Easy Pass Trail

Q: Do I need an ice axe in summer?

No. Only spring hikers (May-June) need one. By July, the trail is snow-free and the axe is unnecessary weight.

Q: Are bears a real threat on this trail?

Yes. Make noise constantly—talk, clap, or use a bear bell. If you see one, back away slowly and maintain 100 yards distance. Bear spray is smart insurance.

Q: Can I do this as a day hike and finish before dark?

Yes, easily. Most hikers summit in 5-7 hours including breaks. Start by 6 AM and you'll be off the mountain by early afternoon, well before dark.

Q: What's the water situation? Will I run out?

Granite Creek supplies water for the first 2 miles—filter or treat it there. The upper basin is completely dry. Refill at the creek before the final climb. Bring 2 liters minimum.

Distance

7.4 mi

Elevation Gain

3,000 ft

Est. Time

5-7 hours depending on fitness. Assume 2 hours for the steep lower section and 2-3 hours for the basin climb. The descent often takes longer than the ascent on tired legs.

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Late July through mid-September. The park's operational season runs late May through late September, but this trail is impassable or hazardous before July.

Overview

About This Trail

Easy Pass Trail is a strenuous mountain pass hike demanding 3,000 feet of elevation gain over 7.4 miles roundtrip. The first 2 miles are relentless switchbacks; the route then opens into a high alpine basin leading to a mountain pass with panoramic views of Fisher Basin and surrounding peaks. Spring hikers face snowfields and may need an ice axe. This is a genuine leg-burner for committed hikers only.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous

Trail Highlights

Panoramic vistas from the mountain pass overlooking Fisher Basin and surrounding peaks. Wildflower blooms in mid to late summer.

Insider Tips

• The first 2 miles are the steepest and most exposed; pace yourself and take breaks. • Bring an extra liter of water if you can carry it. The upper basin is genuinely dry. • The "false summit" at Mile 5.2 often tricks hikers—the actual pass is 0.3 miles beyond. Keep going. • Best light for the Fisher Basin vista is late afternoon looking east from the pass itself. • Descent is harder than ascent on tired quads; trekking poles save your knees.

Best Season to Hike

Late July through mid-September. The park's operational season runs late May through late September, but this trail is impassable or hazardous before July.

Hiking Tips

Carry at least 2 liters of water—the upper basin is dry. Filter at Granite Creek before the steep climb.
Trekking poles are non-negotiable for the relentless descent.
Start early; afternoon thunderstorms can trap you on exposed terrain.
Wear a hat and sunscreen—the upper basin offers zero shade.
Make noise constantly for bears (100-yard rule if sighted).
Spring climbers: bring an ice axe and a map. Snowfields obscure the trail through June.
The false summit at Mile 5.2 isn't the pass—keep climbing.

Family Info

Not family-friendly for young children. The sustained 3,000 ft gain, relentless switchbacks, and exposed upper section are too demanding for children under 12-14 who aren't strong hikers. Teenagers and fit families may manage it, but supervision on the exposed basin is essential.

What Hikers Say

Hikers consistently report this is a genuine lung-buster with relentless elevation gain, but the panoramic views from the pass justify every step. Most say the varied terrain—switchbacks, stream crossing, alpine basin—keeps the grind interesting. Spring hikers caution that snowfields are serious and ice axes are not optional.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 7.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft

Duration: 5-7 hours depending on fitness. Assume 2 hours for the steep lower section and 2-3 hours for the basin climb. The descent often takes longer than the ascent on tired legs.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Steep dirt switchbacks for the first 2 miles, then rocky alpine terrain. Loose scree and talus in the upper basin. Potentially snow-covered from May-June.

Getting There

Trailhead: State Route 20, Mile 151

Requirements

Permit Required

Northwest Forest Pass required to park at the trailhead.

Fees: No park entrance fee. Northwest Forest Pass required for parking.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service. Access is direct from State Route 20 parking only.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Dogs are not allowed beyond the national park boundary, including Easy Pass.

Trail Markers: Well-worn trail. Summer hikers will have no issues. Spring hikers should bring a map—snowfields can obscure the route.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Granite Creek provides reliable water for the first 2 miles. Filter or treat it. The upper basin is dry—fill your bottles at the creek before climbing the final stretch.

Shade: Full sun on the upper 2 miles and exposed basin. Zero shade above the switchbacks. Hat and sunscreen are mandatory.

Hazards:

The steep climb exposes you to intense sun and rapid dehydration. Spring hikers encounter lingering snowfields that obscure the trail—an ice axe is essential, and post-holing is exhausting. Granite Creek swells during snowmelt and can be treacherous. The exposed basin offers no shelter from sudden afternoon thunderstorms. Bears frequent the area; the park requires 100 yards distance minimum.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty and steep. Relentless switchbacks for the first 2 miles with zero rest. Rocky alpine terrain in the upper basin. No handholds or ladders. High exposure in places.

Family Notes:

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this hike too hard for me if I'm fit but new to high elevation?

Not if you pace yourself and carry plenty of water. The sustained 3,000 ft gain is brutal, but fit hikers finish in 5-6 hours. Take breaks every 30 minutes on the steep section.

Do I need an ice axe in summer?

Are bears a real threat on this trail?

Can I do this as a day hike and finish before dark?

What's the water situation? Will I run out?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

Visit Website