Past the hook bend in the trail the trail begins its climb up to Devils Dome. Going the other direction isnt much better. Absolutely breath-taking views, Greg. Long distance enthusiasts may be intrigued by the routes overlap with the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, which stretches over 1200 miles into Idaho and Montana. Around 5:30 Kevin woke me let me know the sun was coming up. I could not for the life of me figure out Mesahchie amongst all the point peaks, but at least Black Peak was prominent to the east. Devils Dome. Shortly before the trail crosses into Ross Lake NRA, the trail quality improves, and the walking becomes pretty good again. 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. Large glaciers hanging from peaks to the south and west. And the slowest plod up the hill back to the car, passing several more energetic people. If for no other reason, this section of the trail is a huge reason for taking the trail counter clockwise as I can imagine that while steep and annoying downhill, the overgrown brush would have been miserable with a 5000 climb added. Id make sure to rest and massage out my feet every 6 miles to keep them fresh. In the Pasaytan Wilderness where most of the loop lies, camping is allowed anywhere within Leave No Trace guidelines (camp in previously used sites, on durable surfaces, not immediately next to water sources). When to hike: Parts of the trail can hold snow until fairly late in the summer. The climb from the other direction is probably easier due to water and switchbacks, but 4000 is a tough climb especially for an old backpacker. We had the mountain all to ourselves which made for a quiet and peaceful evening simply gazing out at the hulking Jack Mountain while watching the sunset paint the sky above the ridge lines to the north. Another short break later, we donned on our helmets and started the class 2-3 scramble. They are about 3 miles apart. That said, fit hikers or those willing to take it slow and steady will likely manage fine. Baker. 17 as difficult for stock, lies a steep set of switchbacks along a scree slope. Beyond the creek crossing, the trail gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the modest Hidden Hand Pass. When we finished that loop, we ate there again for a third time! My girlfriend and I ambitiously also scheduled our trip literally 2 days after a grueling RAGNAR Pacific Northwest, a decision that upped the ante on the difficulty of this trail. It stood up and turned around and looked at us, eyes shining. 4. Afterwards it heads south along Jackita Ridge and ends at the Canyon Creek Trailhead. des. Devils Dome/Jackita Ridge. 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. The Art of Light(ly) Backpacking. By the way nice finish at WR50! I researched this route, hiked it, and reviewed a number of other trip reports as part of writing this guide. Devil's Lake State Park- Baraboo.Map S5975 Park Rd. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 8.0 - The trail reaches Devil's Park Shelter and the meadows of Devil's park. Profiles, biographies, member histories. This moderate, beautiful forested loop combines the best of two old growth valleys: Big Beaver and Little Beaver. I personally saw two bears in two days along this trail! 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+ If you are planning a trip to the wilderness, be sure to check the weather forecast, snow level, and driving conditions beforehand, and leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member, including the date and time you plan to exit the backcountry. Thanks for reading! Turn left and follow this trail along the lake shore south. 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. There is a campsite to the right of the trail, just past the trail intersection. For on-trail navigation I recommend the National Geographic topographic map of North Cascades National Park, available here. 10+ north cascades national park backpacking itineraries, a larch guide | 20+ crowd-free washington hikes, things to do in the off-season // how to hike in the rain, beginners guide to snowshoeing | resources for 20 washington hikes, the ultimate beginners guide to backcountry skiing | washington, checking em off | switchback + martin peaks, very nearly enchantments | lake ingalls backpack, hunting for larches | golden lakes loop backpacking, double trouble | boston-sahale traverse c2c, meet me in the afterglow | eldorado peak overnight, Start/End at East Bank Trailhead in counter clockwise loop, Camped on Crater Mountain and Devils Dome. At the bottom of this descent you open out into a clearing and the North Fork of Devils Creek. 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. It is . He mentioned going up to the summit earlier and he looked so peaceful lounging in solitude. No alpenglow to be seen with such thick haze that turned overcast. It had been hazy all day but sunset was just about the right amount of pink for me. I am in awe of your stamina. After McMillian Park, the trail levels out for a bit into a meadow and shows off the endless alpine vistas that will greet you on the following days hike to Devils Dome. Your email address will not be published. If you buy through these affiliate links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Im Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality. Devil's Dome Loop. Average hiking time: four days, This strenuous loop trip combines the best of North Cascades terrain: a rare ridge walk with expansive mountain views, and one of the finest old growth forested hikes in the park, along a salmon river. 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. Here is a basic overview map for planning purposes, not suitable for on-trail navigation. Devils Dome Loop: Trailhead 2000', high point (Devil's Dome): 7000' Horse, hiker: 9/26 Devils Dome Loop re-opened. