NATURE'S PLAYBOOK

Total mileage: 12.8 Total elevation gain: 4,472 Total time: 8 hrs This trail is in the southern section of The North Cascades National Park. Getting to the trailhead requires 23 miles on a gravel road and high clearance or 4wd is recommended. The trail starts with 33 switchbacks gaining just under 2,000 feet over three miles. Once you’re through the first set of switchbacks, the forest opens into epic mountain views. From the end of the switchback section to the Sahale trail merge is just under a mile and 200 feet of gain. The trail merge to get off Cascade Pass and onto the Sahale Arm trail is a good break spot or you can continue another mile to the Doubtful Lake overlook for another epic break spot. The Sahale Arm trail is about 3 miles with 2,200 feet of elevation gain that turns into a scramble and more technical about a mile from the summit. Be prepared to see lots of wildlife including mountain goats, pika, marmots, and black bears. As always, remember to respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and not feeding them.