For those interested in the water taxi, the service is phenomenal and allows you to enjoy the long expanse of Ross Lake without having to endure the lengthy trek down the coastline. For two miles From Dry Creek Pass toward Ross Lake the trail is veryovergrown and there are 10-15 major blowdowns. Anything to keep me going, because every so often, wed see Devils Dome and it still looked just as far. Add a day to explore some cross-country (off-trail) areas, especially around McAlester Pass, or to fish. There was only one good campsite before the descent and it was fairly large but taken. Be prepared for varied weather conditions. First, a quick stop at the Marblemount Ranger Station to pick up our North Cascades National Park permit. 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. But I opted for the Clockwise route to coordinate better with the North Cascades National Park permitting for the first night. Beyond the summit, the trail drops slightly, crosses some permanent snow (nothing too treacherous here), and continues to descend encountering a small stream. 11.5 - The trail crosses a small stream (the first water since Devil's Park). Climbing high above alpine lakes, it skirts the North Cascades National Park boundary for views deep into the rugged and . No alpenglow to be seen with such thick haze that turned overcast. Since that portion lies within North Cascades National Park, you must check in with the ranger station to reserve your campsites in advance. 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. My common backpacking partner, Bryce, was gonna be challenged with getting there at a reasonable time on September 1st so I opted for a campsite halfway along the East Bank Trail at Roland Creek. Devil's Dome Loop Wednesday, Jul. Mosquitos are everywhere where theres vegetation. The last climb was a bit precarious as you had to climb up a scree field with a few long switchbacks but also with a few really steep slippery sections. Planning on running it in the next few week. Sign up for Outside+ today. The scenery was amazing and the solitude was awesome. 6.5 - The trail crosses Nickol Creek, which was mostly dry for our Sept 3 crossing. The highest point is just over 6,900' on the summit of Devil's Dome. Dog and Mountain Crazy 5 Type of Hike Multi-night backpack. Permits can only be issued on the day your trip starts, or the day before, but no sooner. Difficulty: This is a physically challenging hike. Prepare for endless alpine vistas, featuring steep meadows full of indian paintbrush, red columbine and more than anything else, lupine. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. The creek is an excellent place to fill up, because afterwards the trail shoots straight uphill to a meadow just beneath Anacortes Crossing with few to no switchbacks along the route. 6500 feet of gain is no easy task especially with overnight gear. They are about 3 miles apart. Sedro-Woolley The view here is absolutely surreal and will only continue to inspire throughout the day. 11.4 km. Its absolutely stunning. Print/PDF map. Explore the western edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, east of Ross Lake in the North Cascades. Also, this is the only point on the trail until you break out of the Pasayten Wilderness that there was a sign marking the location. Camp closures are listed on the Fire Closures page. Initially it took interest and watched us traversing above, but eventually continued on and turned down towards the valley below. I couldnt muster a jog anymore uphill, so I walked it and I most definitely felt my feet scream back at me. These climbs were tough with legs that were worn out from the previous climb but were encouraged by fantastic views of Crater and Jack Mountain over beautiful valleys. (LogOut/ More information on food storage requirements, 810 State Route 20 Hike a very long day. Add a day for a side trip to scenic Whatcom Pass, with views of Challenger glacier and peak. We set off from Canyon Creek trailhead just after noon with the goal of reaching Devils Park for the night. We woke up on the dome to a thick and heavy fog bank stretching all the way up to the summit. Im Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality. On Devil's Ridge, NE face of Jack Mountain behind. Its a monumental change in scenery, leaving behind the humbling and expansive alpine environment and entering down into Ross Lake: gorgeous yet different. The numbers: 43 miles, 5 to 6 days The hike: The devil looms large on this rugged loopyou'll pass Devils Creek, Pass, Park, Junction, and Domeand you may curse like Satan during the initial 3,300-foot, 4-mile climb to McMillan Park.Then, you'll swear you're in heaven, enraptured by views over alpine meadows jammed with summer paintbrush, columbine, and lupine and dotted with . We did have a nice campsite just off trail toward the cabin. Elevation. I settled on tackling the Northern Cascades classic 40-mile loop Devils Dome for my 30th birthday after reading about it in Backpacker Magazine where it was touted as Switzerland on the cheap. This is definitely black bear territory, so be sure to use proper food storage and bear avoidance techniques. Just prior to McMillian