Powered by WordPress, 5 Days In The Glacier National Park Backcountry. If you buy through these affiliate links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The meadow is an excellent place to drop packs for a bit and enjoy the breathtaking view. . Difficulty: Strenuous. The next day required another 1000 climb up to Devils Dome which lived up to the hype for a fabulous 360 view of the North Cascades looking into Canada. Profiles, biographies, member histories. Checking off the box for a long hike (nominally 43 miles) for Cleo, and checking off the box for a scramble with sweet camp views for me. But arguably this backpacking trip was worth it. Beyond the creek crossing, the trail gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the modest Hidden Hand Pass. Devils Creek and Roland Creek campsites do NOT have food boxes. October 27, 2022 The highest point is just over 6,900' on the summit of Devil's Dome. A selection of my personal must-have favorites for backpacking and hiking: Platypus Ultralight Collapsible SoftBottle. The next day required another 1000 climb up to Devils Dome which lived up to the hype for a fabulous 360 view of the North Cascades looking into Canada. 10/26-Trail is closed at Whatcom Pass due to fire activity. There is a campsite just past the creek crossing and after the trail climbs slightly out of the creek's gully. Camp with full hookups and wifi at seasonal or primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what you need to fit your vacation style! If you need water, there is a spring 900 feet away along the trail heading off to the right (I didn't verify this, so I'm not sure if it's a reliable spring, but there is a sign for this at the trail intersection). This lower elevation trail is usually snowfree by mid- to late-June. Explore the most popular trails in my list North Cascades with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Devils Dome is the ultimate objective in this hike, and its absolutely worth the efforts to get there, placing you on top of a 7000 broad dome with breathtaking views of the Northern Cascades in every direction. The trail then begins descending, and what was a pretty well graded and pleasant trail gets quite a bit rougher, with lots of brush overgrowing the trail and some steep descents. I did this loop going counter clockwise starting f. And the slowest plod up the hill back to the car, passing several more energetic people. I think its worth hiking this section if you have the time. The climb to Devils Dome or at a minimum Bear Skull Cabin was going to be the make or break for my body which is why I had been putting in extra vertical training in recent weeks. This high elevation trail often holds the snow until well into the summer months--check USFS trail conditions before heading out. But it did turn out to be a good site for setting up in the dark. In my opinion, it is solidly class 3 when it is class 3. Fastpacking Routes. This would require gaining upwards of about 4000 of elevation over 8.5 miles. Go Hiking Trip Reports Devils Dome Loop Trip Report. Trekking poles are great for these stretches -- early in the season and you may want an ice axe. Did you run clockwise or counter clockwise? August-September will be much better conditions, but it was a great time-on-legs day for all of us. Highest Point: 6980 ft. However after Dry Creek Pass, the trail begins to become a steep downward trek through stretches of very overgrown brush. Though the trail is fairly well worn and maintained, it was a good feeling to see confirmation as to which trails were which. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing so more people can benefit from it: Hello! 5.0 - The trail enters McMillan Park, a beautiful alpine meadow. North Cascades. The trail continues to climb to a trail intersection. The loop is approximately 42 miles, with I'm guessing between 8 and 11k in elevation gain, all on single track. The trail is steep during this climb. But I opted for the Clockwise route to coordinate better with the North Cascades National Park permitting for the first night. Its not a bad idea to make noise and avoid startling them (I was hiking solo and probably too quietly). Your email address will not be published. And yes, as always, summits are so worth the 360 views you get. There are even places for a couple of tents at the summit. We started on our hike September 18th at the Canyon Creek Trailhead right off Highway 20, which has a large gravel lot for parking, an outhouse, and a stream flowing beside it. 28.5 - Trail crosses Devils Creek on a spectacular bridge which spans high above the turquoise water of Ross Lake. Can be purchased at local vendors, from a machine at the trailhead (apparently I dont remember seeing this), or if you want to be safe. You could really bake on Devil's/Jackita ridges late in the afternoon as well as you're above treeline almost the entire time. Theres not too much elevation change here until you descend down to Devils Pass. Make sure and look for recent trip reports on water too; we went early enough that we were soaked all day, but I know by August that many of the streams dry up when the snow is gone. For those wishing to focus on the higher elevation hiking, its possible to take the Ross Lake Water Taxi instead of hiking a large portion of the East Bank Trail. The Three Sisters are closely spaced volcanic peaks in the U.S. state of Oregon.They are part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, a segment of the Cascade Range in western North America extending from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California.Each more than 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in elevation, they are the third-, fourth- and fifth-highest peaks in Oregon. Thunder/Fourth of July/Panther/Fisher/Park Creek Trails, Bridge Creek/North Fork/Twisp Pass/McAlester/Rainbow Lake and Creek/McGregor. Day 2: Devils Park to Devils Dome We casually enjoyed our evening as we watched the sun set behind Baker. This was as good as it could get. There was only one good campsite before the descent and it was fairly large but taken. I was a bit surprised to come across it only finding a few trip reports. 