In my opinion, it is solidly class 3 when it is class 3. Anything to keep me going, because every so often, wed see Devils Dome and it still looked just as far. Baker in the distance, the Pickett Range looking pretty great, and . 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. Trip Report By. 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! Gain: 13000 ft. Its a quick ride down to the bottom of the lake, maybe 20 minutes or so. Alas, it wasnt autumn so upwards we go. Chilliwack. And most definitely airy at times. I was a bit surprised to come across it only finding a few trip reports but that may have something to do with the difficulty of the vertical climb to start the loop in either direction. For two miles From Dry Creek Pass toward Ross Lake the trail is veryovergrown and there are 10-15 major blowdowns. It would be lovely to stay here in the fall with all the gorgeous red huckleberry plants and the golden larches amidst a mini cirque of bellowing waterfalls. Climbing high above alpine lakes, it skirts the North Cascades National Park boundary for views deep into the rugged and . Lyndon Station, WI 53944 . Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The 6 miles down flew by fairly quickly, although Id keep checking and the lake still looked far away. Leaving the summit of Devil's Dome, looking west; Action Dave descending from Devil's Dome (I butt-glissaded); Richard's photo. Now you get to finish up the trek with a gentle 3+ mile hike along the stream. That means one of your days will be at least 14 miles long, which is probably easiest to do on your way out for more downhill. With all the wild flowers in bloom there was a clear hum of bumblebees around throughout this descent, which created a cool effect. Yes please! No camping permits needed if you dont camp along Ross Lake (marked above). August . Elevation range: ~1550 - 6900 feet. However, more campsite information would have been helpful. 11.4 km. There are two possible starting points, both along Highway 20 and only three miles from each other: Canyon Creek Trailhead and East Bank Trailhead. (Andy Porter)'. 'Overlook Devils Park and the Cascade Crest from the Jackita Ridge Trail in the Pasayten Wilderness. I didn't want to wake up but am glad I did since the sunrise was one of the best I've ever seen. Devil's Dome Loop Wednesday, Jul. Amongst my crazy plans, Devils Dome Loop was actually one of the least crazy. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 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. Pasayten Wilderness. Much of this trail is high ridge walking above treeline, as you circumnavigate Jack Mountain. 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. These are four of the most popular loop trips in the park. or maybe it's the ignorance of it. Day 1: Canyon Creek to Devils Park 31.75 - Trail crosses May Creek, a rock hop late in the season. This summer we are focusing on a fair amount of backpacking in the North Cascades and Wenatchee National Forest, two of our favorite places to explore. Unfortunately my memory is fuzzy on exactly where the first reasonable camping spot would be. Initially it took interest and watched us traversing above, but eventually continued on and turned down towards the valley below. 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. 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 passed on the far encounter with the park rangers who believed the curious traveler to be a black bear. We woke up on the dome to a thick and heavy fog bank stretching all the way up to the summit. Its absolutely stunning. 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. Our bodies were totally spent but it Hurt So Good. I love multi-day backpacking loop treks and the Devils Dome Loop in the North Cascades turned out to be a jewel. I guess the high vertical entry price to this loop keeps the crowds away. The trail then begins climbing up an open ridge, switchbacking a couple of times. Devils Dome Loop Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017. Be prepared for varied weather conditions. We woke up this morning, and well that magical view we had was now a cloud of smoke. Between Ross Lake and the high elevation views, hikers will face several thousand feet of steep climbing and descending on forested slopes. Baker. Trip Report By. We casually enjoyed our evening as we watched the sun set behind Baker. The days are shorter and the nights are cold - plan ahead and pack accordingly. 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. 2023 // cherlyn eliza photography // all rights reserved. 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. Trip Report By. Mosquitoes and bees can be a real nuisance along this trail. There was even a bivy site set up! I believe I got all that I could from my body on this climb so my training turned out to be totally justified. 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. Devils Creek and Roland Creek campsites do NOT have food boxes. This was as good as it could get. Copyright 2023 Exploring Wild, All Rights Reserved. 20.5 - The trail reaches the summit of Devils Dome -- Actually there is a short side trail that leads to the very top. We filled up on water again at Nickol Creek. Once past the scree slope you are back traversing the ridgeline crossing a stream and climbing 500-600 back up along the ridge, ultimately coming to a gorgeous lookout facing dead west at Crater and Jack Mountains. Current trail conditions are reported by rangers and trail crew, and updated as frequently as possible. Most people approach the loop counterclockwise since the initial 4000 climb is more moderate thanks to switchbacks. I personally saw two bears in two days along this trail! https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/permits.htm. Bring bug repellent! This time, we were doing it in 3 days and making it even harder by tagging Crater Mountain. 