NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK, WA :: When I first hiked this trail a couple years ago, a nearby wildfire prevented me from reaching the campsites at the end of the Sahale Arm. The Cascade River Valley and surrounding vistas were obscured by smoke. Despite assurances from the park rangers that I would be safe, my eyes were watering and my breathing was affected, forcing me to cut my trip short. The experience was still incredible, but I knew I would have to return to see what I missed.
Fortunately, there were no wildfires to contend with today. In fact, I doubt the skies could have been any clearer! The trail climbs 3900′ over 5.7 miles, reaching the base of the Sahale Glacier at an elevation of 7600′. At the glacier are several rocky campsites, ringed by boulders to shield exposed tents from the wind. I enjoyed my lunch in one of these rings and envied the campers. A few inches of snow covered the area and had dusted the higher peaks like powdered sugar. I noticed a pair of tracks heading up the glacier – perhaps from a couple climbers attempting to summit Sahale Mountain.
The views were amazing during the entire hike! I caught glimpses of Baker, Shuksan, and even Rainier. The colors of fall were just emerging, surrounding Cascade Pass, Doubtful Lake and the Stehekin Valley far below with brilliant yellows and reds. Several deer, pikas and lazy marmots were on the trail, nearly outnumbering the human traffic.
Fortunately, there were no wildfires to contend with today. In fact, I doubt the skies could have been any clearer! The trail climbs 3900′ over 5.7 miles, reaching the base of the Sahale Glacier at an elevation of 7600′. At the glacier are several rocky campsites, ringed by boulders to shield exposed tents from the wind. I enjoyed my lunch in one of these rings and envied the campers. A few inches of snow covered the area and had dusted the higher peaks like powdered sugar. I noticed a pair of tracks heading up the glacier – perhaps from a couple climbers attempting to summit Sahale Mountain.
The views were amazing during the entire hike! I caught glimpses of Baker, Shuksan, and even Rainier. The colors of fall were just emerging, surrounding Cascade Pass, Doubtful Lake and the Stehekin Valley far below with brilliant yellows and reds. Several deer, pikas and lazy marmots were on the trail, nearly outnumbering the human traffic.
