Hiking Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm is one of the best day hikes in the park. - See 8 traveler reviews, 9 candid photos, and great deals for Marblemount, WA, at Tripadvisor. Trailhead 1605', Lookout 6108' Hiker only. Went last Friday and although there was some haze that limited the viewing of far off mountains, the fall colors and a bear sighting on the trail more than made up for it. Wild Love Story. Great trail for wild life and vistas. Shimmering silver ribbons of meltwater snake their way down the precipitous slopes of the mountain some 3,000 feet to Doubtful Lake, tucked just out of sight. Got there at 8:30 AM; parking lot was full, but found a parking spot not too far down the road. Take the trail to the north from the pass to climb the Sahale Arm and climb up to the base of the glacier and climbers camp. Hike to a base camp for climbers, at the base of Sahale Peak, in 5 ½ miles, and 3966ft of elevation gain, and marvel at the best view the North Cascades has to offer. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October. From Cascade Pass, you will take the left fork to Sahale Arm and that will lead you toward Lake Doubtful and the Sahale Glacier Camp. The first several miles of this hike were some relatively easy switchbacks. Instead, a scenic trail ambles peacefully through rolling alpine meadows blanketing the broad shoulder of Sahale Mountain. This hike is a worthy trip but the scenery can get twice as good if you continue up Sahale Arm. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. The tarn is an ideal location for views. Standard Route. We got to sit and watch a bear munch for awhile so we skipped the summit due to time but absolutely recommend. Cascade Pass / Sahale Arm Trail, Marblemount Picture: photo0.jpg - Check out Tripadvisor members' 344 candid photos and videos. In Sahale Arm, the forces of nature have conspired to create an improbably gentle, gorgeous landscape at an elevation where it seems as if there should be only rock and ice. We were able to fit 2 small tents on a single site, but it was tight. Starting with views of Johannsburg Mountain, the trail climbs 3.7 miles to Cascade Pass (5,400 ft), a vista of flower meadows and more ice covered peaks before, continuing on to Sahale Arm. Some trickling water sources after the switchbacks to cascade pass. Two miles from Cascade Pass, the trail ends at the Sahale Glacier. The view of endless peaks and glaciers from atop the Sahale Arm in Washington State's North Cascades is usually reserved for only mountaineers, goats, birds, and deities. Continue on another 0.5 mile to find a small tarn on the left (may be dry by late summer). Lots of people on the trail. Absolutely incredible hike, probably the best one I’ve done all season. You could be forgiven for feeling as if you’ve been transplanted to the Scottish Highlands. Mix-Up Peak directly south, Magic Mountain and Pelton Peak to the southeast. Kids Hikes, ADA Hikes and Take a Drive Stops. From here you can continue to explore the area. Lots of bear activity has been reported in the area, especially by Pelton Basin, please store your food properly. Near Doubtful Lake. This trail, though a bit of a workout, provides the rest of us with a rare opportunity to hike to the rarefied air at nearly 8000 feet on one of the tallest peaks in the range and gaze out at a spectacular panorama. The views are simply amazing. Along the trail we found many, many huckleberry bushes, which were covered in berries in mid-August. The remainder of the route continues to be strenuous, but the extra effort is well worth your while. Though seeming to make its way gradually through small groves of trees, the trail climbs quite steeply around the bend before once again attaining the ridge. Info COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. It's extremely satisfying and rewarding when you reach the Glacier, but unless you are planning to camp overnight, save enough time to get back to your car. From Sahale Arm, strap on those gaiters, and maybe crampons, to cross the Sahale Glacier to a boulder field. The trail up Sahale Arm is exceedingly steep and nowhere near as well maintained as the trail to Cascade Pass. Lumbering through the meadows, they seem not only unconcerned by the hikers passing through, but intent on entertaining them. As if there weren’t enough to draw you here already, Sahale Arm is also a reliable place to spot bear. Saw 4 different bears deer, ptarmigans, pikas. 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