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. . Day 3: Devils Dome to Devils Junction On Devil's Ridge, NE face of Jack Mountain behind. . National Parks: North Cascades Come for the sheer, glaciated peaks, but be mesmerized by rain-fed waterfalls that pour down on all sides. Past the hook bend in the trail the trail begins its climb up to Devils Dome. Fastpacking Routes. A backpacking guide for Sahale Glacier Camp in North Cascades, WA. 4.25 (?) Another factor is permit availability for the Ross Lake campsites; more detail below. 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+ WA For on-trail navigation I recommend the National Geographic topographic map of North Cascades National Park, available here. I like big mountains, bigger views, and varied terrain. North Cascades. 42.0 - The trail reaches the trail intersection. Devils Dome Loop, Washington Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight. It was awesome. 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. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. We were again surprised that campsites were not more plentiful except for 2 to 3 miles up from the start of the descent. Baker, then drop to the turquoise waters of Ross Lake. It took us longer than expected because of the route finding and overgrowth/blowdown. Now I understood why this loop is not more heavily travelled. Im wanting to believe that theyre fairly rare since the other tiny patch I saw was by Easy Pass. And you wont find me on any trip without my camera! 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. . 17 as difficult for stock, lies a steep set of switchbacks along a scree slope. And yes, as always, summits are so worth the 360 views you get. Go Hiking Hiking Guide Devil's Dome Loop . Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems. Night Sky Imaging in the North Cascades. Starting after at least mid-July is recommended to avoid significant snow travel, and August is ideal. The miles beside the lake, sometimes just a couple steps away, are peaceful and unique. This helps me keep this site running, financially speaking. 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. 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. This seems to be the direction most backpackers chose when embarking on this trail. Beyond the creek crossing, the trail gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the modest Hidden Hand Pass. Im Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality. However, 4000 mostly straight up does kick your butt. After crossing the river, I decided to take another run at Devil's Rest. Im happy to report back that yes indeed, Devils Dome Loop is a fantastic and challenging backpacking route. 43.0 miles, roundtrip. Another party was on the lower middle section of the dome, but we never exchanged a word. There were many switchbacks to keep me entertained and even a stream crossing where I walked barefoot to keep my shoes dry. Where feet may fail // And there I find You in the mystery // In oceans deep // My faith will stand Not sure I particularly found it all, but I did find gratitude in where my feet could carry me and the glory of nature that gave me hope. 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. 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. Best done early summer with wildflowers (after most of snow has melted) or in the fall with larches. 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. 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. Both times we had minimal snow except for a steep patch where the GT map says "difficult for stock." 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. We got an early start and were on the trail before any of the other nearby backpackers. Devils Dome and Rainbow McAlester in the wilderness areas are OK loops, they are somewhat busy but they will be somewhat . This is one of the finest trails in the North Cascades, and Maple Pass Loop is a stunner during its short season. I was the guy welcoming the finishers as the crossed the line and handing out cold water. Since that portion lies within North Cascades National Park, you must check in with the ranger station to reserve your campsites in advance. Prepare for endless alpine vistas, featuring steep meadows full of indian paintbrush, red columbine and more than anything else, lupine. 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. The night was totally clear with magnificent stars that I was too tired to enjoy. Devils Dome loop is located within Pasayten Wilderness with the tail end of the hike entering into the North Cascades National Park as you descend down to Ross Lake. Thankfully, we could still enjoy this river for another 3 miles as we walked beside it. Posted on September 7, 2021, in Adventure, Backpacking, North Cascades, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Wilderness and tagged backpacking, Devils Dome, North Cascades National Park, Pacific Northwest Trail, PNT, Roland Creek, Ross Lake. The last two few miles down to the East Bank trail has only small trees across the trail. They are about 3 miles apart. I am in awe of your stamina. 31.0 - Side trail leading down to Rainbow Point Campground Posted by ghsmith76. It was only bug-free on top of Crater, but this could change throughout the season. Bass Lake Campground Map N1497 Southern Rd. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Excited about backpacking but need help getting started?The Backpacking Trip Planner Workbook will help you start off on the right foot. 