Julie United States 24 Comments

For outstanding views of the North Cascades, put the Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike on your list.

Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. You’ll hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. Once at the Sahale Glacier Camp, you get to enjoy spectacular views over Doubtful Lake and layers of jagged, snow-capped peaks.

This was our final hike after a six-week road trip through the national parks of Colorado and Washington state and it was one of the best. That’s saying a lot.

The Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike is a tough one but it is absolutely worth it. In this post, we cover everything you need to know to have the best experience.

Cascade Pass to Sahale Arm Hiking Stats

Distance: 11.7 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Hard
Total Elevation Gain: 4,120 feet
Starting Elevation: 4,000 feet
Elevation at Sahale Glacier Camp: 7,600 feet
Length of Time: 5.5 to 7.5 hours

Sahale Arm Elevation Profile

Elevation profile

 

Sahale Arm Hike Map

Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.

Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Hike

Step-By-Step Trail Guide

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead is located at the very end of Cascade River Road. This road is 23 miles long and the final 13 miles are a compacted dirt road with a thin layer of loose gravel. It takes approximately one hour to drive down this road.

This road is suitable for standard cars but we recommend having a SUV for any unpaved road, just in case road conditions worsen, for greater ground clearance, and for hardier tires. And as with any unpaved road, we recommend that you know how to change a flat tire. This road is not suitable for RV’s because of the switchbacks and narrow sections.

Cascade River Road

During autumn, winter, spring, and early summer, the last 3 miles of the road is closed. In 2020, this section of road reopened on July 12.

When the final stretch of the road is closed, you can park near the gate but just know that you are adding 6 miles onto this hike. And it is a very steep uphill walk to get to the trailhead. You can get updates on road conditions on the NPS website. 

Cascade River Road Parking Lot

A view of the parking lot from one of the first switchbacks on the trail.

Section 1: The Switchbacks

This trail wastes no time in gaining elevation. From the parking area, the trail zig-zags up the side of the mountain. If you want, you can count the switchbacks as you go…we counted 36. The switchbacks start immediately, the first being just a few steps from the trailhead, and they will continue for 2.7 miles with 1,500 feet of total ascent.

Cascade Pass Switchback

In terms of difficulty, it is a moderate hike up this section of the trail, but because the ascent is continuous for almost three miles, some may consider it a moderate-to-tough ascent. Once you reach the last switchback of this section, you will have completed a little more than a third of the total ascent up to the Sahale Glacier Camp.

This entire section is in a forest so there’s not a whole lot to look at here. It’s all about climbing up to Cascade Pass, although you do get brief glimpses of nearby mountains through the clearings in the trees.

Mountain View

Section 2: Cascade Pass

From the last switchback you have just under a mile to go until you reach Cascade Pass. This section of the trail levels out a bit and becomes easier with only 300 feet of total ascent over its 0.9-mile distance. It is a nice break, with very nice views of the towering mountains to your right. Enjoy this brief respite from climbing because there is still a lot to go.

Cascade Pass Trail

 

Once you reach Cascade Pass you will be standing at an elevation of 5,400 feet.

Cascade Pass

Cascade Pass

 

Cascade Pass View

The view from Cascade Pass

Section 3: Up to the Sahale Arm

Just beyond Cascade Pass, look for the vertical sign post indicating a trail split. Take the split to the left (towards Sahale Arm).

This part of the trail lasts 0.8 miles and will add another 650 feet of total ascent. It starts off with a gradual incline but transitions into another set of switchbacks that feel steeper than those you did earlier.

Sahale Arm Hike Trail

Sahale Arm Hike Switchback

 

After the switchbacks you come out onto a ridgeline, the Sahale Arm, and the view in front of you is incredible. Sahale Mountain towers above you. And yes, you will be standing up there. Doubtful Lake sits in the valley below.

Doubtful Lake

Continue following the trail until you reach the vertical sign post indicating a split in the trail. Take the split to the left to continue onwards toward Sahale, otherwise you’ll end up hiking down to Doubtful Lake.

Section 4: Sahale Arm

The Sahale Arm is the ridgeline that circles around Doubtful Lake. This portion of the trail winds its way through fields of wildflowers and is a good area for spotting marmots.

For one mile you hike along this ridge. You are still climbing, but it’s more gradual here. Enjoy it because the hike ends with one last challenging climb up to Sahale Glacier Camp.