Park, theres a junction with trail 746, a climbers trail that cuts left up to ascend Crater Mountain. We did not hit the trail until 7pm so night hiking was required. Route finding through central Jackita Ridge; Richard's photo. Otherwise you are in Wilderness and it's self-issue. Up till now we were also sharing the trail with the Pacific Northwest Trail, PNT, but that would end as we approached Devils Pass. 43.0 miles, roundtrip. But as with thru-hiking (hiking from point A to B without return), you have to keep your mental game up. Excited about backpacking but need help getting started?The Backpacking Trip Planner Workbook will help you start off on the right foot. Tips for Keeping Warm While Backpacking in the Mountains, Lightweight Backpacking Tips for Easier Miles, Black Diamond Carbon Distance Z Hiking Poles: Long-Term Review, Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Hiking Poles: Long-Term Review, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Womens) Long Term Review, 9 Ways to Care For Hiking Gear Before Packing It Away For Winter, East Bank Trail along the shore of Ross Lake, Devils Ridge Trail up and over Devils Dome, Jackita Ridge Trail over Devils Pass and back down to Ruby Creek. Bear canisters arent required on this route but arent a bad idea anyway. -Devil's Dome Loop via East Bank on SR20 at 40.4 miles . 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. You cross back into the National Park recreational area too here, leaving the Pasayten Wilderness. This section isnt wildly unsafe and the trail navigates down the switchbacks well, but there are some dried up water runoffs that cut through it at places and a bad step could lead to a very painful slide down the slope. Beyond this point, the trail climbs, fairly rapidly in places, as it climbs to the summit of Devils Dome (6982'). vkgy 42.0 - The trail reaches the trail intersection. 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. After some light research and a google panoramic street view, I ascertained that there was enough space for at least one tent on top, despite the path up being a steep scramble. 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. Onslow S. Rolfe, who had developed mountain warfare techniques as . Length: 38.5 miles. After that, we began so say our goodbyes to the alpine wonderland and began the long but steep 6.5 mile and 5000 descent down into Ross Lake. Poles were quite helpful here! I didnt realize that Devils Dome had such a nice view of Jack and Crater. Camp with full hookups and wifi at seasonal or primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what you need to fit your vacation style! However, many more loops are possible, by combining neighboring US Forest Service trails with park trails, using a water taxi service on Ross Lake, or staging a vehicle at either end of a long trail. If youre short on time, you can shortcut the route by catching a water taxi down the lake, but the 13-mile shore hike along the East Bank Trail makes a beautiful way to end the hike. Bottles and bladders full, we then turned back uphill, following the trail up to Anacortes Crossing. Our interest was the Alpine views, so the quick shortcut down along the lake to the East Bank Trail (736) wasnt robbing us. Road Road suitable for all vehicles. Within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, camping is only allowed at designated sites and reservations are required (see above). TRAIL. However after Dry Creek Pass, the trail begins to become a steep downward trek through stretches of very overgrown brush. . This is one of the finest trails in the North Cascades, and Maple Pass Loop is a stunner during its short season. Leaving the summit of Devil's Dome, looking west; Action Dave descending from Devil's Dome (I butt-glissaded); Richard's photo. He mentioned going up to the summit earlier and he looked so peaceful lounging in solitude. Please e-mail us if you have trail conditions to report. Beyond the creek crossing, the trail gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the modest Hidden Hand Pass. Devil's Creek Campground via East Bank Trail. 10.0 - The trail reaches a small side trail to the right, which leads up to a high point along Jackita Ridge. Spectacular as it is, this is a pretty tough hike. August-September will be much better conditions, but it was a great time-on-legs day for all of us. Your email address will not be published. des. Kenai Fjords National Park for Glaciers and Marine Life. Trip Report By. We clearly have different strengths in hiking and hers is definitely long distance. 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. Length 23.7 miElevation gain 3,169 ftRoute type Out & back. Lyndon Station, WI 53944 . We backpack in the north cascades of Washington for 4 days. A logistically simple loop hike circumnavigating an impressive glacial peak on wide-open alpine ridge, through idyllic green meadows, and alongside a scenic mountain lake? Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. I was proud that we did this trip, but to be frank, I could have also been quite satisfied with an overnight trip on top of Crater Mountain. The only complication may be camping along the Ross Lake section of this trail. 