Trail

Cascade Pass Trail

Trail

Cascade Pass Trail is a moderately strenuous day hike to an alpine pass with sweeping glacier views. This is the most popular trail in North Cascades National Park—expect crowds, especially summer weekends. The route switchbacks steeply through cool forest, then opens to alpine meadows with views of surrounding peaks and the Sahale Glacier. You'll hike 7.4 miles roundtrip with 1,700 feet of elevation gain, ending at a spectacular mountain pass where you can see glaciers and peaks in all directions.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
7.4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Cascade Pass; strenuous to Sahale Glacier
Elevation Gain Feet
1700

Trail profile

Distance Miles
7.4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Cascade Pass; strenuous to Sahale Glacier
Elevation Gain Feet
1700
Estimated Time
4-5 hours roundtrip for most hikers (3-4 hours if very fit, 5-6 hours if slower pace)
Trail Surface
Dirt trail with packed earth and rocky sections. Switchbacks on steep terrain.
Trail Features
  • Mountain pass viewpoint
  • Alpine meadows
  • Glacier vistas (Sahale Glacier)
  • Switchback forest sections
  • Panoramic peak views
Trail Highlights
Spectacular views at the alpine pass overlooking surrounding glaciers and peaks. Option to extend to Sahale Glacier (strenuous). 360-degree mountain panorama from the pass.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Cascade River Road, 23.1 miles from State Route 20 (Marblemount)
Parking Fill Time
Full by sunrise on summer weekends; parking available through midday on weekdays
Shuttle Required
0

Permits & conditions

Fees
Free
Trail Status
Typically open late June through September (when the access road is open)
Seasonal Closures
Cascade River Road is closed in winter. Road typically opens by late June; may not open until early July in heavy snow years.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
No established water sources on the trail. Carry all water needed (2-3 liters minimum).
Accessibility
Steep switchbacks, rocky sections, exposed terrain. No wheelchair or accessible paved sections. Requires solid fitness and agility.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Steep terrain and switchbacks
  • Exposure at the pass (drop-offs)
  • Crowds on summer weekends
  • Mountain weather changes
  • Intense sun exposure
  • Steep descent (knee strain)
  • Fragile alpine vegetation
Hazard Details
Steep switchbacks with loose rocks and roots. The pass has exposed edges with drop-offs—no guardrails. Alpine vegetation is fragile; stay on the trail. Mountain weather deteriorates rapidly at elevation; wind gusts are common. Crowded summer weekends create congestion on narrow trail sections. The descent puts heavy strain on knees.
Crowd Level
Conga line on summer weekends; moderately busy on summer weekdays; light crowds in June and September
Peak Crowd Times
Summer weekends (especially Saturday), mid-morning through mid-afternoon
Best Season
Late June through September
Best Time To Visit
Late June through September. Arrive by 5:30 AM to beat crowds and secure parking. Early June and late September offer fewer people but cooler temps and possibly residual snow.
Tips Advice
  • Arrive before 5:30 AM; the parking lot fills by sunrise on summer weekends.
  • Carry 2-3 liters of water minimum—no refill on the trail.
  • Wear sunscreen; the upper meadows and pass are fully exposed to intense sun.
  • Use trekking poles on descent to protect knees; the vertical drop is 1,700 ft.
  • The false summit at mile 2.5 will fool you—the real pass is 0.3 miles farther.
  • Make noise (talk or bear bells) to avoid surprising black bears in the meadows.
  • Wind picks up at the pass by midday—the exposure is real. Dress for sudden weather changes.

More details

Park Area
Cascade River Valley, North Cascades National Park
Trail Markers
Well-worn and heavily traveled; difficult to get lost on main trail to the pass
Dogs Allowed
No
Biking Allowed
No
Shade Level
Mixed—forested switchbacks offer shade; final alpine meadows and pass are fully exposed to sun and wind
Map Recommended
0
Snow Dates
Trail typically accessible when the access road opens (late June, except in heavy snow years when road opens early July). Higher elevations may have snow patches through early July.
Mud Season
Early season (late June) may have muddy or snow-covered sections from snowmelt.
Insider Tips
  • The parking lot fills hours before peak times in summer—arrive by 5:30 AM or go on a weekday.
  • The false summit at mile 2.5 tricks many hikers—the real pass is 0.3 miles beyond.
  • South-facing switchbacks have zero shade—apply sunscreen at the trailhead, not at mile 2.
  • The Sahale Arm extension (2.2 miles one way, 2,240 ft additional gain) is brutal but rewarding if you have energy and aren't afraid of scrambling.
  • Trekking poles are not optional—they reduce knee impact by 25-30% on the descent.
  • Wind picks up at the pass by midday; the exposure at the viewpoint is genuine.
  • Make constant noise (talk, bear bells) to avoid surprising black bears in the meadows.
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for families with hiking experience. Upper meadow sections near the pass have exposed drop-offs with no guardrails—hold young children's hands. Very crowded on summer weekends; teach children to stay on trail. Not recommended for children under 8 or those with fear of heights.
Nearby Facilities
Trailhead has vault toilet. Nearest supplies (gas, food, lodging) in Marblemount, approximately 20-25 minutes from the trailhead.
Review Summary
Hikers praise the glacier views and pass scenery but warn of summer crowds and relentless switchbacks. The payoff is real—phenomenal views—but go early and prepare for a slog up and a brutal descent.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail hard for non-serious hikers?

Not impossible. The pass is moderate, not strenuous. The elevation gain (1,700 ft) is real, but the pace is yours. Most non-hikers take 4-5 hours roundtrip. Trekking poles make a huge difference on descent.

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. Black bears use the alpine meadows for food. Make constant noise (talk or bear bells). Maintain 100 yards distance if you see one. Bear spray is optional but carry it if you're nervous.

Why does the parking fill up so fast?

This is the most popular day hike in North Cascades National Park. Summer Saturdays hit capacity by 6:30 AM. Go on a weekday, hike in June or September, or arrive before dawn.

Should I try the Sahale Glacier extension?

Only if you have energy left and are comfortable scrambling. It's 2.2 miles longer with 2,240 additional feet of gain. Start the main hike by 6:30 AM if you're thinking about it.

Is water available on the trail?

No. Carry 2-3 liters minimum. The alpine section has no reliable water sources. Fill at the trailhead before you start.

Will my knees survive the descent?

Trekking poles reduce impact by 25-30%. The descent takes 30-40% longer than the ascent—go slow and let gravity do the work. Tight boots prevent sliding.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.