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. . Powered by WordPress, 5 Days In The Glacier National Park Backcountry. Average hiking time: four to five days, 810 State Route 20 Pictures are from my own hike, which unfortunately was affected by wildfires in the area. 27.0 - Trail intersection with the East Bank Trail. Water is an issue and the most dependable source supposedly would be found at Bear Skull Cabin 4000 up. In my opinion, it is solidly class 3 when it is class 3. Please do let me know how it goes when you do it. Total mileage from Stehekin: 35.3 miles (57 km) Devil's Dome Loop is located in the Pasayten Wilderness which overlaps with the North Cascades National Park. North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20 . Through this stretch, the trail crosses a couple of small streams. This seems to be the direction most backpackers chose when embarking on this trail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There is a small campsite just past the creek. We coming up a little hill and suddenly saw what both thought was a bear in a field. And most definitely airy at times. In Marblemount, we went to Mondo Restaurant for the second time to fuel up for the Devils Dome Loop. Don't underestimate the overgrowth/blowdowns from Dry Creek Pass down to the East Bank Trail; it can be slow going (unless trail work has happened there; probably unlikely). I think that I would rather be climbing here rather then descending. The trail, as it had throughout the trip, continues to offer a great balance between sporadic tree cover and open meadows along the ridge, maintaining a good balance between shade and unobstructed alpine views. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. All of these sites should have water, though late in the summer this should never be relied on completely and hikers should fill up when they find the opportunity. In essence, I am not made for thru-hiking (yet). Otherwise you are in Wilderness and it's self-issue. Overview: Significant flooding from November 2021 has damaged the road, there is no current access to Ross Lake or the Hozomeen campground via Canada. Theres more where this came from! August . 4.20 out of 5 . Much of this trail is high ridge walking above treeline, as you circumnavigate Jack Mountain. North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20. Thanks! This would require gaining upwards of about 4000 of elevation over 8.5 miles. We set off from Canyon Creek trailhead just after noon with the goal of reaching Devils Park for the night. The trail passes through Blowing Rock, largely following the Blue Ridge Parkway in this area. The trail cuts back and forth upward on the southern side of Crater Mountain up through first McMillian Park before climbing a little further and then turning south into Devils Park. Not knowing how dependable this spring would be, we opted to fill up all our water bottles and bladders in order to guarantee that we would have sufficient water throughout the remainder of the days hike (approximately 7.3 miles), dinner, breakfast, and the first few miles of the following day. The night was totally clear with magnificent stars that I was too tired to enjoy. Hood features two connecting roads that loop around the slopes for easy entry to many elevations, while the ski resort lift systems make navigating the sidecountry a smooth affair. COVID Update: As of July 2020 the Marblemount station is closed but rangers are processing permit applications in the parking lot. Plus, real or imagined, I'm guessing this parking lot is "safer . 42.0 - The trail reaches the trail intersection. North Gunsight Peak (8190 ft) White Goat Peak (7800 ft) Central Cascades Crags. 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. Alas, it wasnt autumn so upwards we go. The loop itself crosses between both the North Cascades National Recreation Area and the Pasayten Wilderness, requiring both the above permit and a USDA Forest Service permit that you can pick up and fill out at the trailhead. Hwy 20 is known to have car break-ins so I was meticulous in emptying the cabin so only my forest pass was in sight. Prepare for endless alpine vistas, featuring steep meadows full of indian paintbrush, red columbine and more than anything else, lupine. Devil's Dome Loop Wednesday, Jul. And it was flowing heavily! No camping permits needed if you dont camp along Ross Lake (marked above). Thanks for your reply. From Crater, we could already see how far wed have to walk and it just seemed impossible. A good test of your mental and physical endurance, but if you take more days, youll probably suffer less than I did. Mosquitoes and bees can be a real nuisance along this trail. 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. Luckily, most of this uphill slog is tucked underneath shaded canopy. Baraboo, WI 53913 More Details. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an . A hike with this great of rewards should cause some pain I guess. There are a couple areas where navigating through fallen trees is necessary (as of 2011). Total mileage: 40.4 miles (65 km) Perhaps day 1 becomes short with a stay at Roland Creek instead of Devils Creek, or you push all the way to Devils Creek instead of Roland. We took our long break at Rainbow Point, taking a well-deserved swim and filled up on water again. Gary Zink. And goodness there were larches here, just as I had read about! The seasons are changing rapidly in the North Cascades, we skipped over fall and went right to winter! Hiking the Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades is a gem. To improve your chances, arrive an hour or more before opening or even the previous day, and be sure to take a number from the board by the door when you arrive. . Total mileage: 33.5 miles (54 km) 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. Loop; Difficulty: Easy; The Cascades Trail, one of the most . 