Cascade Pass Trail
Cascade Pass
A historic pass reached by 37 switchbacks, encircled by glaciers, where marmots and black bears are often seen. The trail can be extended to Sahale Arm
Cascade Pass is the classic one-day hike in the core of North Cascades National Park. The trailhead is at the end of the road along the Cascade River, about 37 km from Marblemount, and the final stretch is on a gravel road. The trail is about 11 km round trip, with about 550 meters of elevation gain. It climbs through forest with more than 30 switchbacks to reach the pass. All around are the glaciers and waterfalls of Johannesburg Mountain. Meadows often host marmots and pikas, and occasionally black bears and mountain goats. If you are fit, you can continue up Sahale Arm, about 19 km round trip, for a close look at Sahale Glacier. This pass was once a crossing route for Indigenous peoples and early explorers over the Cascade Range.
Opening hours
Approx. Jul–Sep
Nearby sights
- Hidden Lake Lookout
- Diablo Lake
- Thunder Knob Trail
- Diablo Lake Overlook
- Ross Dam Trail
- Ross Lake
- Ladder Creek Falls
- Gorge Creek Falls