear day. 1700' elevation gain, 7.4 miles roundtrip.

sangoy

nice well maintained trail. On most days you will meet a park ranger on the trail. did not see much wildlife. The view of the pass is ok. It gets really good towards Sahale glacier which is an additional 2 miles or so with 1200 ft elevation gain. The views of Boston glacier and Doubtful Lake below were spectacular

relayer

For the hike itself, maybe I was expecting more. We had done the Chain Lakes Loop at Mt Baker the day before and it was non-stop scenery for 6.5 miles. Most of the hike to Cascade Pass is through the forest with little scenery and some 30+ switchbacks. The biggest problem heading up were the bugs. I rarely break down and use repellent, but I was left with no choice. For the record, we hiked here on August 7th.Once we cleared the trees the bugs dissipated and we came upon some fantastic scenery heading to the pass. The views made it worth the effort as we ate our packed lunch at the top. The road driving up was in good shape and we made it in about 40 minutes, not the hour I've read in many places.

oceanflower

I guess quite a few people are confusing "Cascade Pass trail" with the park itself. Cascade pass trailhead is located at the end of Cascade River Road at Marblemount, off Hwy 20 at milepost 106, next to a Shell and a Chevron gas stations. It's a 23mi drive to the trailhead, however, be aware that there's 12mi of gravel road and it takes about 1hr to drive in or out. Passenger cars are fine though. The trail is 7.4mi round trip with 1700ft elevation gain, but with easy switchbacks in the woods, so it's mostly shaded and not a difficult climb. Rangers say the trail is good for kids and that's quite true. The mountain views are stunning--some say it's better than the Alps :-) Not sure if I would agree, but the hike was totally worthwhile. Don't worry if it's fogged up in the morning--once you're above the tree line, you'll see peaks surrounded by fog and clouds, making you think about paradise. Such a surreal experience!

JamesBaud

Diablo Lake and the surrounding area is an amazingly beautiful place. Everything from the lake color to the snow capped peaks will leave you breathless. Plenty of campgrounds are available and the lake even supports power boats.

shannonn203

My guess is that this would be a "5" in nice weather, but since we went too early in the year, I will give it a "4". I'm only writing this review in case others next year want to know what the weather might be like the last week in May.It will be covered in snow.We went as far as we could on the road (it was closed about a mile from the parking lot). Then we were able to walk / hike the rest of the way on the road - it was cleared, but a little steeper than what would normally be set aside for hiking. Once we got to the "parking lot" we realized that everything was completely snow covered. Some other more adventurous people had equipment to go blazing through the snow, but for fear of getting lost and stuck...we decided to turn around.We were really excited to do this hike, but should have known better than to think any Alpine hike would be passable in May...

lunarlib

As you drive along the scenic byway, don't forget to stop and see Diablo Lake. It is worth the stop. The various overlooks can give you glimpses of a amazing blue lake. All part of a multiple dam complex, the different overlooks can give you scenes of the lake with different views and attachments.

DrumMaster05

This is easily one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on. The first 2 miles or so is a switchback climb through the woods but once you level out, the views are breathtaking. We intended to stop at the end of the Cascade Pass Trail but another hiker who was there advised us to go at least a mile up the Sahale Arm Trail. It was another strenuous climb but absolutely worth it! Between the mountains, meadows, flowers, dear, glaciers, and lake, we were in awe. Its a good hour drive on the gravel/dirt road to get to the trailhead but don't let that stop you. It helps to be in decent shape (we go on three 4-5 mile runs each week) but others that were with us had only hiked 5 miles max before and they pushed through for the sake of the views. If you are unsure, take food and water and frequent breaks and press on. You won't regret it. We didn't have time to take in the rest of the national park but this hike alone was worth the drive from Seattle and we intend to come back as soon as we can!