North Cascades Region

1. Sahale Arm and Doubtful Lake
2. Shannon Ridge

Length (RT): 13 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: 4000 ft in; 800 ft out Season: mid-July-October

This is one of the most spectacular hikes I've ever done! You had better bring two or three rolls of film. I decided to place the images on a separate page. The trailhead parking area provides a tremendous view of massive Mount Johannesburg. The first two miles consist of countless, well-graded switchbacks in cool forest to open country and views. Then make a long traverse up to 5400-foot Cascade Pass (3.5 miles). Descend the pass a bit to a junction. Turn left and switchback to the crest Sahale Arm. As you can see from my shots, the area is beyond description! The trail is in wonderful shape. This is in sharp contrast with the Cascade River road!!! Ok, when you have reached the crest of the arm or ridge, you'll notice a marker and a trail junction. The right goes down 800 feet to Doubtful Lake (about a mile). I did this on my way back. The trail is rough and very steep. It can be slippery in some places. Bears have been sighted around here so make plenty of noise. I went to the lake's outlet, Doubtful Creek which is a nice spot for a lunch.

Now, let's go on to the glacier. The well-maintained trail keeps on the crest of the arm to a boulder field. On the way, look out for great views of eastern and western Washington valleys on respective sides of the arm and surrounding peaks. I think it's neat that one can hike into eastern Washington and back in a day. The marmots are very plentiful up here. At the boulder field, follow cairns through it and then follow a faint climber's route to the top of a rocky bench and camp sites. You can see the glacier and Sahale Peak just a bit ahead. I just couldn't believe the views up here. I met a nice family setting camp here. It's neat that several generations can go hiking together like that. Don't forget to check out the photos!

How to get there:

Take Highway 20 to Marblemount and turn "right" on the Cascade River road (actually, you'll be keeping straight as Highway 20 curves sharply). Cross the Skagit River and follow the road about 23 miles to its end and trailhead. Warning: the road is pretty rough in some places and there are some major dips near the trailhead. However, passenger cars can make the trip. You won't have any problems if you drive carefully.

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Navigation

Length (RT): 6 mi Diff. Level: moderate Elev. Gain: 2200 ft Season: late July-October

Do this one if you want a great view of Mount Baker! The first 1.5 miles are on an old, overgrown logging road. Watch out for deep holes!!! Then the way leaves the road and switchbacks up into old-growth Douglas Fir. I found this section to be very muddy! Finally, the trees are left behind as you'll climb up onto the heather-covered ridge. First views of Baker are seen at this point (2.5 miles). The official trail end is marked by a post (North Cascades National Park boundary). By this time, you can see the pass ahead of you and a rough climbers trail going up it. I've been up there years ago with the Seattle Mountaineers (summer 1990). The views really aren't that much better. Here is a shot of my friend John (27.2 KB) near the end of the official trail.

How to get there:

Take Highway 20 to Baker Lake-Grandy Lake road and turn left 23 miles to Shannon Creek Campground. Turn left on Road 1152 for 4.5 miles to a junction with Road (1152)014. Take a right and drive 1.4 miles to end of the road and trailhead. Warning: parking is severely limited. The road just ends and is very narrow. Please leave room at the end for people to turn around. It would be a great idea to carpool if you have that option.

Hike List