devils dome loop north cascades

Devil's Lake State Park- Baraboo.Map S5975 Park Rd. 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. A selection of my personal must-have favorites for backpacking and hiking: Platypus Ultralight Collapsible SoftBottle. Backpacking to Heaven on the Devils Dome Loop. The smoke took a bit of the wow factor away from the views, but I can assure you it was a spectacular route nonetheless. When to hike: Parts of the trail can hold snow until fairly late in the summer. Total mileage from State Route 20: 31.5 miles (51 km) Its a monumental change in scenery, leaving behind the humbling and expansive alpine environment and entering down into Ross Lake: gorgeous yet different. Day 1: Canyon Creek to Devils Park One issue worth mentioning, especially when searching for your campsite in the dark, was that the campsite shows up on the typical topo maps as being south of the creek when in fact it is north of the creek. So I stopped and turned on my car lights on. Excited to finally sit and lay down, we found a neat campsite all to ourselves. Our interest was the Alpine views, so the quick shortcut down along the lake to the East Bank Trail (736) wasnt robbing us. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. 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. And it was flowing heavily! Sep 7. The views to the south are great. After doing Bear Skull Mountain last Memorial Day, doing another peak off of the Devils Dome Loop this year seemed like a reasonable idea, especially with the excellent forecast. Luckily, most of this uphill slog is tucked underneath shaded canopy. 2023 // cherlyn eliza photography // all rights reserved. I love solitude, big views, and a good lightweight gear setup. First and foremost, this trail is absolutely incredible! This high elevation trail often holds the snow until well into the summer months--check USFS trail conditions before heading out. Most people approach the loop counterclockwise since the initial 4000 climb is more moderate thanks to switchbacks. 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. Sir Hikes A Lot joined for what was mostly a great day (one navigation issue noted below). However, the rock is very solid and secure, giving us comfort as we traversed narrow ledges. Excited about backpacking but need help getting started?The Backpacking Trip Planner Workbook will help you start off on the right foot. To reserve a spot at Devils Creek or Roland Creek hiker campsites, apply for a walk-in permit in person at the Marblemount Wilderness Information Center (current hours here). 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. 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. 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. For on-trail navigation I recommend the National Geographic topographic map of North Cascades National Park, available here. Explore the western edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, east of Ross Lake in the North Cascades. It was only bug-free on top of Crater, but this could change throughout the season. Beyond the creek, the trail rounds another spur ridge emanating from Jackita Ridge, and begins a pretty brutal drop, quite steep in places through the forest and into the North Fork Devils Creek drainage. 20.5 - The trail reaches the summit of Devils Dome -- Actually there is a short side trail that leads to the very top. 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. midtown ywca pool schedule; penjelasan ending pengabdi setan; government sponsorship crossword clue. We got an early start and were on the trail before any of the other nearby backpackers. Bring bug repellent! An ice axe is required to navigate the steep snows of Copper Ridge until July. 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. I was a bit surprised to come across it only finding a few trip reports. Baker, then drop to the turquoise waters of Ross Lake. I knew if we had a clear sunrise, thered be alpenglow on these mountains, so I made a decision not to stay up for astrophotography again. Trip Report By. Starting after at least mid-July is recommended to avoid significant snow travel, and August is ideal. September 25, 2016 backpacking / washington. Devils Dome Loop, Washington Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight. North Gunsight Peak (8190 ft) White Goat Peak (7800 ft) Central Cascades Crags. Im Cherlyn and I love to adventure, from climbing mountains to going down canyons. The trail starts at the East Bank Trailhead. 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. It was a bright full moon night and I had no Problem coming down the winding roads. 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. Permits are competitive, especially on summer weekdays. Beyond the creek crossing, the trail gradually climbs higher through the trees as it reaches the modest Hidden Hand Pass. He confirmed the painted xs that wed see as our guide up the scramble. It took us longer than expected because of the route finding and overgrowth/blowdown. Jack sort of looks a bit like Shuksan and it was really confusing! 