Baker in the distance, the Pickett Range looking pretty great, and . Camp with full hookups and wifi at seasonal or primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what you need to fit your vacation style! TRAIL. Im Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality. I think this is the weakness of an alpinist. Im happy to report back that yes indeed, Devils Dome Loop is a fantastic and challenging backpacking route. 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. Dougald MacDonald Feb 5, 2015 National Park. There were definitely signs of trail clearing, removing troublesome limbs and fallen trees, but the brush itself was very thick. Elevation. As the trail enters a cirque, 2 miles past the intersection, it begins to climb slightly. Menu Find A Route; Contact Us He confirmed the painted xs that wed see as our guide up the scramble. 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. https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/permits.htm. The flowers kept me occupied and I spotted only one patch of elephants head this whole trip! The only question is, would it be worth the 5000+ feet of climbing just to get up the first big hill? I couldnt have been more delight to see our final bridge to cross Ruby Creek at the end. The trail conditions listed in the table below represent the last known status, but note that conditions can change. Now you get to finish up the trek with a gentle 3+ mile hike along the stream. 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. COVID Update: As of July 2020 the Marblemount station is closed but rangers are processing permit applications in the parking lot. Afterwards it heads south along Jackita Ridge and ends at the Canyon Creek Trailhead. At least I had a game plan this time. There are some meltwater pools that were there during our early September hike if you need water. 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. We kicked off our Labor Day weekend with a 3-day/2-night solo backpack of the Devils Dome . Supposedly there is water on this 6 mile stretch but I dont remember seeing any. . Initially it took interest and watched us traversing above, but eventually continued on and turned down towards the valley below. Excited to finally sit and lay down, we found a neat campsite all to ourselves. Within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, camping is only allowed at designated sites and reservations are required (see above). Highest Point: 6980 ft. - The trail crosses a fourth stream. North Fork Bridge Creek. We welcomed the change in cooler temperature and had an earlier start to another 18 mile day. 623 m. 3.5-5h. Learn more. 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. 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. You may get a little more wet earlier in the season. Change). There are a number of campsites in the vicinity. 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. Its no use checking progress because youll inevitably be let down. National Parks: North Cascades Come for the sheer, glaciated peaks, but be mesmerized by rain-fed waterfalls that pour down on all sides. Its absolutely stunning. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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! My knees hurt just reading this post! And we did keep commenting on this lack of traffic especially on the long Labor Day Weekend. Devil's Dome Loop passes through two of the area's prettiest wildernesses: Ross Lake National Rec Area and the Pasaytan Wilderness. I couldnt have been more stoked to have made it for the night. Trip Report By. 10/26-Trail is closed at Whatcom Pass due to fire activity. 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). The hike: The devil looms large on this rugged loopyoull 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. One last push uphill and we arrived at the high point and the star of the loop- Devils Dome. Trail closures are listed in each area drop down area below. More on Road Conditions Lyndon Station, WI 53944 . 17 as difficult for stock, lies a steep set of switchbacks along a scree slope. And goodness there were larches here, just as I had read about! 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. 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. Moderate. Views down to a pond below and the peaks to the northeast can be seen. There are a couple areas where navigating through fallen trees is necessary (as of 2011). Trails: The Devils Dome Loop is a route linking up sections of four different trails: Trailhead: From Seattle, the route lies about two hours and forty-five minutes northeast by car. Aggressive bear activity has been reported in all the camps along the PCT, especially Fireweed and South Fork. 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+ 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). 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. 35.5 - Trail reaches Hidden Hand Pass -- really just a small rise in the trail (tops out at 2550'). And yes, as always, summits are so worth the 360 views you get. 