The hike begins by climbing 30+ switchbacks in the first 2.7 miles to reach the top of the pass. After a couple of miles of climbing, you'll break out of the trees and enjoy stupendous views as you hike through the alpine!

"Cascade Pass offers views of several impressive peaks and glaciers," according to Kriloff. "The ridge from Johannesburg Mountain connects to Mixup Peak and Magic Mountain, in between which lies the Cache Glacier. Back the way you came, the horizon is comprised largely of the glacier-dotted lower slopes and snowy summit arête of El Dorado Peak."

For an easy hike, you can simply turn around at the top of the pass and return the way you came. For a medium-length version, you can continue down the opposite side of the pass and then take a left on the Sahale Arm trail for a gorgeous out-and-back hike to the base of a glacier.

But the route mapped here details the entire Cascade Pass Trail, an epic 15.2-mile point-to-point trail that continues to descend this stunning mountain valley. The trail follows a stream down from the pass and provides endless views of the soaring mountain peaks above you as you slowly hike along their bases.

The hike ends at Stehekin Valley Road, and will require you to arrange a car shuttle in advance… unless you decide to turn this into an epic backpacking trip. That decision is up to you!

Sources: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cascade-pass https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/cascade-pass-trail.htm