USA — Seattle, Washington
Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm: A moderate 18.5 km hike in North Cascades National Park, USA. Traverse from lush temperate rainforests to a high-alpine world of glaciers and jagged granite spires. This 6-8 hour route offers stunning panoramas and a diverse landscape transition, showcasing the quintessential North Cascades wilderness.
Distance: 18.5 km
Elevation Gain: 1524 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6-8 hours
The journey to Cascade Pass and the subsequent ascent of the Sahale Arm represents the quintessential North Cascades experience. Located in the heart of North Cascades National Park in Washington State, this 18.5-kilometre round-trip trek transports hikers from the dense, moss-draped temperate rainforests of the Cascade River Valley to the high-alpine world of glaciers, jagged granite spires, and wildflower-strewn ridges. It is a landscape of staggering verticality, where the transition between ecological zones occurs with dramatic speed. The trail is celebrated not only for its accessibility relative to the ruggedness of the surrounding terrain but for the unparalleled 360-degree panoramas it offers of the "American Alps." From the turquoise waters of Doubtful Lake to the crumbling ice of the Sahale Glacier, every kilometre of this trail provides a masterclass in glacial geology and subalpine beauty.
Cascade Pass has long been recognised as the most popular hike in North Cascades National Park, and for good reason. The trail begins at the head of the Cascade River Road, where the valley is hemmed in by the massive, ice-clad walls of Johannesburg Mountain and Mixup Peak. The initial leg of the journey involves a steady, well-engineered climb through 30-plus switchbacks under the shade of ancient Douglas firs and Western red cedars. This section, while demanding, is designed with a gentle gradient that allows hikers to find a rhythm before the landscape opens up into the spectacular subalpine basin of Cascade Pass itself.
Upon reaching the pass at 1,646 metres, the view explodes in every direction. To the east, the Stehekin Valley stretches toward Lake Chelan; to the north, the Sahale Arm beckons. While many hikers choose to end their journey at the pass, the true glory of the route lies in the ascent of the Sahale Arm. This ridge-line traverse is one of the most scenic stretches of trail in the United States. As you climb higher, the forest disappears entirely, replaced by vast meadows of heather and huckleberry that turn a brilliant crimson in the autumn. The Arm provides a front-row seat to the dramatic peaks of the Ptarmigan Traverse, including Formidable, Spider, and Magic Mountain.
The final push to the Sahale Glacier Camp is a test of resolve and physical conditioning. The trail steepens significantly, turning into a rugged scramble over loose talus and scree. However, the reward at the summit—the base of the Sahale Glacier—is a perspective usually reserved for technical mountaineers. Here, at 2,316 metres, you are surrounded by a sea of peaks, with the sound of calving ice and rushing meltwater providing a constant soundtrack to the immense silence of the high alpine. It is a place that humbles the spirit and highlights the raw, unyielding power of the natural world.
The history of Cascade Pass is as layered as the rock strata that form the surrounding peaks. Long before the arrival of European explorers and miners, this pass served as a vital trans-mountain corridor for Indigenous peoples. The Skagit tribes from the west and the Chelan and Entiat tribes from the east utilised this route for trade, social gatherings, and seasonal hunting. The pass was a natural bridge between the coastal rainforests and the drier interior plateaus, facilitating the exchange of resources such as dried salmon, mountain goat wool, and obsidian. For these communities, the mountains were not merely obstacles but sacred landscapes imbued with spiritual significance and ancestral memory.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the focus shifted toward extraction. The North Cascades became a magnet for prospectors seeking silver, lead, and gold. The Cascade River Road, which today provides access to the trailhead, was originally constructed to service the mines in the Horseshoe Basin and surrounding areas. Remnants of this mining era, including rusted machinery and abandoned adits, can still be found tucked away in the valleys, serving as a reminder of the arduous labour required to navigate this vertical terrain before the advent of modern infrastructure. The "Boston Mine" and the "Doubtful Mine" are names that still echo through the local geography.
The transition from an extractive landscape to a protected wilderness was a hard-fought battle. Conservationists, inspired by the raw beauty of the region, lobbied for decades to protect the North Cascades from logging and large-scale development. This culminated in the North Cascades National Park Act of 1968, which established the park and ensured that areas like Cascade Pass would remain "untrammelled by man." Today, the trail is managed by the National Park Service with a focus on preserving its ecological integrity while allowing thousands of visitors to experience its majesty. The cultural context of the trail is now one of stewardship, where the goal is to balance human appreciation with the protection of a fragile and ancient ecosystem.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The window for hiking Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm is relatively narrow due to the extreme snowfall the North Cascades receive. In a typical year, the trail remains buried under several metres of snow well into July. Attempting the hike before the snow has melted requires advanced navigation skills and ice axe proficiency, as the steep slopes above the pass can be prone to avalanches and dangerous glissades.
Summer (Late July to August): This is the peak season. The wildflowers—including lupine, Indian paintbrush, and avalanche lilies—erupt in a riot of colour across the meadows. The weather is generally stable, with warm days and cool nights. However, this is also the season of the "Cascade mosquito" and biting flies, which can be relentless in the lower forest and near water sources. Hikers should also be prepared for sudden afternoon thunderstorms that can roll over the peaks with little warning.
Autumn (September to early October): Many locals consider this the best time to visit. The bugs have vanished, the air is crisp and clear, and the huckleberry bushes turn the Sahale Arm into a sea of deep red and orange. The "larch season" (though larches are more prevalent further east) brings a golden hue to the distant ridges. Early snow can arrive as early as mid-September, so checking the forecast is essential. The light in autumn is softer, making it the preferred season for photographers.