On the day we did this, clouds were blowing in from the west. This entire section of trail, from Cascade Pass to the base of the final climb up to the glacier camp, was completely clouded in. We could not see Sahale Mountain or Doubtful Lake. In fact, we even considered turning around. I’m glad we didn’t because we eventually hiked high enough to get higher than those stubborn clouds. And later in the day, most of the clouds did burn off (which is when we took these photos).

Sahale Arm to Sahale Glacier Camp

Looking up at the final climb.

Section 5: The Final Ascent to Sahale Glacier Camp

The final ascent up to Sahale Glacier Camp is only 0.6 miles long but adds another 950 feet of elevation. This is the toughest part of the hike.

Parts of this trail can be slippery as a result of the steep incline combined with loose dirt and rocks. As you hike this section of the trail, look for cairns to help guide you up the mountain.

When you pause to catch your breath, enjoy the views of the mountain peaks in the distance. The views keep getting better the higher you go.

North Cascades Hiking Trail

Sahale Arm Trail in August

Sahale Arm Hike Clouds

North Cascades

Last Part of the Trail

Trail to Sahale Glacier Camp

Final rocky climb to the Glacier Camp.

 The trail tops out at Sahale Glacier Camp. You are now standing at 7,600 feet and have panoramic views of the North Cascades.

North Cascades National Park

Cascade Pass to Sahale Arm

Sahale Arm Panorama

iPhone panorama

 

Mountain Goat North Cascades

 

With proper gear, it is possible to continue your hike up the glacier. But it is tough. Only those with proper equipment and experience glacier hiking should continue hiking from here.

Sahale Glacier

Looking up at Sahale Glacier and the peak of Sahale Mountain.

The Return Hike

It’s all downhill from here. There will be a few, brief uphill climbs as you head back to your car, but for the most part, it’s downhill the entire way.

About Our Experience

We did the Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike in early August. The weather report predicted clear skies but instead, clouds blew in from the west during our hike.

The sky was perfectly clear during our drive along Cascade River Road. Once the clouds moved in, it was amazing how quickly they clouded in the Sahale Arm. Fortunately, once up at the glacier camp, we were high enough to look out over the clouds. The clouds began to break up midday.

We did this hike in five and a half hours, which includes time at the glacier camp for photos and lunch. It’s a fairly fast time but we had just spent the past six weeks hiking the national parks.

North Cascades Travel Guide

Tips to Have the Best Experience

Get updates on the road status and trail closures on the National Park Service website before you go.

Leave no trace. When you are in the park, practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. This includes packing out what you bring into the park, be considerate of other hikers, stay on the trail, and do not remove anything from the park.

Do not expect your cell phone to work. We had minimal cellular service on this hike. There is also no cellular service along most of Cascade River Road, which means you won’t get reception for most of the drive to the trailhead. Don’t depend on your phone to call for help, talk to friends, or to send photos to friends and family.

What to Bring on the Hike

Hiking shoes. We recommend hiking shoes. This is a long, tough hike and early in the season it is possible that you will have to hike through some snow. When we did this in August 2020 there was no snow on the trail.

Hiking poles. There is a lot of elevation gain and descent on this hike and hiking poles can help ease the stress on your legs and knees.

Water and snacks. At least 2 liters of water in the summer.

Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. For most of the hike there is very little shade.

Camera. Even a smartphone will do.

If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails.

Where to Stay

Marblemount is the closest place to stay. From here, it’s just a straight shot down Cascade River Road to the trailhead. We stayed at the Buffalo Run Inn. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s clean, the rooms are large, and the Wi-Fi works well. There are also a few restaurants within walking distance.

In Newhalem, a 20-minute drive from Marblemount, there are campgrounds.

Concrete, also a 20-minute drive from Marblemount, is the closest good-sized town near the trailhead, and there are several hotels, lodges, and restaurants here.


If you have any questions about the Cascade Pass to Sahale Arm hike, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information about Washington State

HIKES IN THE NORTH CASCADES: We cover the top hiking trails in our North Cascades Hiking Guide. We also have a detailed trail guide for the Maple Pass Loop.

NORTH CASCADES: Take a look at our North Cascades National Park Travel Guide for important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more.

HIKES IN MOUNT RAINIER: Popular hikes in Mount Rainier include the Skyline Trail, Tolmie Peak, the Mount Fremont Hike, and hiking to Summerland and Panhandle Gap. You can see the full list in our article Best Hikes in Mount Rainier.

ENCHANTMENTS: The Enchantments is an epic hike in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State. Check out our Enchantments Trail Guide and our guide to how to handle the logistics of hiking the Enchantments.