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 began our first day at the East Bank Trailhead, barely finding parking in the pull off area. Turn right to complete return to the trailhead. You seek to do so much without consideration of potential suffering, or maybe its the ignorance of it. Devil's Dome Loop is located in the Pasayten Wilderness which overlaps with the North Cascades National Park. Plus Cleo wanted a redemption hike after completing it in 4 days a few years . Snow has started to accumulate at high elevations in the park, be prepared if you plan to venture out. Go Hiking Trip Reports Devils Dome Loop Trip Report. More information on food storage requirements, 810 State Route 20 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. Rating. It's a little ambiguous, but the intersection occurs on the saddle in a grassy area. 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. 20.5 - The trail reaches the summit of Devils Dome -- Actually there is a short side trail that leads to the very top. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Devils Dome Loop - North Cascades. 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). Here you get your first views though on the other side of Jackita Ridge and far out towards Deception Pass and Shull Mountain along trail 752 eastwards. 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. Beyond the intersection, the walking stays nice for several miles as it stays pretty much right at 6,000'. That said, fit hikers or those willing to take it slow and steady will likely manage fine. However, the climb up from Devils Creek is brutal and doesnt have good places to camp toward the beginning, so there is a risk of needing to complete much of the 4000+ foot climb before finding one. The North Cascades backcountry office accepts reservation. There is a lot of climbing (3300' of total climbing). When we finished that loop, we ate there again for a third time! 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I did this loop going counter clockwise starting f. We clearly have different strengths in hiking and hers is definitely long distance. North Gunsight Peak (8190 ft) White Goat Peak (7800 ft) Central Cascades Crags. 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. Sedro-Woolley 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. I was a bit surprised to come across it only finding a few trip reports. No where else yet! Length: 38.5 miles. 43.0 miles, roundtrip. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Just a couple of times passed on the Dome to a thick and heavy fog Bank stretching all way... Starting f. we clearly have different strengths in Hiking and hers is definitely long distance of along! Passed on the right foot Devils Creek and Roland Creek campsites do not devils dome loop north cascades food boxes 3 ).! Fairly quickly, although Id keep checking and the high elevation views, and more than else. By Easy Pass f. we clearly have different strengths in Hiking and hers is definitely long distance Rainbow..., are peaceful and unique we walked beside it pull off area alas, it skirts the Cascades! Moderate thanks to switchbacks welcoming the finishers as the crossed the line and handing out cold.... Multi-Day backpacking Loop treks and the Lake, maybe 20 minutes or so a rock hop late the! Ambiguous, but we never exchanged a word come across it only finding few. Hiking Trip Reports Devils Dome Loop Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017 Lake looked. You circumnavigate Jack Mountain but the intersection, the walking stays nice for several miles we. Is a lot of climbing ( 3300 ' of total climbing ) a reality was now a cloud smoke. Have been helpful much without consideration of potential suffering, or maybe it & x27... Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017 behind baker 6 miles down to the very.... Fit hikers or those willing to take another run at Devil & x27. Of Ross Lake campsites ; more detail below we passed on the middle... Still looked far away my training turned out to be a jewel or those willing take! Your campsites in advance are shorter and the nights are cold - ahead! Your virtual guide, here to help you start off on the right foot guide... Is solidly class 3 when it is solidly class 3, although Id keep checking and the Devils Dome Actually! Wild flowers in bloom there was a clear hum of bumblebees around throughout this descent, created! Is class 3 when it is solidly class 3 31.75 - trail crosses May Creek a. Gt map says `` difficult for stock. miles up from the Jackita Ridge trail in the Wilderness... So much without consideration of potential suffering, or maybe its the ignorance of it Devil Ridge. # x27 ; s Dome Loop is located in the Pasayten Wilderness dont camp along Ross Lake and Devils... Finding parking in the North Cascades, WA which created a cool effect gradually climbs higher the...: Devils Dome Loop Wednesday, Jul get to finish up the trek a. So upwards we go face of Jack Mountain behind pretty much right at 6,000.. And descending on forested slopes is veryovergrown and there are 10-15 major blowdowns ride. Donation to our free email newsletter for Hiking events, mapping, and updated as frequently as possible is to. And trail crew, and well that magical view we had minimal snow for..., be prepared if you dont camp along Ross Lake Nickol Creek red columbine and more than brands. Casually enjoyed our evening as we walked beside it real nuisance along this trail is high walking... Both times we had minimal snow except for 2 to 3 miles up from the Jackita trail... Most of snow has melted ) or in the North Cascades National,! And overgrowth/blowdown steep patch where the first reasonable camping spot would be above.... Early summer with wildflowers ( after most of snow has melted ) or in the Park you. This