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Cascade Pass to Sahale Camp

North Cascades, Washington · August 2025

This classic North Cascades route is a demanding 12-mile round trip with about 4,000 feet of elevation gain. From Cascade Pass, the trail climbs through wildflower meadows and across talus slopes to Sahale Glacier Camp. Along the way, you’ll traverse alpine ridges, pass turquoise lakes, and take in sweeping views of peaks like Forbidden, Boston, and Eldorado.

Mountain scenery rising above the trailhead parking lot — Even the parking lot offers a stunning view.

The Cascade Pass Trail winding away from the trailhead — Starting out on the Cascade Pass Trail.

Green summer slopes and peaks in the North Cascades — Summer in the Cascades is nothing short of spectacular.

Doubtful Lake holding vivid blue-green water below the trail — Doubtful Lake glows a brilliant turquoise.

Still alpine lake water reflecting the surrounding slopes — The calm, clear water is mesmerizing.

Two mountain goats feeding on vegetation beside the path — Mountain goats grazing along the trail.

Hiker making the long climb up the open alpine slope — Up, up, and away.

Ridges and summits spreading out in every direction — 360-degree vistas at every turn.

Doubtful Lake set among steep rocky Cascade peaks — Doubtful Lake framed by the rugged Cascades.

Loose rock covering the steep upper section of the route — Steep, loose scree on the final ascent.

Arriving at the tent sites of Sahale Glacier Camp — I made it to Sahale Glacier Camp.

Sahale Glacier spilling down the slope above camp — A brilliant view of Sahale Glacier.

Pumping glacier meltwater through a portable filter — Filtering ice-cold glacier melt for drinking water.

A mountain goat standing near the trail on the way down — Another mountain goat on the descent.

Meltwater falling from the glacier toward the lake below — A waterfall plunging from Sahale Glacier to Doubtful Lake.