Length: 8 mi round trip Elevation Change: 3000' gain Season: Summer thru fall Difficulty: Difficult Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features:
This is an interesting hike that is often free
of poor weather even when the North Cascade NP
has rain or snow.
The hike begins very steep and climbs very
agressively for the first 2 miles at about
a 1000 feet per mile. Then it takes the next
2 miles to complete the remaining 1000 feet.
Much of the first 2 miles is spent climbing
up a steep slope and this affords the hiker
good views of the surrounding terrain. Most
noteably is Silver Star Mtn to the south.
After a couple miles the trail levels off a
bit and enters a forested area.
The trail will cross a couple of small streams
as it continues to circle around to the north
and approach the summit. The last bit of the
hike is steep again but it is mostly tree-free.
The views from the top of this hike can be
spectacular.
