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Cascade Pass Trail
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The Cascade Pass Trail is one of the premier hikes within the actual boundary of North Cascades National Park.
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The classic view from Cascade Pass.
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Cascade Pass Trail
The Cascade Pass Trail is one of the premier hikes within the actual boundary of North Cascades National Park (South Unit), and it provides hikers with outstanding mountain scenery from beginning to end. The trail begins at the Cascade Pass Trailhead at the end of Cascade River Road, about 23 miles east of Marblemount, Washington. From the trailhead, the hike to Cascade Pass is approximately 3.7 miles one way, with about 1,800 feet of elevation gain.
The first section of the trail climbs steadily through a thick North Cascades forest. A series of switchbacks makes the climb manageable, and as you gain elevation, the forest gradually begins to open up. Before long, views of the surrounding mountains start appearing through the trees. Once the trail reaches the upper slopes, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with rugged peaks, glaciers and steep mountain valleys surrounding you.
At approximately 3.7 miles, the trail reaches Cascade Pass at about 5,400 feet above sea level. This broad mountain pass offers tremendous views in nearly every direction. Jagged peaks rise above deep valleys, while glaciers and permanent snowfields cling to the surrounding mountains. The pass is also an excellent place to watch for wildlife, including marmots, pikas, mountain goats and occasionally black bears.
Many hikers make Cascade Pass their turnaround point, creating a hike of approximately 7.4 miles round trip. However, those looking for an even bigger adventure can continue beyond the pass toward Sahale Arm and Sahale Glacier, where the scenery becomes even more spectacular.
In our opinion, the Cascade Pass Trail is one of the best ways to experience the rugged interior of North Cascades National Park without committing to an overnight backpacking trip. The combination of mountain peaks, glaciers, wildlife and enormous alpine valleys makes this one of the most memorable day hikes in the North Cascades.
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Cascade Pass Trail provides great scenery... once you get out of the trees. The views open up about halfway up the trail.
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Cascade Pass Trail Description
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- Trailhead: Cascade Pass Trailhead at the end of Cascade River Road (23 miles), east of Marblemount, Washington
- Distance to Cascade Pass: Approximately 3.7 miles (one way)
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,800 feet
- Trailhead Elevation: About 3,660 feet
- Cascade Pass Elevation: About 5,400 feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Main Highlight: Outstanding views of rugged North Cascades peaks, glaciers and deep mountain valleys
- Trail Experience: The hike begins in a thick North Cascades forest and climbs steadily through a long series of switchbacks before opening into increasingly impressive alpine scenery.
- Wildlife: Marmots, pikas, mountain goats and black bears may be seen along the trail and near Cascade Pass.
- Turnaround Point: Many hikers turn around at Cascade Pass, making this a very rewarding 7.4-mile day hike.
Cascade Pass Trail Map Screenshot.
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The mountains surrounding the trail are remarkably impressive.
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What about the Cascade River Road?
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The Cascade River Road begins in Marblemount, Washington, and travels approximately 23 miles to the Cascade Pass Trailhead in North Cascades National Park. The road is partially paved and partially gravel. The first approximately 10 miles are paved, and from there the road becomes gravel for the remainder of the drive to the trailhead.
Once the pavement ends, the road becomes noticeably rougher. Expect potholes, washboard sections, loose gravel and occasional ruts. As you continue farther up the valley, the road also becomes narrower and more winding. The final several miles are generally the roughest, with steeper grades, narrow sections and limited places for vehicles to pass.
The final few miles are the most challenging. Beyond the Eldorado parking area, the road climbs steeply and becomes very narrow, with steep drop-offs and only a limited number of places where vehicles can pass each other. Ruts and washouts can also develop, and the National Park Service currently states that the gravel portion is not suitable for sedans or low-clearance vehicles.
We recommend driving slowly and allowing plenty of extra time. Even though the road is only about 23 miles long, the gravel section can make the drive to the Cascade Pass Trailhead take considerably longer than expected.
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The higher you climb on the Cascade Pass Trail, the more impressive the views become.
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This is the final stretch before reaching the pass.
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This is the classic view from Cascade Pass.
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