Winter and Spring (November to June): The Cascade River Road is closed at the park boundary (several kilometres from the trailhead) due to snow and avalanche risk. During this time, the area is the domain of backcountry skiers and mountaineers. The trail itself is invisible, and the risk of large-scale avalanches from the surrounding peaks is extreme. This is not a season for recreational hiking.
Early Morning: The Forest Ascent
Mid-Morning: Reaching the Pass
Late Morning: The Sahale Arm Traverse
Midday: The Final Scramble to the Glacier
Afternoon: The Descent
Important Notes:
Planning for Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm requires more than just physical fitness; it requires careful logistical coordination. The trailhead is located at the end of the Cascade River Road, a 37-kilometre road that is partially unpaved and can be rough in places. While standard passenger cars can usually make the trip, a vehicle with higher clearance is preferred. The road often opens in late June or early July, but this is entirely dependent on snowpack and road repairs following winter washouts.
Fitness is a critical component of your preparation. While the hike to Cascade Pass is "moderate," the full trip to the Sahale Glacier involves over 1,500 metres of elevation gain. This is equivalent to climbing the Empire State Building four times. Hikers should be comfortable with steep ascents and descents and have experience moving over loose, uneven terrain. If you are travelling from sea level, consider spending a night in Marblemount or at a nearby campground to begin acclimatising to the mountain air.
For the vast majority of visitors, Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm is a day hike. There are no huts or lodges along the trail. However, for those wishing to experience a night under the stars, there are specific backcountry options.
Sahale Glacier Camp: This is one of the most spectacular campsites in the world. Located at the base of the glacier, it consists of several stone-walled sites designed to protect tents from the fierce alpine winds.
Nearby Campgrounds: For day hikers, several National Park and Forest Service campgrounds are located along the Cascade River Road, such as Marble Creek or Mineral Park. these provide a great base for an early morning start. Most are first-come, first-served, though some can be reserved via Recreation.gov.
The permit requirements for Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm depend entirely on whether you are visiting for the day or staying overnight. The National Park Service manages this area strictly to prevent overcrowding and environmental degradation.
Day Hiking: No permit is required for day hiking. However, you must display a valid parking pass in your vehicle at the trailhead. Accepted passes include the Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful (Interagency) Pass. You can purchase these at the Wilderness Information Centre in Marblemount or at various outdoor retailers in Seattle.
Overnight Camping: If you plan to camp at Sahale Glacier Camp or any other backcountry site (such as Pelton Basin or Doubtful Creek), you MUST have a backcountry permit.
Group Size: The maximum group size for both day hiking and camping is 12 people. This is to minimise the physical impact on the trail and the social impact on other hikers seeking a wilderness experience.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Cascade Pass Sahale Arm (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Cascade Pass Sahale Arm, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The North Cascades Highway (WA-20) is one of the most scenic drives in North America. If you have extra time, consider these nearby attractions:
Mountain Weather: The North Cascades create their own weather systems. A clear morning in Marblemount does not guarantee a clear day at Sahale Arm. Rapid cooling, sudden fog, and high winds are common. Hypothermia is a genuine risk even in August if you are caught in a cold rain without proper layers. Always check the National Weather Service "Point Forecast" for Cascade Pass before heading out.
Wildlife Encounters:
Terrain Hazards: The final ascent to Sahale Glacier Camp involves "Class 2" scrambling. The rock is often loose, and a slip could result in a significant fall. Furthermore, rockfall is a constant hazard; if you are hiking in a group, be mindful of dislodging stones onto those below you. If you hear "ROCK!", move quickly to the side or cover your head.
Snow and Ice: Even in late summer, permanent snowfields may persist on the trail. These can be rock-hard in the morning and slushy in the afternoon. If you are not comfortable crossing steep snow, do not attempt it without traction devices (like microspikes) and an ice axe.
Doubtful Lake: From the Sahale Arm, a steep, unmaintained social trail drops down to the shores of Doubtful Lake. This is a 300-metre descent (and subsequent re-ascent) that adds significant effort to your day. However, the lake is a pristine alpine gem, perfect for a very cold dip on a hot summer day. The basin around the lake is also a frequent haunt for marmots and pikas.
Horseshoe Basin: At Cascade Pass, instead of turning left for the Arm, you can continue straight/right toward Horseshoe Basin. This is a spectacular hanging valley filled with dozens of waterfalls plunging hundreds of metres down sheer granite walls. It is a less-visited alternative that offers a sense of scale and solitude that is hard to find on the main Sahale Arm route.
The Sahale Glacier: For those with mountaineering experience and the proper gear (crampons, ice axe, rope), the Sahale Glacier itself can be ascended to reach the true summit of Sahale Peak. This is a technical climb and should not be attempted by hikers. However, standing at the edge of the glacier and watching the blue ice and deep crevasses is a highlight for everyone who reaches the camp.
Pelton Basin: A short descent from Cascade Pass toward the east leads into Pelton Basin. This area is often lush and green, providing a different perspective of the pass and a quieter place to enjoy a meal away from the crowds at the main saddle.
The North Cascades alpine environment is one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. The growing season here is incredibly short—sometimes only six weeks. A single footstep off the trail can destroy heather plants that have taken decades to grow. As a visitor, you have a moral and legal obligation to minimise your impact.
The Seven Principles in the Cascades:
