Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail, North Cascades, Washington

Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail, North Cascades, Washington

Photo by Garrett Grove

BETA: A well-maintained forest service road takes you into the heart of the North Cascades National Park. From there climb numerous switchbacks for just over 2.5 miles to Cascade Pass. Then the angle increases on a steep climbers’ trail, which ascends to a gorgeous ridge at 7200 feet. Take a break to soak in the 360-degree views of Forbidden, Eldorado, Johannesberg and Sahale peaks.

SEASON: Best time is late summer through early fall.

DIFFICULTY: Moderate/Difficult. Twelve-mile round trip with 3600 feet of elevation gain.

INFO: Day Hiking North Cascades, by Craig Romano (The Mountaineers Books).

PHOTOGRAPHY AND TRAIL INFORMATION: Garrett Grove