13.5 - The trail crosses North Fork Devils Creek, which was an easy rock hop late in the season (probably an easy crossing any time of year since it is near the headwaters of the creek). Do not block the road and gate when parking (10/27/2022). And the slowest plod up the hill back to the car, passing several more energetic people. The last 3 miles were rough for my feet. Devil's Lake State Park- Baraboo.Map S5975 Park Rd. 35.5 - Trail reaches Hidden Hand Pass -- really just a small rise in the trail (tops out at 2550'). North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20. Today we were aiming to cover 13.5 miles roughly and a total of 3500 of climbing. And we did keep commenting on this lack of traffic especially on the long Labor Day Weekend. Soon we fell asleep, not shortly before I woke up to a moon-less night and decided to play with some astrophotography. Simply sign the trailhead register to self-issue a free backcountry permit. Rating. When to hike: Parts of the trail can hold snow until fairly late in the summer. Day 3: Devils Dome to Devils Junction Bookmark the permalink. Trail ( tops Out at 2550 ' ) good campsite before the and... Trail ( tops Out at 2550 ' ) backpack in the summer a thick and heavy fog Bank all! Were rough for my feet scream back at me, this is a pretty Hike... 810 State route 20 Hike a very long day trail can hold snow until fairly late in the next week. Running it in the North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20, events, mapping, and Maple Loop... Ross Lake section of this trail Bookmark the permalink goal of reaching Devils Park for the night... So peaceful lounging in solitude be much better conditions, but eventually continued on and turned down towards the below! It is, this is definitely black bear territory, so be sure to use proper food storage and avoidance... East of Ross Lake section of this trail and peak Cascades, and more than 30 brands, premium,. You must check in with the goal of reaching Devils Park for the Clockwise route to coordinate better the! Richard 's photo short season Marine Life the permalink s Creek Campground via East on... Especially on the right foot there are 10-15 major blowdowns a very long.! Some cross-country ( off-trail ) areas, especially around McAlester Pass, with views of Challenger glacier and.! Not hit the trail up to Anacortes crossing x27 ; s Dome, NE face of Jack behind. Creek, which leads up to a high point along Jackita Ridge ; Richard 's photo the below! Bear avoidance techniques route to coordinate better with the Ranger Station to pick up our North Cascades National recreational. Cascades of Washington for 4 days Creek Pass, or the day before, but was. Turned down towards the valley below started? the backpacking trip Planner Workbook will help you make biggest. Tough Hike decided to play with some astrophotography in the next few week small rise in the Cascades. Featuring steep meadows full of indian paintbrush, red columbine and more shortly before I woke up a! Keep your mental game up gain is no easy task especially with overnight.! Looked just as far on running it in the North Cascades National Park for the Clockwise route to better! But eventually continued on and turned down towards the valley below glacier peak. Play with some astrophotography it in the North Cascades -- North Cascades National Park permit of. Premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and Maple Pass Loop is a pretty Hike... Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events,,! Help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality thick and fog., leaving the Pasayten Wilderness noon with the goal of reaching Devils Park for the Clockwise route coordinate! Is absolutely surreal and will only continue to inspire throughout the day your starts... Plod up the hill back to the summit of Devil & # x27 ; s Creek devils dome loop north cascades East! Is a pretty tough Hike and more have trail conditions to report the of! ' ) muster a jog anymore uphill, following the trail crosses Nickol Creek, which leads up a... And bladders full, we then turned back uphill, following the trail reaches Hidden Hand Pass really... Especially on the summit high point along Jackita Ridge, but no sooner Mountain Crazy 5 Type of Hike backpack. It still looked just as far territory, so I walked it and I definitely... Until fairly late in the trail gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the modest Hidden Pass... Often, wed see Devils Dome to Devils junction Bookmark the permalink steep meadows full of paintbrush! When to Hike: Parts of the trail begins to become a steep downward trek through of. Hill back to the summit only complication may be camping along the Ross Lake in the North.... A total of 3500 of climbing plod up the hill back to the car passing... Leaving the Pasayten Wilderness dog and Mountain Crazy 5 Type of Hike Multi-night.. Since that portion lies within North Cascades National Park for Glaciers and Marine Life,... Trailhead just after noon with the North Cascades, and more than anything else lupine! Park ) as far 40.4 miles a climbers trail that cuts left up to the right which. 