The Cascade Pass - Sahale Arm Trail has been on our bucket list for a few years and we finally had a chance to hike it this past weekend! The hike is one of National Geographic's Best Day Hikes in the National Parks, a list we refer back to when we're looking for new hikes to add to our list. Before you even hit the trail, the drive down a bumpy gravel road provides breathtaking views.
The first section of the hike is the Cascade Pass trail, the majority of which is about 30 switchbacks taking you up 1800ft in 3.5 miles. There were marmots and wildflowers and waterfalls along the way.
When you reach Cascade Pass (pictured below), there is a nice area to stop and take a break (there's even a composting toilet). We stopped for a while to eat a snack and chat with some fellow hikers who were out backpacking the night before. As you can see, the views were pretty hazy from the wildfire smoke that rolled in. The folks who'd stayed out the night before told us this was the clearest view they'd had yet.
We were glad for that chance to rest because once we started up the second portion of the trail, the Sahale Arm, it got steeper. This section takes you up more switchbacks for another 2.5 miles with about 2200 ft of gain. We took a lot of breaks on this section.
Once we passed Doubtful Lake (pictured above), the trail opens up to reveal Sahale Mountain & its glacier. Hiking through this alpine field, you get 360 degree views of the Cascades all around.
It really was an experience like no other. Since our first hike in the North Cascades four years ago, this national park has been my favorite. It's the most beautiful place on earth. I'm so glad we got to spend a whole day struggling up this trail to take in the beauty of it all.
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