Name: Sahale Arm
Rating: 5.0

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The road up to Cascade Pass parking lot closes during the winter season, typically opening in July. Check with the Marblemount Wilderness Information Center for details before your trip. If you plan to camp at the base of Sahale Glacier, there are only 6 or so sites. You need one of the first-come, first-served backcountry permits from the Marblemount ranger station. Also, if you camp please use the established pit toilet west of the rock sites.

Need to Know

If tackling this route in one day, leave by midday to make it back to the parking lot by dark. The trail and scramble up to Sahale Glacier can get windy and socked in by fog, so be aware of the route. If you plan to camp overnight at Sahale Arm and/or climb the glacier, you'll need an overnight backcountry climber's permit from Marblemount Ranger Station. Permits ($10 per person, plus a $6 reservation fee) can be obtained with a reservation or first-come, first-served at the ranger station. If you don't already have one, they also provide a bear canister.

Description

One of the most beautiful places to camp in the North Cascades, the route is worth the extra effort and the challenging scramble. Take your glacier travel gear for a summit morning from the campsites at the base of Sahale Glacier.

Plenty of people take a day to travel up to Cascade Pass each summer on the western side of North Cascades NP. The Cascade Pass trailhead at the end of Cascade River Road also provides access to backpacking destinations, including Steheken (on Lake Chelan) and Sahale Arm. If you're looking to add extra singletrack, an epic scramble, incredible views in the heart of the North Cascades (or even a remote glacier climb), head up to Sahale Arm.

Easy-to-follow switchbacks lead all the way up to Cascade Pass. From the pass, you'll want to make a left (north) turn from the overlook to keep moving on towards Sahale Arm. There will be a well-defined trail, and there are rock cairns in places where the trail passes over rocky terrain. Along the way, visitors will cross a couple of snowfields, and follow some narrow trail sections with beautiful views for about 2 miles. From the base of the glacier, you'll have many options. Some turn back and return to Cascade Pass, though you can continue up to the glacier. Be prepared for proper glacier travel if you intend to continue!

The route is perfect for an overnight trip, though the entire route from the trailhead would be doable as a very long day trip.

Flora & Fauna

Marmots all around! If you camp at the base of Sahale Glacier, keep your food closed up and well-stashed. Late summer and early fall are best for wildflowers.