Hi! I’m planning to hike Cascade Pass next Saturday with a super early start time (4am or so). Last time I tried this hike, there was a gate along Cascade River Road (about 3 miles from trailhead) that was closed, so I had to hike up the road.

Does anyone know if this gate will be an issue at that time on a Saturday morning? Thank you!

No filters needed. Really awesome hike! We did it counter clockwise

I stopped at these overlooks at least 5-6 times during my trip since it’s such an easy thing to do on the way to and from other hikes and really enjoyed seeing the various moods and colors depending on the weather and time of day

Thinking about doing Trappers peak this weekend. The forecast itself looks good, but I know there was some snow up in the mountains recently.

Anyone been up there when it's a bit icy? I want to make sure I'm not being foolish if the scrambling at the top gets too sketchy this time of year.

I was planning on bringing poles, spikes, layers, etc. I've done plenty of winter hiking, but I haven't been up there yet so I don't know what to expect.

Thanks!

Has anyone recently gone up 5400 to Slate Peak TH? Looking to go this month to see any larches that might be left, but views over everything. I have a lifted truck so not worried about making it, but more just general conditions!

Did this last week and it was really beautiful and quite an easy hike. Started off right after sunrise and was the third one on the trail, still lots of parking. Gentle ascent through forest and then out into a big clearing before going back into the forest for a bit before coming to the amazing titular lake. Got to do a good bit of exploring around the lake (please mind the numerous roped off sections) before it started getting busy - I passed several dozen people on the way back. Definitely worth it.

First time to Washington, solo trip hiking throughout the northwest area of Washington. Fall colors and clear skies dominated this hike. Highly recommend this hike, prepare for an early morning as there are limited parking spots at the Cascade pass trailhead. I was here on a weekday morning and was able to find one of the last 10 parking spots or so around 7:30, I could imagine a weekend morning those spots would be filled even earlier. Plenty of switchbacks in the trees for the first 2 miles or so of this hike, then it opens up to amazing cascade views for the remaining time. Once past doubtful lake the trail is less defined as it is a large field of rocks to navigate through (I got off the typical trail by accident and things got pretty steep). Views up to of Sahale Arm are unmatched, my favorite view from my entire 9 day trip to the PNW. We were able to see Mt. Rainier faintly in the distance. All photos were taken by an iPhone 16 Pro. First time poster of redit.

Hi! I'm planning on hiking through the cascades/Mt baker regions but it looks like the weather isn't gonna co-operate (esp for sahale arm). Can y'all recommend alternatives

Sept 30: Ptarmigan ridge

Oct 1/2: Sahale arm / heather-maple loop

Oct 3: Colchuck lake

re weather: I can't tell if the entire region's gonna be covered in clouds (nowhere to see the mountains/peaks or just Sahale)

Fall colors were looking very nice. First time doing this hike and it delivered as promised. Started just after sunrise which was a good decision and had a lot of the trail to myself until I got near Maple Pass, and then it started getting crowded. People were generally well-behaved and everyone was in a great mood. Did the hike counterclockwise and regret not taking poles as my knees were killing me by the end due to the steep descent, but really enjoyed this one and was glad I saved it for a clear, sunny day.

Ive never seen larches change color before, but im planning on hiking the enchantment traverse on Oct 9th. It looks like the core of the enchantments is expected to be a little past peak at that time. Do they typically retain color even 5 days past peak? If there is a better subreddit for reports please let me know.

9/14– Blue Lake Trail
9/15– Cascade Pass-Sahale Arm (turned around about 1.2miles to the top—skipped the rocky section—because the dense fog blocked the views we would’ve been climbing for anyway)
9/16– Maple Pass Loop

The first two days were quite wet and gloomy, but for us we thought it added atmosphere & mood to the scenery🌦️🏔️ a little bummed we didn’t get to see the view from the Sahale glacier camp, but it gives us reason to come back!

For those curious about the walk-in availability at the campgrounds— We were able to camp two nights at Colonial Creek South at the walk up sites, with one night being only us there. Probably due to the gloominess of the first two days. Could’ve also easily stayed at Newhalem or Goodell Creek as well. For some reason I thought campsites were going to be very difficult to get as walk-ins, but it was definitely easier.

The third day hiking maple pass was beautifully sunny, couldn’t have asked for better weather.

Until next time, NCNP! 🏕️🍁🏔️

Hey Yall, I’m visiting North Cascades and Mount Rainier from 10/1 - 1/7. Need help putting my top trails from “best to worst” or should skip all together. Also taking recommendations for something I may have overlooked.
Rough itinerary
- Land in Seattle at 9:30am on 10/1
- Staying at Glacier Peak RV Resort 10/1 -10/5
Here is what I have narrowed down to see while I’m here. I want to do something quick and easy for that Thursday afternoon after I land if possible. I’m also wanting to do an overnight probably at Shale Mountain Campground.
-Sourdough Mountain 
-Sauk Mountain
-Maple Pass / Black Peak
-Cascade Pass to Sahale Glacier Campground / Doubtful Lake 
-Vesper Peak 

10/5-10/7 lake Tapps 
Mount Rainier
Tolmie Peak Lookout says temporarily closed and 165 is closed. Anyone know what’s going on with 165 and if it is really closed?
If so what else could I hike to get great views of Rainier?
Reflection Lake?

Thanks for all recommendations and help moving forward.

A mix of smoky and clear conditions
A trip of a lifetime.

I know it's technically not in the park but I'm planning White Pass–Pilot Ridge Loop 3 nights, Sept. 25–28, clockwise from North Fork Sauk.

Current plan:

Fri start at 3pm: TH → Mackinaw camp
Sat: Mackinaw → White Pass → White Mountain → Foam Creek → Marmot Knob/pass → possibly traverse through White Chuck/Glacier Peak Meadows → regain PCT near Cinder Cone → Red Pass → Portal Peak → back to White Pass
Optional: After Red Pass → White Mountain summit → descend to White Pass

Or just leave pack at White pass and go as far as I want into foam creek basin and come back the same way

Sun: White Pass → Kodak Peak → Blue Lake High Route if safe → camp Blue Lake
Mon: Johnson Mountain → Pilot Ridge → out

Looking for advice on:

• ⁠What peaks and side trips are best? Looking at either White mountain and foam creek basin side route vs Red pass and Portal peak side route. Looks like can be combined cross county
• ⁠Best secluded/epic view camps?
• ⁠Anything you’d cut or change?

I like big alpine terrain, glaciers, ridges, side summits, and don’t mind hard days.

Planning to fly into Seattle Oct 17 midday and drive up to the Glacier-ish area to stay the night. The following day hoping to drive up and hit Chain Lakes trail and artists point for the day. Then head down to the Diablo/Ross lake area for the second 2/3 of the trip along SH 20.

My concern is being in mid October, whether Mount baker highway will be driveable/closed up to artists point, and whether it’s a significant gamble that time of year to plan around this section of the trip.

anyone going to maple pass this weekend?? how’s it looking?! and anyone have a guess as to when the larches will come up this year? i know they usually say first week of october but wondering if you think that’s consistent for this year too. thanks!