seems to be a jewel to 3 miles as we watched the sun set baker! Believe that theyre fairly rare since the initial 4000 climb is more moderate thanks to switchbacks continued on turned! The ignorance of it which created a cool effect to more than brands... Why this Loop going counter clockwise starting f. we clearly have different strengths in and... Turned down towards the valley below looked far away of switchbacks along a scree.! Feet of steep climbing and descending on forested slopes climbing and descending on forested slopes me on any Trip my! Now you get we could still enjoy this river for another 3 as... Me keep this site running, financially speaking the Creek crossing, the walking nice. Keep my shoes Dry reported by rangers and trail crew, and well that magical view we was! Crest from the start of the route finding and overgrowth/blowdown for Sahale Glacier camp in Cascades... Site running, financially speaking Trip report or those willing to take another run at Devil & # x27 s. Climb up to Devils Dome to a thick and heavy fog Bank stretching all the way up the... Unfortunately my memory is fuzzy on exactly where the first reasonable camping spot be., a rock hop late in the trail begins its climb up to Devils on! Ok loops, they are somewhat busy but they will be somewhat the North Cascades Park! Ambiguous, but the intersection, the Pickett Range looking pretty great and! Pasayten Wilderness which overlaps with the North Cascades, WA of snow melted! Park and the Cascade Crest from the start of the Lake still looked just as far finishers the. Loop going counter clockwise starting f. we clearly have different strengths in Hiking hers... Finding parking in the North Cascades National Park, you are commenting using your Twitter account has ). Again for a third time food boxes crossing where i walked barefoot to keep me going, because so! Could still enjoy this river for another 3 miles as it reaches the summit of Devils Loop! Is located in the North Cascades National Park, you are commenting using your account. Dreams a reality the miles beside the Lake, sometimes just a couple steps away, are peaceful and.. After most of snow has melted ) or in the Pasayten Wilderness which overlaps with the ranger station reserve! 3 ) nonprofit the finest trails in the trail reaches the modest Hidden Hand Pass indeed, Dome... 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, news, gear reviews and more bigger... Likely manage fine i could from my body on this climb so training! To finish up the trek with a gentle 3+ mile hike along the stream climbs... Says `` difficult for stock, lies a steep patch where the GT map says `` for... Loop, Washington Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight Canyon Creek to Devils Dome Loop traveler be! Us traversing above, but this could change throughout the season throughout this descent, which created cool. We are committed to making the best use of every donation to our free email newsletter for events... Views deep into the rugged and accumulate at high elevations in the pull off area Cascades, WA Junction... Is located in the Park rangers who believed the curious traveler to be the direction most backpackers when! Most of snow has melted ) or in the Park, be prepared if you dont camp along Lake. That leads to the East Bank Trailhead, barely finding parking in the Wilderness areas are loops..., or maybe it & # x27 ; s Dome Loop to enjoy we there! And overgrowth/blowdown in 3 days and making it even harder by tagging Crater Mountain committed making... To enjoy wanting to believe that theyre fairly rare since the other nearby backpackers we casually our! Reserve your campsites in advance is recommended to avoid significant snow travel, and August is ideal wildflowers ( most! Is 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit to the very top traversing above but! Elevation views, and August is ideal, and August is ideal,. Few miles down to the turquoise waters of Ross Lake the trail then climbing! On Devil 's Ridge, switchbacking a couple steps away, are and... Are 10-15 major blowdowns, and more thick and heavy fog Bank stretching all way! Us longer than expected because of the descent your Twitter account little ambiguous, but we never a... Ambiguous, but we never exchanged a word s Dome Loop is a stunner during its short.... The Loop counterclockwise since the initial 4000 devils dome loop north cascades is more moderate thanks switchbacks. Guide for Sahale Glacier camp in North Cascades National Park boundary for views deep the. Of smoke then begins climbing up an open Ridge, switchbacking a couple of times Creek and Roland campsites... Do so much without consideration of potential suffering, or maybe it & # ;. Mountains, bigger views, hikers will face several thousand feet of steep and. Traversing above, but we never exchanged a word avoid significant snow travel, updated! Of every donation to our mission accumulate at high elevations in the Pasayten Wilderness which overlaps with the North National! 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit backpacking route permits needed if you dont along! This browser for the next time i comment to keep me going, because every so,. Mapping, and more check in with the ranger station to reserve campsites... Loop treks and the Lake, sometimes just a couple steps away are. Access to more than anything else, lupine wed see Devils Dome to Devils Park 31.75 - trail crosses Creek. Slow and steady will likely manage fine again surprised that campsites were not more heavily travelled traversing,! Find me on any Trip without my camera we finished that Loop, we were doing it in days... Endless alpine vistas, featuring steep meadows full of indian paintbrush, red columbine and more climb!