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. Great PNW Multi-day BackpackingLoops | The Adventure Continues, Yellow Aster Butte | The Adventure Continues, 1971 National Geographic Article on the PCT, Follow The Adventure Continues on WordPress.com, Using NAC to Remove Chrome/Cobalt fromBlood. Again brush was thick and obscuring footing for some sections. Because we were only planning 4 days to complete this hike, we opted to use the water-taxi from Ross Lake Resort to cut the mileage down on the fourth day, which is upwards of 15 miles if you opt to hike along the lake south back to Canyon Creek. Day 4: Devils Junction to Canyon Creek trailhead des. North Cascades. Trip Report By. Prepare for endless alpine vistas, featuring steep meadows full of indian paintbrush, red columbine and more than anything else, lupine. When to hike: Parts of the trail can hold snow until fairly late in the summer. The scenery was amazing and the solitude was awesome. 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. Since that portion lies within North Cascades National Park, you must check in with the ranger station to reserve your campsites in advance. This loop is known for its wonderful wildflower displays and views of the Pasayten, and many other mountains. Im Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality. Bikepacking & TouringTrips and RoutesGear and TipsTrip Planning Workbook, Hiking & BackpackingTrails and TripsGear and ClothingTips and AdviceTrip Planning Workbook, Adventure TravelExplore by RegionCamping and OutdoorsMindful Travel. More importantly, further ahead between Devils Pass and Devils Dome there is no dependable water source during the summer hiking season aside from a spring near Devils Pass. North Washington Cascades. | vkgy () You could really bake on Devil's/Jackita ridges late in the afternoon as well as you're above treeline almost the entire time. Length. 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. 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. By the way nice finish at WR50! Turn left and follow this trail along the lake shore south. Elevation range: ~1550 - 6900 feet. We were surprised to find a flowing creek just below the dome on the western side, which for campers on the summit, could easily use as a water source with just a short hike. The trail crosses Crater Creek on a bridge. I was a bit surprised to come across it only finding a few trip reports. 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. When we finished that loop, we ate there again for a third time! Sedro-Woolley Devil's Dome Loop. This video captures my gratitude. 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 . . First and foremost, this trail is absolutely incredible! The distance and vertical are very similar to the Timberline Trail but the the effort was far greater. Around 5:30 Kevin woke me let me know the sun was coming up. Between Ross Lake and the high elevation views, hikers will face several thousand feet of steep climbing and descending on forested slopes. If not using one you should absolutely hang your food properly. 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. 14.5 - The trail reaches the intersection. A campsite is located at the pass. Theres room for 2 tents to fit comfortably, possibly three 2-person tents could be made to work. Im sure at other times of the year, you can easily rock hop your way across. Less than 9 miles to go! 6 miles downhill to the lake, another 6 miles along the lake, and the last 6 miles that were a bit more rolling hills to the car. Some views to the mountains to the north and the eastern flank of Crater Mountain as the trail descends slightly. 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. Maple Pass Loop. We started and finished at the . 42.0 - The trail reaches the trail intersection. 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. The North Cascades backcountry office accepts reservation. It's a little ambiguous, but the intersection occurs on the saddle in a grassy area. Baraboo, WI 53913 More Details. It was already getting scorching hot in the sun with the never-ending swat and dance to ward of those persistent mosquitos. Recommend that you put your feet up, get some rest after the grueling ascent from the day and prepare for a longer trek to Devils Dome in the morning. The magic of the sprawling, lonely, fantastically wild forest was imprinted on us a long time ago, and we couldn't wait to get back within its borders. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing so more people can benefit from it: Hello! The meadow is an excellent place to drop packs for a bit and enjoy the breathtaking view. 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. Current trail conditions are reported by rangers and trail crew, and updated as frequently as possible. Otherwise you are in Wilderness and it's self-issue. Length: 38.5 miles. 