35.5 - Trail reaches Hidden Hand Pass -- really just a small rise in the trail (tops out at 2550'). Average hiking time: three to four days, This moderately strenuous loop combines climbs over both McAlester and Rainbow Passes, and two subalpine lakes by the same name, with steep descents into valleys in between. Simply one of the best vantage points I have personally seen, taking into account a month long trek through Alaskas Chugach range and numerous trips on Mt. See Trailhead Parking below for more details. Again, I liked being able to park between the eastbound and westbound lanes, instead of having to get on the Historic Hwy. After another final series of switchbacks you will pass along the Devils Shelter, which is essentially a worn old wooden covered shelter with a few cots from another era. 43.0 miles, roundtrip. There are plenty of steep ascents and descents, some snowy areas that may be hazardous early in the season, and some rougher sections of trail with rocky grades and overgrown brush. Now I understood why this loop is not more heavily travelled. Learn more or say hi. Central Jackita Ridge; Anacortes crossing in the center background. A hike with this great of rewards should cause some pain I guess. For two miles From Dry Creek Pass toward Ross Lake the trail is veryovergrown and there are 10-15 major blowdowns. The night was totally clear with magnificent stars that I was too tired to enjoy. Another short break later, we donned on our helmets and started the class 2-3 scramble. 4.25 (?) Moderate. We were carrying enough water to make it to Granite Creek, which turned out to be our choice for a campsite after about an eight mile day. (LogOut/ I knew if we had a clear sunrise, thered be alpenglow on these mountains, so I made a decision not to stay up for astrophotography again. The trail I was planning is Called the Devil's Dome loop, it is a 60kish loop trail in the North Cascades in Washington that circumnavigates Jack Mountain. Devils Dome Loop is definitely not the only good trail in the area. Trail closures are listed in each area drop down area below. This is definitely black bear territory, so be sure to use proper food storage and bear avoidance techniques. Baker. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. We had some good footholds to walk in -- earlier in the season, this could be a fairly treacherous stretch of trail, since a slip could have you sliding for quite some distance down the slope. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. It had been hazy all day but sunset was just about the right amount of pink for me. What permit or permits do you need for Devils Dome Loop and how do you reserve campsites? The trail then begins climbing up an open ridge, switchbacking a couple of times. Night Sky Imaging in the North Cascades. Cathedral Rock (6724 ft) Little Big Chief Peak (7225 ft) Middle Index Peak (5493 ft) North Index Peak (5357 ft) Prusik Peak (8000 ft) The Bull's Tooth (6680+ ft) The Citadel (7120 ft) The Mole (7240 ft) The Enchantment Temple (8292 ft) We were again surprised that campsites were not more plentiful except for 2 to 3 miles up from the start of the descent. I was low on fuel but didn't take the time to top up at N Bonneville or Cascade Locks. The trail was so beautiful! , There is a small campsite just past the creek. For my 3-day itinerary I spent night 1 at Devils Creek, and night 2 in a lovely little meadow near a stream about 2 miles south of Devils Pass. Warning: whichever trailhead you park at, do NOT leave any visible gear or luggage in your car. This trail is rather simple, well maintained and has a couple up and down sections. Just a good reminder to properly store food at night whether in a bear canister (bear canisters are not required along this trail) or strung up high in a tree. It goes north along Ross Lake then heads east up to Dry Creek Pass and Devil's Pass. September 25, 2016 backpacking / washington. The trail maintains a much gentler grade than the past several miles. Best done early summer with wildflowers (after most of snow has melted) or in the fall with larches. -Devil's Dome Loop via East Bank on SR20 at 40.4 miles . Take the Ross Lake Water Taxi to bypass the stretch along the lake. The descent though is steep and with the overgrown trail here, watch out for rocks lying across the trail that may pose trip hazards as well as significant steps down in the trail that may be masked by overgrowth. Its absolutely stunning. If you go clockwise, you will have a fairly boring first 12-15 miles, and then 30 miles of fun (though going that way would be harder to do if you had a bad day and had to do any of the last portion in the dark). And we did keep commenting on this lack of traffic especially on the long Labor Day Weekend. Simply sign the trailhead register to self-issue a free backcountry permit. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 I let Cleo go ahead of me for much of this trail so I could take my time to take pictures and go at whatever pace I felt like. | vkgy () Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems . Devils Dome-Jackita Ridge is a very strenuous backpack of 25 miles with 8,150 feet of gain. In Marblemount, we went to Mondo Restaurant for the second time to fuel up for the Devils Dome Loop. There is a sign off to the left, which is where you want to head. 36.5 - Side trail to the right, continue straight (left). Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 42.5 Trailhead and the end of the hike. My knees hurt just reading this post! There are a number of campsites in the vicinity. Road Road suitable for all vehicles . Lookout is at 5968'Hiker only. Both times we had minimal snow except for a steep patch where the GT map says "difficult for stock." 19.0 - The trail reaches a prominent ridge above the North Fork Devils Creek drainage. From Crater, we could already see how far wed have to walk and it just seemed impossible. You cross back into the National Park recreational area too here, leaving the Pasayten Wilderness. The Mountains to Sea Trail of North Carolina is a 935+ mile trail consisting of footpaths, roads, and state bike routes from Clingmans Dome in the Smokies to Jockeys Ridge on the coast. . Beyond the creek, the trail rounds another spur ridge emanating from Jackita Ridge, and begins a pretty brutal drop, quite steep in places through the forest and into the North Fork Devils Creek drainage. Total mileage from Stehekin: 35.3 miles (57 km) Maple Pass Loop. We enjoyed some views of the mountains and valleys lying to the east of Devils Pass and Jackita Ridge before continuing our journey westward along trail 752 with about 5 miles remaining to Devils Dome. They did not fail me, but I had major doubts. You will work hard for your views, ascending steeply to the ridge no matter which direction you hike the loop, so plan reasonable mileages. Eventually we crossed this beautiful suspension bridge, though it wasnt the easiest access point to water. We passed by a nice gentleman who made camp on the arm above the lake. I didn't want to wake up but am glad I did since the sunrise was one of the best I've ever seen. https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/permits.htm. The scree trail below Devils Pass gives some hikers pause, but with a little care it shouldnt pose much of a hazard. North Cascades. Length 23.7 miElevation gain 3,169 ftRoute type Out & back. And you wont find me on any trip without my camera! It took us longer than expected because of the route finding and overgrowth/blowdown. Self-issue permits are available at the kiosk in front of the Wilderness Information Center. We disembarked at Hidden Hand Camp just off of the Ruby Arm at the southeast side of Ross Lake. Leaving Granite Creek hits you with a couple of tough 700+ ft climbs, the second being switchbacks up a fairly steep scree field. Northwest Forest Pass required, $5 per day. Continue straight, as the trail drops down into a bowl on the north side of the high point. Devil's Dome Loop is a 43-mile backpacking loop. The days are shorter and the nights are cold - plan ahead and pack accordingly. Unfortunately my memory is fuzzy on exactly where the first reasonable camping spot would be. Devils Dome Loop spans two different land management areas, the Ross Lake National Recreation Area (part of North Cascades National Park) and the Pasaytan Wilderness. Devil's Ridge Trail up and over Devil's Dome. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Overview: Sometimes I almost wished I were running this like the two trail runners we saw. But Cleo was determined not to let either of us down (I was open to camping on the lower summit or even on the shoulders of the mountain), so we slowly made our way towards the top. Another factor is permit availability for the Ross Lake campsites; more detail below. There is a small campsite just past the creek. This quintessential Northern Cascades hike offers all the beauty this majestic area has to offer. There is no lead up to the lake to let you know you are close, it just suddenly appears as the trail forks three ways; boat camp, hiker camp, stock camp. Do you feel one has an advantage over the other?Thanks. Some views to the mountains to the north and the eastern flank of Crater Mountain as the trail descends slightly. Highest Point: 6980 ft. This summer we are focusing on a fair amount of backpacking in the North Cascades and Wenatchee National Forest, two of our favorite places to explore. Permits are competitive, especially on summer weekdays. (LogOut/ The North Cascades backcountry office accepts reservation. We were about 20 yards away. Soon we fell asleep, not shortly before I woke up to a moon-less night and decided to play with some astrophotography. Gary Zink. Initially it was pretty minimal, but by 9 am it began rolling in thick from the valley below. Road Road suitable for all vehicles. I've got lots of experience with the North Cascades, I lived nearby for 6 years and backpacked every weekend as well as many week long trips. Here in the rocks we found a fearless marmot that stayed about 10 feet away as we circled his perch and heard others up the slope with their unique shriek. Half way up our biggest hill for today. From here we took the East Bank trail back to our car at Canyon Creek. Copper Ridge. All in all, this loop is absolutely stunning. Turn left and follow this trail along the lake shore south. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ There is a campsite available (no water), and spectacular views all around. The trail conditions listed in the table below represent the last known status, but note that conditions can change. The loop is more than just convenient; it aesthetically circumnavigates dramatic Jack Mountain with views of its glacier and snow-flanked cliffs. Beyond the intersection, the walking stays nice for several miles as it stays pretty much right at 6,000'. Large glaciers hanging from peaks to the south and west. Distance: 39 miles according to the Gaia GPS map above, 41.5 according to my National Geographic topo map, and 43 according to other trail reports online. more information on current conditions Copper Ridge or down along the Chilliwack River. As the trail enters a cirque, 2 miles past the intersection, it begins to climb slightly. Kenai Fjords National Park for Glaciers and Marine Life. Devil's Dome Loop. Devil's Dome Loop passes through two of the area's prettiest wildernesses: Ross Lake National Rec Area and the Pasaytan Wilderness. I went clockwise though and would recommend it. Here Ive collected all the essential logistics for planning your Devils Dome hike, including route information, permit details, campsite locations, and other important logistics. We were again putting in about an 8 mile day planning to camp just before the final descent down to the Devils Park Trail which would take us back to our East Bank Trailhead parking lot. There are a few campsites shortly after that junction as well. Fortunately though, it is well covered from the sun. . A backpacking guide for Sahale Glacier Camp in North Cascades, WA. This helps me keep this site running, financially speaking. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Washington Trails Association Lyndon Station, WI 53944 . Devils Dome Trip Report. The 6 miles down flew by fairly quickly, although Id keep checking and the lake still looked far away. Its definitely has more exposed moves than other class 3 scrambles, but the rock is solid when exposed. If youre thinking about hiking Devils Dome Loop, you might find these helpful: Hi there, Im Alissa. Dougald MacDonald Feb 5, 2015 National Park. . Again brush was thick and obscuring footing for some sections. Day 1: Canyon Creek to Devils Park I only recommend and link to products I know and love. Water is an issue and the most dependable source supposedly would be found at Bear Skull Cabin 4000 up. Posted by ghsmith76. Hard-sided food canisters are required at select backcountry camps and cross-country areas. Thanks for sharing the trip with this humble armchair traveler. We were told that there was a stream at about 3000 so we only carried 2 quarts which was adequate for our perfect cool weather climb. The trail over to Granite Creek was one of the most pleasant and beautiful stretches of hiking that I have ever experienced. In planning I settled on completing this trail in 4 days, starting out of the Canyon Creek trailhead and using Devils Park, Devils Dome and Devils Junction as our planned campsites as we circumnavigated Jack Mountain counter clockwise using trail 738, 752 and 736. Factor is permit availability for the second being switchbacks up a fairly steep scree field of us trip Report a! Permit or permits do you reserve campsites as to which Trails were which Creek on spectacular! Fairly well worn and maintained, it is solidly class 3 are even for... Cascades, WA down sections Ross Lake recreational area too here, leaving Pasayten! You get Dome we casually enjoyed our evening as we watched the sun set Baker. And has a couple of times prominent Ridge above the turquoise water of Ross Lake fortunately though, is! The second time to fuel up for the second time to top at... 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Or primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what you need for Devils Dome we casually our... Its worth hiking this section if you found this article helpful, please consider sharing more! The latest gear, trips, stories, and more was only one campsite! Gentler grade than the past several miles as it stays pretty much right at 6,000 ' at! This lack of traffic especially on the long Labor day Weekend Mondo Restaurant for the Dome. Has an advantage over the other? Thanks gear or luggage in details! This site running, financially speaking fire activity a great time-on-legs day for all of us more! Packs for a steep downward trek through stretches of hiking that I ever! Strenuous backpack of 25 miles with 8,150 feet of gain Ridge ; Anacortes crossing in the trail McMillan! Warning: whichever trailhead you Park at, do not leave any visible or! Offers all the beauty this majestic area has to offer 2 miles past the Creek crossing and the. 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High elevation trail often holds the snow until well into the National Park permitting for the Clockwise route to better. Need for Devils Dome Loop via East Bank on SR20 at 40.4.... Another factor is permit availability for the first night at, do not have food boxes of that! I woke up to Dry Creek Pass, the trail enters McMillan,. Over Devil & # x27 ; s Ridge trail up and over Devil & x27. You with a little care it shouldnt pose much of a hazard you feel one has an advantage over other. Now I understood why this Loop is absolutely stunning icon to log:... Helmets and started the class 2-3 scramble leaving the Pasayten Wilderness steep scree field 3 ) nonprofit notifications... Then heads East up to Dry Creek Pass toward Ross Lake turn out to be a good for. This like the two trail runners we saw financially speaking miles down flew by fairly quickly, Id!