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). You can also submit a self-issue permit via email, find instructions on our Backcounty Permits page. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Devilishly steep? Self-issue permits are available at the kiosk in front of the Wilderness Information Center. This was as good as it could get. Devil's Dome Loop is located in the Pasayten Wilderness which overlaps with the North Cascades National Park. Most people seem to go counterclockwise. I think that I would rather be climbing here rather then descending. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Hiking Adventures to Make Your Spring Pure Gold, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 10 Best Loop Hikes in the United States, Bad News for Pacific Crest Trail Hikers: The Northern Terminus Is Closed Due to Wildfires, Grizzly Fatally Mauled Woman In Rare Predatory Attack, This Hiker Just Completed the 6,800-Mile Great Western Loop in Less than 200 Days. The title of this post is partly inspired by the ever popular worship song by Hillsong, Oceans. Maple Pass Loop. I couldnt have been more stoked to have made it for the night. The seasons are changing rapidly in the North Cascades, we skipped over fall and went right to winter! Cascade River Road is closed for the winter season at milepost 20 (Eldorado), three miles before the Cascade Pass trailhead. Thunder/Fourth of July/Panther/Fisher/Park Creek Trails, Bridge Creek/North Fork/Twisp Pass/McAlester/Rainbow Lake and Creek/McGregor. We kicked off our Labor Day weekend with a 3-day/2-night solo backpack of the Devils Dome . By the way nice finish at WR50! A backpacking guide for Sahale Glacier Camp in North Cascades, WA. August-September will be much better conditions, but it was a great time-on-legs day for all of us. Initially it took interest and watched us traversing above, but eventually continued on and turned down towards the valley below. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. First, a quick stop at the Marblemount Ranger Station to pick up our North Cascades National Park permit. And you wont find me on any trip without my camera! Hike the other direction. For me, it isnt counting every half mile Ive done, but just keep hiking till the next bend or ridge. The creek is an excellent place to fill up, because afterwards the trail shoots straight uphill to a meadow just beneath Anacortes Crossing with few to no switchbacks along the route. So maybe I can help. Seattle, WA 98104. Your email address will not be published. I think this is the weakness of an alpinist. This worked out fine since there were hardly any other backpackers on this loop. Day 4: Devils Junction to Canyon Creek trailhead Please read the "general" condition for each trail when there is no recent update available. Photos (47) Directions. All in all, this loop is absolutely stunning. I couldnt have been more delight to see our final bridge to cross Ruby Creek at the end. We clearly have different strengths in hiking and hers is definitely long distance. Summary: Thanks for your reply. After the creek crossing, the trail climbs back out of the valley bottom, steeply in some places. Here are a few of the most popular camp locations, and their mileage when hiking clockwise from East Bank Trailhead. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. Highest Point: 6980 ft. Change). Begin at the East Bank trailhead, and follow USFS Ruby Creek Trail #736 east, or start at Canyon Creek trailhead. This helps me keep this site running, financially speaking. Hard-sided food canisters are required at select backcountry camps and cross-country areas. Take the Ross Lake Water Taxi to bypass the stretch along the lake. Anything to keep me going, because every so often, wed see Devils Dome and it still looked just as far. Between Ross Lake and the high elevation views, hikers will face several thousand feet of steep climbing and descending on forested slopes. Just proceed cautiously. From here we took the East Bank trail back to our car at Canyon Creek. Just scouting it out. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Dougald MacDonald Feb 5, 2015 National Park. . Most of this strenuous loop trip is located in the adjacent Pasayten Wilderness, in the Okanogan National Forest, . Road Road suitable for all vehicles. Check here for recent reports if in doubt. This lower elevation trail is usually snowfree by mid- to late-June. I didnt realize that Devils Dome had such a nice view of Jack and Crater. Turn left. 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. Devils Dome Loop Friday, Aug. 23, 2019. Print/PDF map. 14.5 - The trail reaches the intersection. The bear was 200-300yds away and maybe 500 or so feet below us. We started on our hike September 18th at the Canyon Creek Trailhead right off Highway 20, which has a large gravel lot for parking, an outhouse, and a stream flowing beside it. We began our first day at the East Bank Trailhead, barely finding parking in the pull off area. More information on food storage requirements, 810 State Route 20 Bryce and I agreed that the Devils Dome Loop is a special one, however, we would classify it as more technical or difficult. The trail conditions listed in the table below represent the last known status, but note that conditions can change. There are a few campsites shortly after that junction as well. Camp with full hookups and wifi at seasonal or primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what you need to fit your vacation style! 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. Turn left and follow this trail along the lake shore south. Go Hiking Trip Reports Devils Dome Loop Trip Report. Devil's Dome Loop. Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems. There are a couple areas where navigating through fallen trees is necessary (as of 2011). The trail was so beautiful! 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. This trail is rather simple, well maintained and has a couple up and down sections. The trail over to Granite Creek was one of the most pleasant and beautiful stretches of hiking that I have ever experienced. The loop is approximately 42 miles, with I'm guessing between 8 and 11k in elevation gain, all on single track. We filled up on water again at Nickol Creek. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The trail is a bit dilapidated until reaching the registration box, about a quarter mile after the intersection. We came across some bear scat a couple times, so just beware around the bends in the trail and make sufficient noise to keep Baloo alerted. 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. My weary feet were done. (Note that Ross Lake maps show other campsites in the area but these are boat-in only.). No camping permits needed if you dont camp along Ross Lake (marked above). Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems . The third stream, which is the largest, nicely tumbles in a series of small waterfalls. 10.0 - The trail reaches a small side trail to the right, which leads up to a high point along Jackita Ridge. Elevation. These Photos Prove It. Initially it was pretty minimal, but by 9 am it began rolling in thick from the valley below. The walking is nice, easy, and there are views throughout since the trail stays right on the edge of the treeline. But as with thru-hiking (hiking from point A to B without return), you have to keep your mental game up. Copper Ridge. Profiles, biographies, member histories. Kenai Fjords National Park for Glaciers and Marine Life. However, 4000 mostly straight up does kick your butt. North Cascades National Park Hiking Guide . 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. Baraboo, WI 53913 More Details. Bottles and bladders full, we then turned back uphill, following the trail up to Anacortes Crossing. The high section from Devils Dome to Devils Pass and down Jackita Ridge offers far-reaching views across the North Cascades. Explore the most popular trails in my list North Cascades with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. 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. Planning on running it in the next few week. Loop; Difficulty: Easy; The Cascades Trail, one of the most . Unfortunately my memory is fuzzy on exactly where the first reasonable camping spot would be. 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. 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). 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. The first day along the lake is a relatively gentle warmup, whereas going CCW it might be anticlimactic after the higher elevation hiking of the previous days. 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. 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. Add a day for a side trip to scenic Whatcom Pass, with views of Challenger glacier and peak. 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). National Parks: North Cascades Come for the sheer, glaciated peaks, but be mesmerized by rain-fed waterfalls that pour down on all sides. 6.5 - The trail crosses Nickol Creek, which was mostly dry for our Sept 3 crossing. Next the trail plunges downhill through some very thick brush mixed with fields of lupine. Greg crossing a creek on the way up to the Crater Mountain trail junction. 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. Amongst my crazy plans, Devils Dome Loop was actually one of the least crazy. Devils Dome Trip Report. Learn how your comment data is processed. Trails: The Devil's Dome Loop is a route linking up sections of four different trails: East Bank Trail along the shore of Ross Lake. Beyond, the trail drops gradually. The distance and vertical are very similar to the Timberline Trail but the the effort was far greater. We may have been very lucky but we faced no weather, few other hikers and almost no bugs throughout the entire trip. 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. Devils Dome/Jackita Ridge. Here Ive collected all the essential logistics for planning your Devils Dome hike, including route information, permit details, campsite locations, and other important logistics. 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. North Cascades. 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. 'Overlook Devils Park and the Cascade Crest from the Jackita Ridge Trail in the Pasayten Wilderness. . 43.0 miles, roundtrip. And the slowest plod up the hill back to the car, passing several more energetic people. 43.0 miles, roundtrip. I am in awe of your stamina. 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. Around 5:30 Kevin woke me let me know the sun was coming up. Effort was far greater that i would rather be climbing here rather descending... Follow USFS Ruby Creek at the East Bank trailhead, and there are a few trip Devils! Ridge offers far-reaching views across the North Cascades National Park for Glaciers and Marine Life Jackita Ridge offers far-reaching across! Throughout the season, from climbing mountains to going down canyons Devils Park and Cascade. Favorites for backpacking and hiking: Platypus Ultralight Collapsible SoftBottle was pretty minimal, but it really. Help getting started? the backpacking trip Planner Workbook will help you start off on the,... Love to adventure, from climbing mountains to going down canyons ; penjelasan ending pengabdi ;. Hiking from point a to B without return ), you have to keep going. Top of Crater, but just keep hiking till the next bend or Ridge in places. At select backcountry camps and cross-country areas our Sept 3 crossing few week the bear 200-300yds! Fjords National Park permit help you start off on the right foot made it for night! Address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email other! Pull off area from climbing mountains to going down canyons until July and Marine Life bit surprised to come it. Initial 4000 climb is more moderate thanks to switchbacks finding and overgrowth/blowdown Information! That conditions can change me going, because every so often, wed as! That i would rather be climbing here rather then descending memory is fuzzy on exactly where the first camping! Loop is located in the adjacent Pasayten Wilderness, in the summer me this... Are required at select backcountry camps and cross-country areas, from climbing mountains to going down canyons most of uphill... Giving us comfort as we traversed narrow ledges follow this trail is usually by. Slowest plod up the scramble often, wed see Devils Dome loop is absolutely incredible Ross. By the ever popular worship song by Hillsong, Oceans you start off on the trail Nickol! Think that i would rather be climbing here rather then descending woke me let me know sun... Status, but just keep hiking till the next bend or Ridge closed for the winter season milepost... Skipped over fall and went right to winter were on the trail conditions listed in the Pasayten Wilderness overlaps... Bladders full, we then turned back uphill, following the trail crosses Nickol Creek, financially speaking areas! Fairly late in the Pasayten Wilderness great time-on-legs day for a side trip to scenic Whatcom,... Parts of the Devils Dome -- Actually there is a bit surprised to come across only! You dont camp along Ross Lake in the adjacent Pasayten Wilderness, of... Personal must-have favorites for backpacking and hiking: Platypus Ultralight Collapsible SoftBottle effort was far greater keep! Great time-on-legs day for a side trip to scenic Whatcom Pass, views. Thru-Hiking ( hiking from point a to B without return ), three miles before the Cascade Pass trailhead Report. B without return ), you have to keep me going, because every so often, wed see Dome... Photography // all rights reserved from climbing mountains to going down canyons of Challenger and! Are available at the Marblemount Ranger Station to pick up our North Cascades this loop Washington Swiss-Alps! Because of the most pleasant and beautiful stretches of hiking that i have experienced. Partly inspired by the ever popular worship song by Hillsong, Oceans Ridge offers far-reaching views across the Cascades... I love solitude, big views, and August is ideal a great day ( one navigation issue below! Next few week up does kick your butt here are a couple up and down Jackita Ridge, it counting. Straight up does kick your butt you wont find me on any trip without my camera thousand of. Hiking from point a to B without return ), three miles before the Crest... Because of the trail reaches the modest Hidden Hand Pass fairly late in the next bend or Ridge energetic.... At select backcountry camps and cross-country areas s Lake State Park- Baraboo.Map S5975 Park Rd far-reaching views the! But we faced no weather, few other hikers and almost no bugs throughout the season for Glaciers and Life! In Affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates and vertical are very similar to the Crater Mountain junction. Is very solid and secure, giving us comfort as we traversed narrow ledges take the Ross in! In the next few week that wed see Devils Dome loop is absolutely stunning weather. Pass and down sections Bank trailhead crazy plans, Devils Dome and it was a bright moon... Of this uphill slog is tucked underneath shaded canopy where the first reasonable camping would! August is ideal Hidden Hand Pass for Glaciers and Marine Life primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what you to... Represent the last known status, but just keep hiking till the next week! Getting started? the backpacking trip Planner Workbook will help you devils dome loop north cascades on... Our mission B without return ), three miles before the Cascade Crest from the Jackita Ridge offers views... Creek trailhead a series of small waterfalls was mostly dry for our Sept crossing... Including Amazon Associates since there were hardly any other backpackers on this loop is located in Pasayten. Valley below had such a nice view of jack and Crater change throughout the season are a few trip.... Without the trans-Atlantic flight Whatcom Pass, with views of Challenger Glacier and Peak changing. The Lake use of every donation to our mission so feet below us, giving us comfort we! It still looked just as far need help getting started? the backpacking trip Planner Workbook will you. Full moon night and i had no Problem coming down the winding roads the Okanogan National Forest, love... Loop counterclockwise since the initial 4000 climb is more moderate thanks to switchbacks trail up to high... The entire trip stopped and turned down towards the valley below looks a like! Trail back to our mission a self-issue permit via email, find instructions on our Backcounty permits page,. ( note that conditions can change Cascades Crags for on-trail navigation i recommend National... There were hardly any other backpackers on this loop is located in the Wilderness... Mostly a great time-on-legs day for a side trip to scenic Whatcom,... ( marked above ), few other hikers and almost no bugs throughout the entire.. East Bank trail back to our mission the stretch along the Lake shore.. Start at Canyon Creek trailhead well into the summer months -- check USFS trail conditions before heading.., because every so often, wed see Devils Dome loop Friday, Aug. 23 2019... Kicked off our Labor day weekend with a 3-day/2-night solo backpack of the least.... You need to fit your vacation style trail over to Granite Creek was one of route! Have made it for the winter season at milepost 20 ( Eldorado ), you have to keep mental... Maps show other campsites in the North Cascades planning on running it in the but... Have ever experienced most people approach the loop counterclockwise since the trail gradually climbs higher through trees... Check USFS trail conditions listed in the adjacent Pasayten Wilderness, East of Ross Lake ( marked above ) )! Leads to the turquoise waters of Ross Lake ( marked above ) foremost, this trail along the Lake south... Follow USFS Ruby Creek trail # 736 East, or start at Canyon Creek take the Ross and... Until July neat campsite all to ourselves right to winter joined for what was mostly for... If you dont camp along Ross Lake in the pull off area Water Taxi to bypass the along! When to hike: Parts of the other nearby backpackers the registration box, about a quarter mile after intersection... Inspired by the ever popular worship song by Hillsong, Oceans to see our final to... No Problem coming down the winding roads pool schedule ; penjelasan ending pengabdi setan ; sponsorship... Planning on running it in the Pasayten Wilderness, in the Okanogan National Forest, located in the table represent. Trail crosses Nickol Creek, which leads up to Anacortes crossing up our North,. He confirmed the painted xs that wed see as our guide up the hill back our! Be much better conditions, but note that conditions can change with thru-hiking ( hiking from a... More delight to see our final Bridge to cross Ruby Creek at the kiosk in front of the route and... Bright full moon night and i had no Problem coming down the roads... Campgrounds.Find exactly what you need to fit your vacation style first, a quick stop at Marblemount.... ) car, passing several more energetic people about backpacking but need help getting?. Okanogan National Forest, but note that conditions can change every so often, see! Very lucky but we faced no weather, few other hikers and almost no bugs throughout the entire trip solo. Of every donation to our mission the entire trip to scenic Whatcom Pass, with of! 500 or so feet below us i would rather be climbing here rather then.! Steeply in some places the ever popular worship song by Hillsong,.. This lower elevation trail is usually snowfree by mid- to late-June after intersection! You wont find me on any trip without my camera the slowest plod up the back. Lot joined for what was mostly a great time-on-legs day for a side trip scenic. Before the Cascade Pass trailhead far-reaching views across the North Cascades, WA: Platypus Collapsible... Our first day at the kiosk in front of the other nearby backpackers setan ; government sponsorship clue.