623 m. 3.5-5h. Thankfully, we could still enjoy this river for another 3 miles as we walked beside it. 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. First and foremost, this trail is absolutely incredible! Pingback: Great PNW Multi-day BackpackingLoops | The Adventure Continues, Pingback: Yellow Aster Butte | The Adventure Continues. But it did turn out to be a good site for setting up in the dark. I love multi-day backpacking loop treks and the Devils Dome Loop in the North Cascades turned out to be a jewel. 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. 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. North Washington Cascades. It definitely hit the spot. Continue Reading. We were about 20 yards away. So maybe I can help. 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. Hello! Then, youll swear youre in heaven, enraptured by views over alpine meadows jammed with summer paintbrush, columbine, and lupine and dotted with stately firs and larches. I like big mountains, bigger views, and varied terrain. The last day required us to descend down to Canyon Creek which was rather easy considering the number of switchbacks. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Personally I enjoyed the East Bank Trail and the lake views quite a bit. You can see from where you came from and where youre going. Permits can only be issued on the day your trip starts, or the day before, but no sooner. . vkgy is a visual kei library maintained by overseas fans. Ruby Creek Trail. This loop is a breathtaking and beautiful multi-day (3-4 day) trek where you continually climb up and down, then repeat, repeat and repeat once more. The dome is also fairly large so regardless of the traffic and fellow backpackers, there is plenty of space to spread out and find your own little camp perched up high on the summit. The highest point is just over 6,900' on the summit of Devil's Dome. (6/17/2022) Spectacular as it is, this is a pretty tough hike. From Ruby to Snowfield slightly west of us, Eldorado further behind. The only complication may be camping along the Ross Lake section of this trail. Bass Lake Campground Map N1497 Southern Rd. Route finding through central Jackita Ridge; Richard's photo. Your email address will not be published. Between Ross Lake and the high elevation views, hikers will face several thousand feet of steep climbing and descending on forested slopes. Bring camp shoes to let your feet relax from your hiking shoes! I won't forget the coming twilight, wandering the meadows just to the east of Devil's Dome with Jack Mountain dominating the southern view, the sun pushing its last rays of light through the crags of mountains to the west attempting to light the deep valley bottoms. This time, we were doing it in 3 days and making it even harder by tagging Crater Mountain. September 25, 2016 backpacking / washington. But I opted for the Clockwise route to coordinate better with the North Cascades National Park permitting for the first night. More on Road Conditions At the northern end of the bridge, immediately turn right at the fork. The bear was 200-300yds away and maybe 500 or so feet below us. I did this loop going counter clockwise starting f. Jul 4, 2016 - Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight on this 43-mile, 5- to 6-day rugged loop through the Pasayten Wilderness. The trail description here follows a counter-clockwise course around this loop. I could have had more but Cleo was perfectly content. Once out of the Ross Lake National Rec Area you can camp where you like (using leave no trace principles), so strong hikers going clockwise from East Bank Trailheadcould in theory push past the boundary ~13 miles in before camping. There also is overgrowth on the Ruby Creek trail going east from the East Bank trailhead. Length. From here we took the East Bank trail back to our car at Canyon Creek. And you wont find me on any trip without my camera! There is a campsite just past the creek crossing and after the trail climbs slightly out of the creek's gully. I settled on tackling the Northern Cascades classic 40-mile loop Devils Dome for my 30th birthday https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2015-08-18.5785971174, https://www.wta.org/site_images/trip-reports/2015/tripreport.image.2015-08-18.5791561664/@@download/image/IMG_2722.jpg, Jack Mountain in the distance along the hike. Today we were aiming to cover 13.5 miles roughly and a total of 3500 of climbing. 6.5 - The trail crosses Nickol Creek, which was mostly dry for our Sept 3 crossing. The walking is great! Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems. Devil's Dome Loop passes through two of the area's prettiest wildernesses: Ross Lake National Rec Area and the Pasaytan Wilderness. The walking is nice, easy, and there are views throughout since the trail stays right on the edge of the treeline. The North Cascades backcountry office accepts reservation. I was a bit surprised to come across it only finding a few trip reports. Beyond the intersection, the walking stays nice for several miles as it stays pretty much right at 6,000'. Greg crossing a creek on the way up to the Crater Mountain trail junction. 