![]() ![]() ![]() Insider Tip: While the parking lot is quite large, this trail is very popular in the fall during larch season. Trailhead location: Located off Highway 20 – get directions on Google Maps Hike your own hike, and you’ll enjoy regardless of direction! Both directions have their benefits – hiking clockwise you’ll get the steep climbs out of the way early. Hiking the loop counter-clockwise is the more popular choice, as it offers a more gradual ascent and the best views while climbing. It’s worth spending some extra time on this loop visiting some of the glacial lakes and enjoying the extensive views. Trailhead location: Located at the end of Thornton Lakes Road – get directions on Google MapsĪ phenomenal hike in summer, and even more epic in fall! The Maple Pass Loop is one of the quintessential North Cascades hikes, especially to take in the golden larches in autumn. Road access: Rough gravel, but suitable for all vehicles The 360-degree perch provides some of the best views of the Picket Range with dramatic peaks and glaciers, as well as peering down at Thornton Lakes, and all the way to the Skagit River and Newhalem. The scramble up to Trappers Peak isn’t too strenuous, but I’d advise against it in rainy weather or if you have a fear of heights as there are a few exposed sections. The first four miles travel up switchbacks through the forest, but then you get to decide whether to journey steeply down to Thornton Lakes or scramble up to Trappers Peak (or both!) While Thornton Lake is beautiful, I definitely recommend climbing higher up to take in the views from Trappers peak. Check out the visitor center in Marblemount for more information.Īnother classic North Cascades hike, the trail to Thornton Lakes and Trappers Peak is popular for its incredible views. Insider tip: You can backpack and spend the night at Sahale Glacier Camp with a backcountry permit. ![]() Trailhead location: Located at the end of Cascade River Road – get directions on Google Maps ![]() Road access: Dirt road, but suitable for all vehicles To add on to the full trail, take a side detour down to Doubtful Lake, which you can peek at from the trail along Sahale Arm. You’ll still have incredible views from Cascade Pass, without quite as much mileage on your feet. Craggy Sahale Mountain looms overhead, with its glacial runoff feeding over the mountainside into the lake below you.įor a shorter adventure, you can opt to hike just the first 7 miles of the Cascade Pass trail. After climbing out of the initial forested trail, you’re surrounded on all sides by some of the most dramatic scenery in Washington state. The trail to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm is definitely a bucket list-worthy North Cascade hike. I recommend taking a short detour to take in the views here! Insider Tip: Washington Pass Lookout is less than a mile east on Highway 20 from the Blue Lake trailhead. Trailhead location: Located directly off Highway 20 – get directions on Google Maps Park permit required: Northwest Forest Pass Road access: Paved, suitable for all vehicles No North Cascades hike is complete without an alpine swim. You might even see mountain goats along the way! If you visit on a hot day, pack a swimsuit and towel for a dip in the cold lake, if you dare. It’s hard to beat this gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks. Though the trail starts out in lush forest alongside Highway 20, you’ll quickly find yourself at beautiful Blue Lake. The Blue Lake trail is a relatively short and moderate hike, perfect for a morning or afternoon when you do not have all day to explore. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |