devils dome loop north cascades

Its not a bad idea to make noise and avoid startling them (I was hiking solo and probably too quietly). 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). However, many more loops are possible, by combining neighboring US Forest Service trails with park trails, using a water taxi service on Ross Lake, or staging a vehicle at either end of a long trail. Camp Hale was a U.S. Army training facility in the Western United States, constructed in 1942 for what became the 10th Mountain Division.Located in central Colorado between Red Cliff and Leadville in the Eagle River Valley, it was named for General Irving Hale and was at an elevation of 9,200 feet (2,800 m) above sea level. 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. The Silver Skagit Rd to Hozomeen is closed due to washouts. Theres more where this came from! 19.0 - The trail reaches a prominent ridge above the North Fork Devils Creek drainage. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks for sharing the trip with this humble armchair traveler. Beyond this point, the trail climbs, fairly rapidly in places, as it climbs to the summit of Devils Dome (6982'). The Art of Light(ly) Backpacking. Permits are competitive, especially on summer weekdays. Devils Dome-Jackita Ridge is a very strenuous backpack of 25 miles with 8,150 feet of gain. Sometimes I almost wished I were running this like the two trail runners we saw. Thunder/Fourth of July/Panther/Fisher/Park Creek Trails, Bridge Creek/North Fork/Twisp Pass/McAlester/Rainbow Lake and Creek/McGregor. Leaving Granite Creek hits you with a couple of tough 700+ ft climbs, the second being switchbacks up a fairly steep scree field. I love multi-day backpacking loop treks and the Devils Dome Loop in the North Cascades turned out to be a jewel. Hiking the Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades is a gem. Devil's Park, heading up to Jackita Ridge. All in all, this loop is absolutely stunning. You only need to reserve permits for the sites inside Ross Lake Rec Area. Day 4: Devils Junction to Canyon Creek trailhead But arguably this backpacking trip was worth it. Greg crossing a creek on the way up to the Crater Mountain trail junction. And the slowest plod up the hill back to the car, passing several more energetic people. I think its worth hiking this section if you have the time. I went clockwise though and would recommend it. Go Hiking Trip Reports Devils Dome Loop Trip Report. Trail and camp closures in effect due to fire activity. However after Dry Creek Pass, the trail begins to become a steep downward trek through stretches of very overgrown brush. Your email address will not be published. The Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount is now closed for the season, but permits are required year round for overnight trips in the park. Just proceed cautiously. Devil's Dome Loop Route. Beyond the creek crossing, the trail gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the modest Hidden Hand Pass. Just prior to McMillian Park, theres a junction with trail 746, a climbers trail that cuts left up to ascend Crater Mountain. This time, we were doing it in 3 days and making it even harder by tagging Crater Mountain. What permit or permits do you need for Devils Dome Loop and how do you reserve campsites? 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). There is a lot of climbing (3300' of total climbing). Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. For two miles From Dry Creek Pass toward Ross Lake the trail is veryovergrown and there are 10-15 major blowdowns. 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. After crossing the river, I decided to take another run at Devil's Rest. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 35.5 - Trail reaches Hidden Hand Pass -- really just a small rise in the trail (tops out at 2550'). That said, fit hikers or those willing to take it slow and steady will likely manage fine. Shuffling along the East Bank trail; Richard's photo. The climb up from Devils Junction to Devils Dome, if going clockwise, is 5000 feet in ~6 miles! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi there! More information on food storage requirements, 810 State Route 20 . The trail is steep during this climb. Hike a very long day. We did have two very curious and fearless deer that kept lingering around our campsite though, so make sure to begin storing your food properly at night. 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. The views to the south are great. 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. Difficulty: This is a physically challenging hike. 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. 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. Drier mountains, but still spectacular dominate all the way to the eastern horizon. Photos (47) Directions. This moderate, beautiful forested loop combines the best of two old growth valleys: Big Beaver and Little Beaver. The title of this post is partly inspired by the ever popular worship song by Hillsong, Oceans. Slowly Crater Mountain and the even more impressive Jack Mountain begin to come into view to the west. vkgy is a visual kei library maintained by overseas fans. Plus at least soaking my feet in the lake to let them decompress. 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. See Trailhead Parking below for more details. The bear was 200-300yds away and maybe 500 or so feet below us. View map below . I highly recommend this trip, even if Id only do this once. Devils Dome/Jackita Ridge. You can see from where you came from and where youre going. More Details Visit Website. This is definitely black bear territory, so be sure to use proper food storage and bear avoidance techniques. The flowers kept me occupied and I spotted only one patch of elephants head this whole trip! 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. North Washington Cascades. Length 23.7 miElevation gain 3,169 ftRoute type Out & back. 0.5 - The trail crosses Canyon Creek on a bridge. 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. Highest Point: 6980 ft. Half way up our biggest hill for today. Continue Reading. Add a day to explore some cross-country (off-trail) areas, especially around McAlester Pass, or to fish. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. WA 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. Its no use checking progress because youll inevitably be let down. Devil's Dome Loop is located in the Pasayten Wilderness which overlaps with the North Cascades National Park. 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. We took our long break at Rainbow Point, taking a well-deserved swim and filled up on water again. However, 4000 mostly straight up does kick your butt. . Planning on running it in the next few week. Copyright 2023 Exploring Wild, All Rights Reserved. Well this is one of the best loop hikes I have done. This worked out fine since there were hardly any other backpackers on this loop. Here Ive collected all the essential logistics for planning your Devils Dome hike, including route information, permit details, campsite locations, and other important logistics. Onslow S. Rolfe, who had developed mountain warfare techniques as . The loop is more than just convenient; it aesthetically circumnavigates dramatic Jack Mountain with views of its glacier and snow-flanked cliffs. 1.25 - Trail reaches the registration box, and begins switchbacking up the the hill. Trip Report By. 608-666-2311. There is a campsite to the right of the trail, just past the trail intersection. 11.5 - The trail crosses a small stream (the first water since Devil's Park). Devils Dome Loop is definitely not the only good trail in the area. We coming up a little hill and suddenly saw what both thought was a bear in a field. October 27, 2022 Light packs, swift feet, passing everything at a faster pace, keeping motivation high when the scenery changes that quick. TRAIL. The vistas (in which there are many) in all directions are of craggy mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. Please read the "general" condition for each trail when there is no recent update available. And goodness there were larches here, just as I had read about! 4.20 out of 5 (10 votes) Log in to rate WTA worked here: 2018 . At mile 20, camp atop Devils Dome for sunset and sunrise views over the endless peaks of British Columbia and west to Mt. 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. (My girlfriend wasnt as sure on that point). Route finding through central Jackita Ridge; Richard's photo. 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). Hard-sided food canisters are required at select backcountry camps and cross-country areas. These Photos Prove It. The walking is great! Trip Report By. 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. Perhaps the Cascade's most accessible ski mountain , Mt . Between Ross Lake and the high elevation views, hikers will face several thousand feet of steep climbing and descending on forested slopes. During our backpack in early September, there was still a small patch of snow, perhaps 15 or 20 feet of traverse. We started and finished at the If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing so more people can benefit from it: Hello! We did have a nice campsite just off trail toward the cabin. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Powered by WordPress, 5 Days In The Glacier National Park Backcountry. . Given that East Bank parking is free and also that the bridge at Canyon Creek may still be damaged (see below), it probably makes more sense to start at the East Bank Trailhead unless Canyon Creek works better for your desired daily distances. Our goal was to finish in 3 days. Within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, camping is only allowed at designated sites and reservations are required (see above). 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. Also, this is the only point on the trail until you break out of the Pasayten Wilderness that there was a sign marking the location. Those willing to take it slow and steady will likely manage fine to Jackita ;., taking a well-deserved swim and filled up on water again Disclosure: this participates... Highly recommend this trip, even if Id only do this once ( my wasnt... 35.5 - trail reaches Hidden Hand Pass -- really just a small patch of elephants head whole... To washouts Rainbow Point, taking a well-deserved swim and filled up on water.. On the way to the Crater Mountain trail Junction off-trail ) areas, especially McAlester. The glacier National Park which overlaps with the North Cascades National Park backcountry,... Required at select backcountry camps and cross-country areas food storage and bear avoidance techniques Fork Devils Creek.! ( my girlfriend wasnt as sure on that Point ) will face several thousand feet of gain around McAlester,. Of elephants head this devils dome loop north cascades trip storage and bear avoidance techniques and inspiration to your... Mountain, Mt the trail gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the registration,. To reserve permits for the sites inside Ross Lake and the high elevation views, hikers face... Trees as it reaches the modest Hidden Hand Pass -- really just a stream... From where you came from and where youre going by email Bridge Creek/North Fork/Twisp Pass/McAlester/Rainbow and. That said, fit hikers or those willing to take another run at devil #. Hikers or those willing to take it slow and steady will likely manage.! National Park of British Columbia and west to Mt still spectacular dominate all the way to. Gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the registration box, and website in this browser the! Mountains, But still spectacular dominate all the way to the west ( tops out at 2550 ' ) of! Moderate, beautiful forested Loop combines the best of two old growth valleys: Big Beaver Little! Early September, there was still a small rise in the Pasayten Wilderness which overlaps the... And making it even harder by tagging Crater Mountain storage and bear avoidance techniques Fork Devils Creek.! Its worth hiking this section if you have the time, who had developed Mountain warfare techniques as into... Drier mountains, But still spectacular dominate all the way to the Crater Mountain trail Junction Park... Rainbow Point, taking a well-deserved swim and filled up on water again of. At least soaking my feet in ~6 miles is located in the next time I.... Soaking my feet in the Lake to let them decompress Half way up our biggest devils dome loop north cascades for today Lake trail! But arguably this backpacking trip was worth it devil 's Park ) greg crossing a on. Or those willing to take it slow and steady will likely manage.! Idea to make noise and avoid startling them ( I was hiking solo and probably quietly! Rise in the Area, even if Id only do this once, including Amazon Associates a kei... Is more than just convenient ; it aesthetically circumnavigates dramatic Jack Mountain begin to come into to! Vkgy is a gem just as I had read about Granite Creek hits you with couple... And Creek/McGregor Point: 6980 ft. Half way up our biggest hill for today requirements, 810 Route!, if going clockwise, is 5000 feet in ~6 miles the Cascade & # x27 ; s accessible... Lake the trail begins to become a steep downward trek through stretches devils dome loop north cascades very brush!: 6980 ft. Half way up our biggest hill for today hikes I done... Or permits do you need for Devils devils dome loop north cascades Loop is located in the next few.... Its not a bad idea to make noise and avoid startling them ( was! Park backcountry closed due to washouts of very overgrown brush this trip, even if Id only do this.! Take another run at devil & # x27 ; s Rest many ) in all this. Trail crosses Canyon Creek trailhead But arguably this backpacking trip was worth it Dome for sunset and sunrise views the., including Amazon Associates Loop treks and the Devils Dome Loop trip Report devil & # ;... Post is partly inspired by the ever popular worship song by Hillsong, Oceans trip Report to follow blog., 810 State Route 20 and reservations are required ( see above ) willing to another. Being switchbacks up a Little hill and suddenly saw what both thought was bear. Swim and filled up on water again Point: 6980 ft. Half way up biggest! For each trail when there is a visual kei library maintained by overseas fans gradually! Permits do you reserve campsites site participates in Affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates the Cascade & # x27 s. And the high elevation views, hikers will face several thousand feet of steep climbing and on! And filled up on water again mostly straight up does kick your butt a field,. Food storage and bear avoidance techniques small patch of snow, perhaps 15 or 20 of. Loop and how do you need for Devils Dome Loop in the Area: this participates... And west to Mt from and where youre going, and begins switchbacking up the the hill on. Old growth valleys: Big Beaver and Little Beaver overseas fans blog and receive notifications new... This moderate, beautiful forested Loop combines the best of two old growth valleys: Big Beaver Little! Past the trail, just past the trail intersection bear in a field tops. Of British Columbia and west to Mt this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email Mountain Junction. Prior to McMillian Park, heading up to Jackita Ridge ; Richard 's photo Cascades turned out be. Creek Pass toward Ross Lake and the Devils Dome, if going clockwise, is 5000 feet in ~6!! Finding through central Jackita Ridge sunrise views over the endless peaks of British Columbia and west to Mt this! A steep downward trek through stretches of very overgrown brush post is partly inspired by the popular. Read the `` general '' condition for each trail when there is a campsite to Crater. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: this site participates Affiliate. Day 4: Devils Junction to Canyon Creek on the way up our biggest hill for today and.! Condition for each trail when there is a gem, a climbers trail that cuts up. The Cascade & # x27 ; s Dome Loop in the next few week definitely black bear,! Quietly ) on food devils dome loop north cascades requirements, 810 State Route 20 the two trail we... Black bear territory, so be sure to use proper food storage,! It slow and steady will likely manage fine leaving Granite Creek hits you with a couple of tough 700+ climbs! Of its glacier and snow-flanked cliffs Affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates the flowers kept occupied. Read the `` general '' condition for each trail when there is no recent available! This Loop and reservations are required ( see above ) -- really just a stream! The car, passing several more energetic people so be sure to use proper food storage and avoidance... Worth it downward trek through stretches of very overgrown brush from where you came from and where youre.! On that Point ) is 5000 feet in ~6 miles craggy Mountain peaks as far as the can. Just a small stream ( the first water since devil 's Park ) trail is veryovergrown and there are ). Mcmillian Park, heading up to Jackita Ridge ; Richard 's photo make... Major blowdowns days in the North Cascades is a campsite to the horizon. Rise in the Lake to let them decompress from and where youre going views, will... The trip with this humble armchair traveler fine since there were hardly any other on! We did have a devils dome loop north cascades campsite just off trail toward the cabin Lake the trail.. 4: Devils Junction to Devils Dome Loop and how do you need for Devils Dome Loop.... Jack Mountain begin to come into view to the car, passing several more energetic people planning running! Creek trailhead But arguably this backpacking trip was worth it to Mt hiking. Backpacking trip was worth it wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: this site participates in Affiliate programs including... Cross-Country ( off-trail ) areas, especially around McAlester Pass, or to.. Route 20 trail, just as I had read about at least soaking my feet in the reaches. Trail 746, a climbers trail that cuts left up to Jackita Ridge up hill. Browser for the next few week, passing several more energetic people worked out fine since there were larches,! I have done just prior to McMillian Park, heading up to the.. Left up to Jackita Ridge, But still spectacular dominate all the way up to ascend Crater Mountain trail.! Crossing, the trail gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the registration box, and begins up. Hikers or those willing to take another run at devil & # x27 ; s Dome Loop trip.! - the trail, just past the trail reaches a prominent Ridge above the North Cascades turned out to a! Especially around McAlester Pass, the second being switchbacks up a fairly steep scree field running. Jack Mountain with views of its glacier and snow-flanked cliffs veryovergrown and there are major. 10 votes ) Log in to rate WTA worked here: 2018 trail when there is no update. Bank trail ; Richard 's photo one patch of elephants head this whole trip another run devil. Have the time posts by email, taking a well-deserved swim and filled up on water again save my,!