22.0 - The trail passes an unsigned trail that leads off to the right, stay left and continue to Dry Creek Pass. North Cascades National Park Hiking Guide . Devils Dome. I like big mountains, bigger views, and varied terrain. I didn't want to wake up but am glad I did since the sunrise was one of the best I've ever seen. Panorama. The 6 miles down flew by fairly quickly, although Id keep checking and the lake still looked far away. Go Hiking Hiking Guide Devil's Dome Loop . 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Type of Hike Multi-night backpack. Best done early summer with wildflowers (after most of snow has melted) or in the fall with larches. Devils Dome Loop: Trailhead 2000', high point (Devil's Dome): 7000' Horse, hiker: 9/26 Devils Dome Loop re-opened. 2015 National Park. In essence, I am not made for thru-hiking (yet). 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. The last two few miles down to the East Bank trail has only small trees across the trail. Rating. Intimate views of Crater Peak and Jack Mountain are framed with alpine meadows covered in wildflowers are the reward on this 25 mile . Devils Dome Loop Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017. Devils Dome Loop, Washington Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight. Most people seem to go counterclockwise. 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. I believe I got all that I could from my body on this climb so my training turned out to be totally justified. Posted by ghsmith76. 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. The trail continues to climb to a trail intersection. This is one of the finest trails in the North Cascades, and Maple Pass Loop is a stunner during its short season. Hike a very long day. North Gunsight Peak (8190 ft) White Goat Peak (7800 ft) Central Cascades Crags. 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. 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. For two miles From Dry Creek Pass toward Ross Lake the trail is veryovergrown and there are 10-15 major blowdowns. Though the trail is reasonably maintained and navigation isnt difficult, the elevation profile is brutal. . This quintessential Northern Cascades hike offers all the beauty this majestic area has to offer. But we decided to load up our water bottles at the Crater Lake (not to be confused with the famous Oregon lake). I was low on fuel but didn't take the time to top up at N Bonneville or Cascade Locks. Thunder/Fourth of July/Panther/Fisher/Park Creek Trails, Bridge Creek/North Fork/Twisp Pass/McAlester/Rainbow Lake and Creek/McGregor. I didnt realize that Devils Dome had such a nice view of Jack and Crater. Luckily, most of this uphill slog is tucked underneath shaded canopy. Im Cherlyn and I love to adventure, from climbing mountains to going down canyons. 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. Permits are competitive, especially on summer weekdays. Highest Point: 6980 ft. See this guide to using bear cans to learn more. 608-356-3381.. A challenging 9.5 miles with 3000' up and 3000 . These are four of the most popular loop trips in the park. Shortly thereafter, another side trail takes off to the left (the Jack Mountain Trail), continue straight (right) as the trail continues to slowly descend. If youre unsuccessful with your first choice of permit application, you can still salvage your trip with these options: This one is easy. The climb up from Devils Junction to Devils Dome, if going clockwise, is 5000 feet in ~6 miles! Beyond the creek crossing, the trail gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the modest Hidden Hand Pass. 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. There are a few campsites shortly after that junction as well. Devils Dome Loop " North Cascades National Park My favorite hike would be the Devils Dome Loop. It was only bug-free on top of Crater, but this could change throughout the season. Spectacular as it is, this is a pretty tough hike. . Explore the western edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, east of Ross Lake in the North Cascades. 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. So I stopped and turned on my car lights on. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Bugs Bugs were an annoyance. Check here for recent reports if in doubt. I had to drag them slowly up each switch back to the top of the dome where Cleo was waiting for me. Print/PDF map. So maybe I can help. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. These are just a few of the most obvious landmarks, and plenty of other nice sites can be found. : Devils Junction to Devils Dome had such a nice view of Jack and Crater Cascades, many... At 2550 ' ) more than anything else, lupine elevation views, and plenty of other nice can. Top up at N Bonneville or Cascade Locks Pasayten Wilderness, East of Ross Lake the trail continues to slightly! Adventure, from climbing mountains to going down canyons this time but the brush was! The right, stay left and continue to Dry Creek Pass toward Ross Lake National area... Sharing so more people can benefit from it: Hello late in the fall with.. 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