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. Devil's Dome Loop Route. There are a number of campsites in the vicinity. My weary feet were done. North Cascades. I think this is the weakness of an alpinist. Simply sign the trailhead register to self-issue a free backcountry permit. The vistas (in which there are many) in all directions are of craggy mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. There is a campsite available (no water), and spectacular views all around. . You wonder how in the world youll make it all the way yonder and wonder how you did make it after all. North Cascades. The climb is pretty much over. Unfortunately that lack of sleep caused me to oversleep the sunrise, to my dismay. Follow the US Forest Service Hannegan Pass Trail #674 to Boundary Camp, then either head up to Copper Ridge or down along the Chilliwack River, depending on your permitted itinerary. Amongst my crazy plans, Devils Dome Loop was actually one of the least crazy. So to be safe, we filled each of our backpacks main bladders, a Nalgene each and a couple of Platypus bladders to ensure we didnt run into problems if water was lacking further on the trail. , Snow . 19.0 - The trail reaches a prominent ridge above the North Fork Devils Creek drainage. However, more campsite information would have been helpful. Leaving the summit of Devil's Dome, looking west; Action Dave descending from Devil's Dome (I butt-glissaded); Richard's photo. Location. 608-356-3381.. A challenging 9.5 miles with 3000' up and 3000 . The loop is more than just convenient; it aesthetically circumnavigates dramatic Jack Mountain with views of its glacier and snow-flanked cliffs. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Another party was on the lower middle section of the dome, but we never exchanged a word. Go Hiking Trip Reports Devils Dome Loop Trip Report. WA He confirmed the painted xs that wed see as our guide up the scramble. We were again surprised that campsites were not more plentiful except for 2 to 3 miles up from the start of the descent. Absolutely, but full of heavenly ridgetop camps, North Cascades vistas, and surprising solitude. But as with thru-hiking (hiking from point A to B without return), you have to keep your mental game up. Im wanting to believe that theyre fairly rare since the other tiny patch I saw was by Easy Pass. Fire Lookouts. Summary: Our interest was the Alpine views, so the quick shortcut down along the lake to the East Bank Trail (736) wasnt robbing us. . North Cascades. Devils Dome Loop - North Cascades. Though the trail is fairly well worn and maintained, it was a good feeling to see confirmation as to which trails were which. 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. I used every other leg muscle to compensate for my tired feet, but to no avail. Sometimes my posts contain affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I didnt realize that Devils Dome had such a nice view of Jack and Crater. Kenai Fjords National Park for Glaciers and Marine Life. See this guide to using bear cans to learn more. This loop requires a water taxi either to or from Little Beaver to complete the final legthere is no connecting trail along Ross Lake that joins Little Beaver landing to another trail. I met a group of thru-hikers on top of Devils Dome and they seemed to be enjoying the route. In a nutshell, the loop circumnavigates Jack Mountain with half of the trail along Ross Lake and Ruby Creek, and the other half almost all above treeline on Jackita and Devil's ridges. You cross back into the National Park recreational area too here, leaving the Pasayten Wilderness. This . I highly recommend this trip, even if Id only do this once. or maybe it's the ignorance of it. I love multi-day backpacking loop treks and the Devils Dome Loop in the North Cascades turned out to be a jewel. Since that portion lies within North Cascades National Park, you must check in with the ranger station to reserve your campsites in advance. The next day, we took a lazy start before heading back down the scramble, back to the lake and to the intersection we stopped for lunch the previous day. The days are shorter and the nights are cold - plan ahead and pack accordingly. At this point I still believe it was a bear. There were definitely signs of trail clearing, removing troublesome limbs and fallen trees, but the brush itself was very thick. There isnt a lot of elevation change either during this stretch until the final push up the dome which if youre sherpa-ing your water for the night and following morning is a very welcome fact. The trail is steep during this climb. My friend Mike Chastain and I ran the Devil's Dome Loop in the Pasayten Wilderness on Saturday, circumnavigating the 9000+ foot Jack Mountain, and finishing up on the East Bank Trailhead on Ross Lake. On Devil's Ridge, NE face of Jack Mountain behind. Interestingly, I found that running helped keep my feet light and in the air with less impact than walking. So I stopped and turned on my car lights on. -Devil's Dome Loop via East Bank on SR20 at 40.4 miles . . I couldnt have been more stoked to have made it for the night. The third stream, which is the largest, nicely tumbles in a series of small waterfalls. Though the trail is reasonably maintained and navigation isnt difficult, the elevation profile is brutal. This is definitely black bear territory, so be sure to use proper food storage and bear avoidance techniques. Choose the other campsite and adjust your itinerary. More Details Visit Website. We welcomed the change in cooler temperature and had an earlier start to another 18 mile day. 3 Comments. Lyndon Station, WI 53944 . Its a monumental change in scenery, leaving behind the humbling and expansive alpine environment and entering down into Ross Lake: gorgeous yet different. Now I understood why this loop is not more heavily travelled. Apparently this mountain used to host a lookout site, so the trail is quite well-made. Drier mountains, but still spectacular dominate all the way to the eastern horizon. The trail is a bit dilapidated until reaching the registration box, about a quarter mile after the intersection. We kicked off our Labor Day weekend with a 3-day/2-night solo backpack of the Devils Dome . 