Date: Oc.t 9, 2021
Location: Near Mazama, WA
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2800 feet
Highest Elevation: 6500 feet
This trail provides the East side gateway into the hard to get to North Cascades National Park. It’s not as glamorous as the ultra popular Heather-Maple trail located a few miles away as it demands more effort for similar rewards.
The the first half of the trail is under canopy with persistent incline, then hikers get first extensive look at rocky Cascades peaks decorated by boulders, meadows and evergreens – above. The trail reenters timberland briefly before fully immerses in the beautiful hanging valley – below.
Above, approaching and arriving at the Pass. This trail is particularly haunting in grey, cold Autumn atmosphere as golden larches recede into dimming brown midnight hour their season. Below, the other side of the Pass – Fisher Creek Valley and more brilliant larches.
On the way back to Winthrop, I stopped by the Washington Pass Overlook and got stunned yet again by majesty of the Cascades.
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