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Cascade Pass

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 5.0 (49)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …North Cascades
  4. North Cascades National Park
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“Climb steadily through switchbacks to an awe-inspiring pass with impressive peaks & glaciers ”

Michelle Kras
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Map Key

6.8

Miles

11.0

KM

Out and Back

5,374' 1,638 m

High

3,674' 1,120 m

Low

1,702' 519 m

Up

1,702' 519 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

28%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Family Friendly Not too steep, good for adventurous kids.

Cascade River Road runs for 23 miles, 13 of which are unpaved. This road is frequently closed due to washouts - check trip reports and road conditions before heading out.

Overview

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.

Need to Know

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.

Description

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.

History & Background

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.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - North Cascades National Park

Shared By:

Michelle Kras with improvements by Brandon Fralic
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 49 votes

#1

in North Cascades National Park

#163

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  5.0 from 49 votes
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#1

in North Cascades Nationa…

#11

in Washington

#163

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Photos

Cascade Pass. On the Ptarmigan Traverse, this point is where you turn photo-right and start route-finding off the trail.
Oct 11, 2016 near Diablo, WA
The route up to Cascade Pass is spectacular, with incredible views!
Jan 11, 2016 near Stehekin, WA
Hikers crossing the talus slope on the way to Cascade Pass.
Jan 11, 2016 near Stehekin, WA
Almost at Cascade Pass - beautiful views everywhere!
Jan 11, 2016 near Stehekin, WA
This woodland trail is perfect for viewing wildlife.
Jan 11, 2016 near Stehekin, WA
Heading up Cascade Pass Trail.
Jan 13, 2016 near Stehekin, WA

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Check-Ins

Oct 19, 2023
Andrew Larey
12mi — 4h 00m
Sep 20, 2023
Sara Becker
Great views but did snow with cloud decreasing visibility. Bees 10mi — 6h 16m
Aug 11, 2023
Brian Bowen
Jul 26, 2023
Adamson Bryant
w Dad 12.4mi — 5h 30m
Jul 3, 2023
Matthew Krumrai
Sep 7, 2022
Adam S
Incredible views of the cascades! Trail extends above where it is noted and up to/beyond a glacier leading to the summit 14.2mi — 7h 00m
Aug 11, 2021
Becca Kozel
3 nights backpacking; one in Peloton Basin and two at Sahale Glacier (August 10-12th). Becca, Mady, Enzo, and Jason. Swam in Doubtful Lake 11.5mi
Jul 25, 2021
David Scott

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