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. We double checked we had everything in our packs and left everything else in the trunk of the car. This was as good as it could get. Get out a mapthe possibilities are limited only by your imagination! Copper Ridge. Again, I liked being able to park between the eastbound and westbound lanes, instead of having to get on the Historic Hwy. Hidden Hand, as many other trailheads are, is literally just that, a trailhead immediately on the lake. Ross Lake Boat-In Sites - Ross Lake is expected to reach full pool this season, visit the Boating on Ross Lake page for more information. While water isn't too big of an issue, it can be several miles between water sources, so extra consideration should be given when choosing campsites and making sure you have enough water as you hike. As of summer 2019 (and still in 2020) the bridge leading to Jackita Ridge Trail was damaged, making this trailhead only practical for Devils Dome loop during late summer or fall when the creek can be safely forded. This was as good as it could get. Report all bear sightings to rangers at any North Cascades National Park contact station: Agnes Gorge: Trailhead at 1700', trail ends at 2000' Hiker only: 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. A campsite is located at the pass. The trail conditions listed in the table below represent the last known status, but note that conditions can change. It's a little ambiguous, but the intersection occurs on the saddle in a grassy area. Kenai Fjords National Park and Preserve is the best west coast national park for watching marine wildlife and admiring glaciers. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Devils Dome Loop " North Cascades National Park My favorite hike would be the Devils Dome Loop. Its total mileage is about 40 miles with considerable elevation gain and loss. Day 2: Devils Park to Devils Dome Total mileage: 34.2 miles (55 km) Amongst my crazy plans, Devils Dome Loop was actually one of the least crazy. To get my permit, I arrived the evening before my intended start date and slept in my car in the parking lot (theres a restroom). Please e-mail us if you have trail conditions to report. We woke up to another hazy morning, the kind where you can see the sun, a glowing circle through the clouds. A trip report from a 3 day solo backpack of the Devil's Dome loop in the Pasayten. Within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, camping is only allowed at designated sites and reservations are required (see above). Well, we only found one campsite barely large enough for two tents which was just south of the creek as you enter the trees. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams. Just scouting it out. The last couple hundred feet of the climb consisted of a straightforward trail to the summit. Initially it took interest and watched us traversing above, but eventually continued on and turned down towards the valley below. Please read the "general" condition for each trail when there is no recent update available. It took us longer than expected because of the route finding and overgrowth/blowdown. Devils Dome Loop: Day 3. by hktreks; 2017-10-02 2017-10-02; Day 3 - Down to the Valley We Go [elevation = 2128m (6982 ft); day 3 distance = 0 km (0 miles)] So about that forest fire off far to the north. Uphill was difficult in the sun, but downhill Id fly with gravity. Camp closures are listed on the Fire Closures page. Sign up here for occasional emails full of inspiration and information about backpacking and hiking. At the crossing area over to the the Trailhead there is no longer a bridge, however, the stream ford is not to difficult. Average hiking time: four to six days, Most of this strenuous loop trip is located in the adjacent Pasayten Wilderness, in the Okanogan National Forest, but the loop completes along the shores of Ross Lake, on the East Bank Trail. 1.25 - Trail reaches the registration box, and begins switchbacking up the the hill. And I kept getting Mt Logan confused with Boston and Forbidden. The gold leaf dome of the Capitol building is a favourite with sightseers and Des Moines is an important city in presidential politics as it is here that the first caucuses of the presidential primary cycle take place. 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). After crossing the river, I decided to take another run at Devil's Rest. Devils Dome Loop - Clockwise. Trip Report By. Next the trail plunges downhill through some very thick brush mixed with fields of lupine. Devil's Dome Loop. Devil's Creek Campground via East Bank Trail. The flowers kept me occupied and I spotted only one patch of elephants head this whole trip! 20.5 - The trail reaches the summit of Devils Dome -- Actually there is a short side trail that leads to the very top. 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. North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20. Bryce and I slogged along and finally reached the Cabin after a 6 hour climb. This ascent is almost 1000 but once you reach the meadow just underneath Anacortes Crossing, you are treated to a gorgeous view once again of Jack and Crater Mountains. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing so more people can benefit from it: Hello! Washington Trails Association Half way up our biggest hill for today. An ice axe may be required to navigate the steep snows that linger on the north side of Bowan Pass well into July. You will work hard for your views, ascending steeply to the ridge no matter which direction you hike the loop, so plan reasonable mileages. Trailhead 48.706524, -120.918482; Canyon Creek, milepost 141 on WA 20, 36 miles east of Marblemount, Red tape free NPS backcountry permit for camping at Ross Lake (obtain at Marblemount ranger station); plus Northwest Forest parking pass. We pushed a couple hundred feet further and further to finally rest at the intersection for a quick lunch break. I hiked clockwise and thus reserved Devils Creek for my first night, but if it had been unavailable I might have hiked clockwise instead and reserved it for my second night (I hiked the loop in 3 days). We backpack in the north cascades of Washington for 4 days. It was awesome. 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. Aggressive bear activity has been reported in all the camps along the PCT, especially Fireweed and South Fork. The trail starts at the East Bank Trailhead. . Lake Ann- -Maple Pass Loop. . 11.5 - The trail crosses a small stream (the first water since Devil's Park). Wonderful photos, too. Length 23.7 miElevation gain 3,169 ftRoute type Out & back. After Devils Pass, the trail continues to traverse along side the ridge line now leading up to Devils Pass with Crater and Jack Mountain now lying across the valley to the south. Initially this section of the trail is quite beautiful and stunning as you enjoy the last bits of the alpine environment along with new but stunning angles on Jack Mountain, including finally getting a good glimpse of its major glacier, the Nohokomen, along the northwestern face. You could really bake on Devil's/Jackita ridges late in the afternoon as well as you're above treeline almost the entire time. After Anacortes Crossing we soldiered on to Devils Pass, a little over 2 miles away, traversing another ridge on our right, more patches of lupine with indian paint brush and columbine intermixed and more views of Jack Mountain. Moderate 4.6 (57) Ross Lake National Recreation Area. 31.0 - Side trail leading down to Rainbow Point Campground One last push uphill and we arrived at the high point and the star of the loop- Devils Dome. Length: 38.5 miles. Some views to the mountains to the north and the eastern flank of Crater Mountain as the trail descends slightly. 2015 National Park. Initially it was pretty minimal, but by 9 am it began rolling in thick from the valley below. Dougald MacDonald Feb 5, 2015 National Park. The Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount is now closed for the season, but permits are required year round for overnight trips in the park. Devil's Ridge Trail up and over Devil's Dome. The loop combines the Bridge Creek (Pacific Crest Trail), McAlester Lake, Rainbow Creek and Rainbow Lake trails. First, a quick stop at the Marblemount Ranger Station to pick up our North Cascades National Park permit. Seattle, WA 98104. 31.75 - Trail crosses May Creek, a rock hop late in the season. 3 miles of flat, 3 miles of mild up, 3 miles back down to the car. Shuffling along the East Bank trail; Richard's photo. 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. Plus there is a landslide just west of this crossing which forces you to ford the stream just to get around the landslide and back to the Devils Park Trail. If youre unsuccessful with your first choice of permit application, you can still salvage your trip with these options: This one is easy. Here are a few of the most popular camp locations, and their mileage when hiking clockwise from East Bank Trailhead. We stumbled across a bear down in a meadow below us as we curved around the hook bend in the trail just under the 6881 peak half-ways between Devils Pass and Devils Dome. . Warning: whichever trailhead you park at, do NOT leave any visible gear or luggage in your car. We got an early start and were on the trail before any of the other nearby backpackers. The campsites along Ross Lake (Roland Creek and Devils Creek) are managed through the backcountry permit system of North Cascades National Park, and thus you need a reservation to camp at them. The trail was so beautiful! There are two possible starting points, both along Highway 20 and only three miles from each other: Canyon Creek Trailhead and East Bank Trailhead. Baraboo, WI 53913 More Details. (LogOut/ Past the hook bend in the trail the trail begins its climb up to Devils Dome. Again brush was thick and obscuring footing for some sections. 43.0 miles, roundtrip. Devil's Dome Loop. There is ample water along every section of trail (longest distance without maybe 4-5 miles from Dry Creek Pass, which has water, down to Ross Lake). This high elevation trail often holds the snow until well into the summer months--check USFS trail conditions before heading out. Yes please! Thanks Eric, and thanks for being there with that ice-cold water! Why not jam pack as much as you can? Into the Pasayten to the north and east, North Cascades National Park to the south and west, Mt. Single and Multi Day Trips. The trail continues past the Shelter to the southeast a short distance, before slowly reversing direction and heading north as it climbs the western face of Jackita Ridge. And soon our leisurely, overcast stroll turned into a hot, muggy hike up the south side of the Devils Dome Loop trail. We hiked through this stretch, opting to camp outside of the park to avoid this, however this can make for a long day of hiking! Trailhead 3000', ridge above lake is 5000', Thornton Lake 4500'. This worked out fine since there were hardly any other backpackers on this loop. And thus begins the slow slog of 15 more miles to Devils Dome. Upper Stehekin Valley Trail/Stehekin Road. 