Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm
North Cascades
Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm
12.0 mi4,068 ftHard8 hrsFull Post

Cascade Pass and Sahale Glacier Camp is one of those rare hikes that truly lives up to the hype, delivering nonstop scenery and a full-on alpine experience from start to finish. The trail climbs steadily through perfectly built switchbacks to Cascade Pass, where glaciers, jagged peaks, and deep valleys explode into view, before continuing up Sahale Arm into high alpine terrain filled with meadows, boulder fields, and constant mountain drama. The real payoff comes at Sahale Glacier Camp, perched at 7,600 feet beneath glaciers and surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping views in the North Cascades—layers of granite peaks, Doubtful Lake far below, and endless sunset and sunrise light bouncing off ice and stone. While the permit process is competitive and the weather can be unforgiving, an overnight here is absolutely worth the effort, making this one of the most iconic and unforgettable backpacking trips in Washington.

Passes required

National Park Pass

Camping permits

Backcountry Permit Required

Stunning views along the trail
Fall foliage is a highlight of this trail
The permit process
Where to pick up your wilderness permit
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Tonight

Mostly Clear

43°F

Mostly Clear

Mon

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58°F

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48°F

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