NATIONAL PARKS IN WASHINGTON: In our guide to the Washington National Parks, we give an overview on all three parks, Mount Rainier, Olympic, and the North Cascades. Learn how to visit all three national parks in our Washington Road Trip Itinerary.

BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE USA: Looking for your next big adventure? Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks.

If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide and Washington Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips.

North Cascades Hike Sahale Arm

 

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Comments 24

  1. Avatar for Debbie Cole
    Debbie Cole

    Hi,

    Do you know if we can camp at the Cascade Pass trail head? Also, are there water sources available anywhere on this trail? And do you know anything about the campsites near Cascade Pass?

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      I am not familiar with any campsites but the NPS website has some useful information. I don’t recall water along the trail unless you were to get it from a stream/river. Cheers, Julie

  2. Avatar for Tom
    Tom

    I have a an 8 and 10 yr old who are motivated to do this hike but afraid it might be too strenous for them. I’m planning on just doing the Cascade Pass part and skip the Sahale Arm. Any suggestions?

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      This is a longer, challenging hike so it could be tough for your kids. If they have hiking experience, especially on longer, hilly trails, they could be OK for the entire trail. If you get to Cascade Pass and they still have lots of energy, you could go higher. It’s a mostly downhill walk back to the carpark but even so, it is tiring, so it is not to be underestimated, but at least 95% of the elevation gain comes during the first half of the hike. Cheers, Julie

  3. Avatar for Alex
    Alex

    Just wanted to say that I appreciate your content so much. Trying to plan trips with AllTrails alone can get a little overwhelming — I love to hike but longer, more strenuous trails can still be intimidating without tips like this.

    I planned a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and pored over your site to decide which trails to prioritize, and it was so helpful. Our trip was incredible. Can’t wait to try North Cascades at some point!!

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Hello Alex. Thanks for writing in. The Cascade Pass to Sahale Arm is an awesome hike and I definitely recommend it. North Cascades is a beautiful, underrated park, and doing hikes like this one is the best way to see it, in my opinion. In our North Cascades hiking guide I list a bunch of hikes to consider. We couldn’t get to all of them, because of our limited time, but hopefully it will help you to narrow down your options. Happy hiking! Cheers, Julie

  4. Avatar for David K Plummer
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  5. Avatar for Cat
    Cat

    Did you rent a car for this drive? I am looking to do this hike in the summer but will be flying into Seattle. I am worried about rental car company restrictions for dirt roads.

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Yes, we had a rental car (an SUV). I don’t recall which company we used, but it was one of the major companies. In most cases, if you take a rental car on a gravel road and the car gets damaged, breaks down, etc, you could be liable for the damages. It’s a way that rental companies protect themselves. We frequently do this and have never had any issues. You just need to be aware of the risks ahead of time. Cheers, Julie

      1. Avatar for Alison Pyott
        Alison Pyott

        Hi! We did this hike 7.7.23. The road is now partially paved at the steepest sections. We did it in a Lexus CT with no problems. There is a bear that has been breaking into cars.

  6. Avatar for Jordy
    Jordy

    First off, thoroughly enjoy your posts and insights on hiking trails. In your opinion, does the difficultly of this trail compare to the high line trail in glacier and the climb to grinnell glacier? Which one would you say is more difficult?

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Of the three hikes you mention, Cascade Pass is definitely the most difficult. The Highline Trail is the easiest, since it’s an overall downhill walk if you do it from point to point. The hike to Sahale Arm has more than twice the elevation gain than Grinnell Glacier, and it’s about a mile longer, so it’s a lot tougher of a hike. But Sahale Arm is a gorgeous hike and well worth the effort. Cheers, Julie

      1. Avatar for Jordy
        Jordy

        Thanks for the response! We actually had to do an in an out hike from Logan pass, due to not having a vehicle, if we did point to point. So we clocked at 16.2 miles.

        My main concern was the sketchiness of the hike up to the sahale glacier camp compared to the climb to grinnell. The lady was a little freaked out on the climb up to grinnell.

      2. Avatar for Ryan
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  7. Avatar for Rosa Perez
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  8. Avatar for Raymond Zogorski
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    1. Avatar for Julie Post
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      Julie

      At the end of this article I have a Where to Stay section that has some suggestions. We stayed at the Buffalo Run Inn and it is one of the closest places to stay near the trailhead. It’s a very small town but it’s also the most conveniently located town. Cheers, Julie

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