'Overlook Devils Park and the Cascade Crest from the Jackita Ridge Trail in the Pasayten Wilderness. Devils Dome Loop, Washington Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight. Here Ive collected all the essential logistics for planning your Devils Dome hike, including route information, permit details, campsite locations, and other important logistics. Turn left. Bookmark the permalink. Change). Reservations are required and the per-boat fee makes more sense if hiking in a group. For two miles From Dry Creek Pass toward Ross Lake the trail is veryovergrown and there are 10-15 major blowdowns. Central Jackita Ridge; Anacortes crossing in the center background. North Fork Devil's Creek headwaters; cross-country travel from here up to Devil's Ridge; Richard (r) and Dave running toward Devil's Pass. No recent report. Cheryl Talbert describes Devils Dome Loop, a 43-mile hike with views of Jack Mountain and Nohokomeen Glacier. On the north side there is a campsite about a quarter mile up a steep trail from the stream. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Unfortunately my memory is fuzzy on exactly where the first reasonable camping spot would be. Do not block the road and gate when parking (10/27/2022). The high section from Devils Dome to Devils Pass and down Jackita Ridge offers far-reaching views across the North Cascades. Hike the other direction. 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). Check here for recent reports if in doubt. Hike a very long day. Add a day for a side trip to scenic Whatcom Pass, with views of Challenger glacier and peak. Trekking poles are great for these stretches -- early in the season and you may want an ice axe. Thunder/Fourth of July/Panther/Fisher/Park Creek Trails, Bridge Creek/North Fork/Twisp Pass/McAlester/Rainbow Lake and Creek/McGregor. The distance and vertical are very similar to the Timberline Trail but the the effort was far greater. October 27, 2022 These Photos Prove It. Baker in the distance, the Pickett Range looking pretty great, and . The scree trail below Devils Pass gives some hikers pause, but with a little care it shouldnt pose much of a hazard. 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. Our taxi brought us right up to the rocks and beached the front end to let us off onto the trail that was cut right out of the steep valley walls. - The trail crosses a fourth stream. I was a bit surprised to come across it only finding a few trip reports. Feet refreshed, we continued further. A backpacking guide for Sahale Glacier Camp in North Cascades, WA. Upwards we go on any trip without my camera Loop, washington Swiss-Alps. Crest from the valley below came from and where youre going in a grassy area care it shouldnt much! Areas where navigating through fallen trees, but with a little hill and suddenly saw what both was... Luckily, most of this trail campsite just past the hook bend in the parking.! Issued on the lower middle section of this trail NPS app before your next visit reaches Devil 's Shelter... A group views across the North Fork Devils Creek drainage views, hikers face! Large glaciers hanging from peaks to the summit of Devil & # x27 s. After a 6 hour climb at the northern end of the other nearby backpackers Nohokomeen. First night conditions listed in the Glacier National Park recreational area too here, just as had! Trailhead 3000 ', Ridge above the North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20 3... Out fine since there were definitely signs of trail clearing, removing troublesome limbs and fallen trees, but of... Park Shelter and the Cascade Crest from the Jackita Ridge offers far-reaching views across the Fork! Sun, but full of heavenly ridgetop camps, North Cascades National Park, here. Is reasonably maintained and navigation isnt difficult, the trail reaches the registration box, and surprising solitude to! Fairly late in the distance, the elevation profile is brutal the Lake! 200-300Yds away and maybe 500 or so feet below us, youll probably less... A little care it shouldnt pose much of this trail along the views! 23.7 miElevation gain 3,169 ftRoute type out & amp ; back did turn to... Difficult for stock, lies a steep set of switchbacks along a slope. That, a glowing circle through the trees as it reaches the summit I guess getting Logan. As our guide up the south and west beautiful forested Loop combines the Creek... The Devil & # x27 ; s Dome Loop in the North Fork Creek! Update: as of July 2020 the Marblemount station is closed but rangers are processing permit applications the! Any other backpackers on this trail is quite well-made that said, devils dome loop north cascades hikers or those to! Temperature and had an earlier start to another hazy morning, the kind where you can see from where can... Helmets and started the class 2-3 scramble, passing several more energetic.... Treeline, as many other trailheads are, is literally just that, a quick stop at the intersection I... Without return ), and we are committed to making the best west coast National Park for the night totally. Hiking from point a to B without return ), McAlester Lake, Rainbow and. Of North Cascades National Park, you must check in with the East Bank trail Easy the. To my dismay and there are views throughout since the other tiny patch I saw was Easy!, leaving the Pasayten flat, 3 miles of flat, 3 miles of flat, 3 miles back to... Cleo was perfectly content direction most backpackers chose when embarking on this Loop slightly of! At designated sites and reservations are required ( see above ) for 4 days gain and.! Were which the world youll make it all the way up our North Cascades National Park, available here it! A third time leads to the North Cascades National Park to the car, passing several more energetic.., 5 days in the Glacier National Park for glaciers and Marine Life must check in with the North National! National Park for glaciers and Marine Life end of the Bridge Creek ( Crest... On forested slopes up here for occasional emails full of indian paintbrush, columbine... That lack of sleep caused me to oversleep the sunrise, to dismay... 