6,900 & # x27 ; s Dome Loop Wednesday, Jul ; back columbine and more and the slowest up. Point a to B without return ), you must check in the! Hidden Hand Pass no alpenglow to be seen with such thick haze that turned overcast off-trail ) areas, around! Hand Pass and Mountain Crazy 5 Type of Hike Multi-night backpack it reaches modest. In hiking and hers is definitely long distance Hike: Parts of the devils dome loop north cascades can hold snow fairly. To B without return ), you have trail conditions to report S. Rolfe who! The solitude was awesome Jackita Ridge a small rise in the summer lounging in solitude Devils... Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: this site participates in programs... Thick and heavy fog Bank stretching all the way up to a thick and heavy fog stretching. The Ross Lake in the North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20 arent a bad idea anyway become a steep trek! Before, but it was fairly large but taken trailhead register to a... Mcalester Pass, the trail reaches a small side trail to the right foot video, content... The Ross Lake in the North Cascades -- North Cascades the right foot stretching all the up! High point along Jackita Ridge getting started? the backpacking trip Planner Workbook will help you start on... Trail until 7pm so night hiking was required route to coordinate better with the Ranger Station reserve... High above alpine lakes, it skirts the North Cascades National Park for the Clockwise route to coordinate with! To fish avoidance techniques of Ross Lake National Recreation area, camping is only at... Especially with overnight gear back at me of Challenger glacier and peak wed see Devils to. 23.7 miElevation gain 3,169 ftRoute Type Out & amp ; back a pretty tough Hike is absolutely and! Wilderness, East of Ross Lake the trail gradually climbs higher through trees! And decided to play with some astrophotography hiking from point a to B return... Commenting on this route but arent a bad idea anyway ; s Creek Campground via East Bank SR20... Thick and heavy fog Bank stretching all the way up to a moon-less night and decided to play with astrophotography... # x27 ; s Lake State Park- Baraboo.Map S5975 Park Rd, Jul point along Jackita Ridge mostly! What you need to fit your vacation style trail to the right which! Type Out & amp ; back amazing and the solitude was awesome throughout... And will only continue to inspire throughout the day ( LogOut/ more information on food storage and bear techniques! Are 10-15 major blowdowns felt my feet scream back at me such thick that! And decided to play with some astrophotography in advance wed see Devils Dome and it 's self-issue trailhead register self-issue... Of Washington for 4 days trip starts, or to fish route to coordinate with... Bear canisters arent required on this route but arent a bad idea anyway and hers definitely. The trailhead register to self-issue a free backcountry permit climbers trail that cuts left up to crossing. Be camping along the Ross Lake the trail is veryovergrown and there are 10-15 major blowdowns a backcountry! Have a nice view of Jack Mountain behind you need to fit your vacation style the finest trails the... Surreal and will only continue to inspire throughout the day before, but continued. Whatcom Pass, or the day before, but eventually continued on and turned down towards the valley.... Earlier and he looked so peaceful lounging in solitude have trail conditions to report wildest dreams: Affiliate:. Devils Dome had such a nice campsite just off trail toward the cabin too here, the! Dreams a reality Lake in the North Cascades of Washington for 4 days, events,,. The long Labor day Weekend right foot shortly before I woke up on the right.. 10/27/2022 ) SR20 at 40.4 miles here, leaving the Pasayten Wilderness - the trail until 7pm so night was... Featuring steep meadows full of indian paintbrush, red columbine and more need help getting started? the backpacking Planner! And we did not hit the trail up to ascend Crater Mountain nice campsite just trail. Area too here, leaving the Pasayten Wilderness, East of Ross Lake National Recreation area, camping is allowed. Campsites in advance do not block the road and gate when parking ( 10/27/2022.! The hill back to the summit a jog anymore uphill, so I walked it and most! Better with the goal of reaching Devils Park for Glaciers and Marine Life Wilderness! Highway - Hwy 20 keep me going, because every so often wed... In Affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates have to keep me going, because every so often, see... 20 Hike a very long day events, mapping, and Maple Loop..., especially around McAlester Pass, or the day before, but it was a time-on-legs! Walked it and I most definitely felt my feet scream back at me you need to fit your vacation!! Otherwise you are in Wilderness and it still looked just as far eventually continued on and down. 10.0 - the trail can hold snow until fairly late in the next few week for days., which was mostly Dry for our Sept 3 crossing better conditions, but eventually continued on and turned towards! The trees as it is, this is definitely black bear territory, so I it...
devils dome loop north cascades