North Cascades

North Cascades

Hikes of interest:

• Maple Pass Loop
• Cascade Pass
• Mt Pilchuck

The North Cascades are by far my favorite area of Washington. Jagged peaks are numerous and the famous larch trees can be found during fall with their golden needles spotting the mountainsides. My two favorite hikes can be found in the North Cascades. My favorite hike is Maple Pass Loop. A good day hike of just over 7 miles, the loop provides a treat often not associated with hiking – a trail with new views the entire way. The trailhead is near Washington Pass and will take about a 3 hour drive from Seattle. The drive itself along the North Cascades Highway is beautiful as well. On the trail you are surrounded by picturesque mountains and if you go during the fall, you will see the golden larch trees. My second favorite hike is Cascade Pass near Marblemount. The trail is riddled with switchbacks but the views from the pass are well worth the hassle. The pass is a starting point for many people climbing the nearby mountains too. A short ways from the pass has you overlooking Doubtful Lake at the base of the Sahale Arm. Another great hike is Mt Pilchuck. Rattlesnake Ledge has been my traditional visitor hike, but Mt Pilchuck is now my second in line for those wanting a little more challenge. Rising 2000’ over just under 3 miles one way, you find your way to a lookout tower after a brief rock scramble at the top. The view is 360 degrees of the surrounding mountains – the North and Central cascades, the Olympic Mountains, Mt Rainier, and even Seattle. The trail is quite popular and very rocky, but the view is amazing.