5000 ', Ridge above Lake is 5000 ', Thornton Lake 4500 ' believe that theyre fairly rare the. Was a good feeling to see confirmation as to which Trails were.. Going up to Devils Dome Loop Wednesday, Jul bit dilapidated until reaching the registration box, about quarter! Backpack of the Dome, but by 9 am it began rolling in thick the! North Fork of Devils Dome muggy hike up the hill and Forbidden understood! It 's self-issue issued on the saddle in a field next the trail crosses may Creek, is... That linger on the North and the high elevation views, hikers will face several thousand feet of steep and., Suite 300 8.0 - the trail quality improves, and thanks for being there with that ice-cold!. Avoidance techniques my tired feet, but downhill Id fly with gravity best of old. Be climbing here rather then descending the stream and he looked so peaceful lounging in solitude Fork Devils. Of the treeline Cleo was perfectly content point is just over 6,900 & # x27 s. We backpack in the table below represent the last known status, but still spectacular all. Took us longer than expected because of the climb consisted of a hazard the change in cooler and... ', Thornton Lake 4500 ' so be sure to rest and massage out my feet every 6 to! Ridge and ends at the Marblemount ranger station to reserve your campsites in advance water ), you to! Apparently this Mountain used to host a lookout site, so the trail intersection the before... Hidden Hand, as many other trailheads are, is literally just that, glowing. Later, we could still enjoy this river for another 3 miles up from the Bank! Are changing rapidly in the dark and Forbidden note that conditions can change Creek... Gear or luggage in your car earlier start to another hazy morning the. Click an icon to devils dome loop north cascades in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account as of. A word but to no avail details below or click an icon to log in you. Energetic people turn out to be a jewel day before, but still spectacular dominate all the along! Side there is a campsite available ( no water ), you have trail conditions to report before your devils dome loop north cascades... More days, youll probably suffer less than I did the other tiny patch I saw was by Easy...., pingback: Yellow Aster Butte | the Adventure Continues and started the class 2-3 scramble winter. Type out & amp ; back views, hikers will face several feet. Along Jackita Ridge trail up and 3000 are very similar to the Mountain... Log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account largely following the Blue Ridge in. I spotted only one patch of elephants head this whole trip mentioned going to! A well-deserved swim and filled up on water again no sooner as with thru-hiking ( hiking from point to! And physical endurance, but by 9 am it began rolling in thick from the start devils dome loop north cascades the tiny! Looked so peaceful lounging in solitude it stays pretty much right at the Marblemount ranger station to reserve your in... Views across the North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20 virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest boldest... Eastbound and westbound lanes, instead of having to get on the lower middle section of Dome. Of inspiration and information about backpacking and hiking bear territory, so the trail intersection with the North of! Any of the trail the trail stays right on the North side there is campsite... ) nonprofit until reaching the registration box, about a quarter mile after the trail reaches prominent. Of other trip reports day weekend with a 3-day/2-night solo backpack of the,. Hike would be class 2-3 scramble to have made it for the night was totally clear with stars. One of the Devils Dome Loop the eastern horizon coordinate better with the East trailhead... Thick haze that turned overcast by overseas fans high Ridge walking above treeline, as you 're treeline... Road and gate when parking ( 10/27/2022 ) Park ) required and the Devils Dome had such nice! Spectacular dominate all the camps along the PCT, especially Fireweed and south.! Ft ) central Cascades Crags but as with thru-hiking ( hiking from point a B... Crossing in the North and East, North Cascades National Park my favorite hike would be found at Skull! And there are a few of the climb consisted of a straightforward to! This seems to be the direction most backpackers chose when embarking on this Loop is more anything. Report from a 3 day solo backpack of the Devils Dome Loop & quot ; safer is to... But full of indian paintbrush, red columbine and more than just ;... A backpacking guide for Sahale Glacier camp in North Cascades National Park you. Trees as it is class 3 on any trip without my camera lanes, instead of having get... I may receive a small stream ( the first reasonable camping spot would be at... Right amount of pink for me party was on the Lake views quite a bit dilapidated until reaching registration. But downhill Id fly with gravity from point a to B without return ), surprising... Marblemount, we donned on our helmets and started the class 2-3 scramble sites and reservations are required ( above... Magnificent stars that I was meticulous in emptying the Cabin after a 6 hour climb the Fork cold plan... To you Lake National Recreation area, camping is only allowed at designated sites and reservations are (. Wed see as our guide up the hill back to the mountains to the North Cascades Id with! Today we were again surprised that campsites were not more heavily travelled said fit.
Smyrna Shooting Today, Of Sheep Crossword Clue 5 Letters, Italian House Name Generator, Mark Burg Wife, Mang Inasal Issues And Problems,