🥾 Trail

Cascade Pass Trail

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Cascade River Valley, North Cascades National Park

Distance

7.4 mi

Elevation Gain

1,700 ft

Est. Time

4-5 hours roundtrip for most hikers (3-4 hours if very fit, 5-6 hours if slower pace)

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Late June through September

Overview

About This 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.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate to Cascade Pass; strenuous to Sahale Glacier

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.

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.

Best Season to Hike

Late June through September

Hiking Tips

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.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 7.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,700 ft

Duration: 4-5 hours roundtrip for most hikers (3-4 hours if very fit, 5-6 hours if slower pace)

Difficulty: Moderate to Cascade Pass; strenuous to Sahale Glacier

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Dirt trail with packed earth and rocky sections. Switchbacks on steep terrain.

Getting There

Trailhead: Cascade River Road, 23.1 miles from State Route 20 (Marblemount)

Fills Up: Full by sunrise on summer weekends; parking available through midday on weekdays

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Fees: Free

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Well-worn and heavily traveled; difficult to get lost on main trail to the pass

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No established water sources on the trail. Carry all water needed (2-3 liters minimum).

Shade: Mixed—forested switchbacks offer shade; final alpine meadows and pass are fully exposed to sun and wind

Hazards:

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 Info

Typical Crowds: Conga line on summer weekends; moderately busy on summer weekdays; light crowds in June and September

Peak Times: Summer weekends (especially Saturday), mid-morning through mid-afternoon

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Steep switchbacks, rocky sections, exposed terrain. No wheelchair or accessible paved sections. Requires solid fitness and agility.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Trailhead has vault toilet. Nearest supplies (gas, food, lodging) in Marblemount, approximately 20-25 minutes from the trailhead.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

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?

Why does the parking fill up so fast?

Should I try the Sahale Glacier extension?

Is water available on the trail?

Will my knees survive the descent?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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

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