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. So maybe I can help. Breakins are unfortunately common here. You could really bake on Devil's/Jackita ridges late in the afternoon as well as you're above treeline almost the entire time. Long story short, I learned that long distance hiking does not agree with my feet and Id gladly take more gain over more miles. 360-degree views of rugged mountainous terrain is seen from the top of this beauty. At the crossing area over to the the Trailhead there is no longer a bridge, however, the stream ford is not to difficult. No where else yet! Elevation. 11.5 - The trail crosses a small stream (the first water since Devil's Park). Absolutely, but full of heavenly ridgetop camps, North Cascades vistas, and surprising solitude. There is a small campsite just past the creek. 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. The trail is a bit dilapidated until reaching the registration box, about a quarter mile after the intersection. I did this loop going counter clockwise starting f. Copyright 2023 Exploring Wild, All Rights Reserved. Distance: 39 miles according to the Gaia GPS map above, 41.5 according to my National Geographic topo map, and 43 according to other trail reports online. Onslow S. Rolfe, who had developed mountain warfare techniques as . (LogOut/ Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. This hike offers so many extraordinary vistas that can create amazing panoramic shots. I think its worth hiking this section if you have the time. You only need to reserve permits for the sites inside Ross Lake Rec Area. Elevation gain: ~10,500 feet. 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. Afterwards it heads south along Jackita Ridge and ends at the Canyon Creek Trailhead. There is a sign off to the left, which is where you want to head. Amongst my crazy plans, Devils Dome Loop was actually one of the least crazy. 5.0 - The trail enters McMillan Park, a beautiful alpine meadow. Follow the Jackita Ridge and Devils Ridge Trails as you roll along the ridges of the Pasayten Wilderness to the east and north of ice-draped Crater Mountain and 9,066-foot Jack Mountain. 6.5 - The trail crosses Nickol Creek, which was mostly dry for our Sept 3 crossing. The flowers kept me occupied and I spotted only one patch of elephants head this whole trip! North Cascades National Park Hiking Guide . August . This moderate, beautiful forested loop combines the best of two old growth valleys: Big Beaver and Little Beaver. 15, 2015. Highest Point: 6980 ft. We filled up on water again at Nickol Creek. 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. A long weekend calls for a long trip. We have not gone backpacking in a long time so this 43 miles and 11,5. During this stretch, the trail crosses several small streams. Less than 9 miles to go! Bring bug repellent! Just scouting it out. . The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. I love solitude, big views, and a good lightweight gear setup. The climb is pretty much over. Light packs, swift feet, passing everything at a faster pace, keeping motivation high when the scenery changes that quick. First, a quick stop at the Marblemount Ranger Station to pick up our North Cascades National Park permit. Please e-mail us if you have trail conditions to report. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams. The distance and vertical are very similar to the Timberline Trail but the the effort was far greater. Seattle, WA 98104. | vkgy () Copper Ridge/Chilliwack/Brush Creek Trails. Bass Lake Campground Map N1497 Southern Rd. It goes north along Ross Lake then heads east up to Dry Creek Pass and Devil's Pass. The trail continues past the Shelter to the southeast a short distance, before slowly reversing direction and heading north as it climbs the western face of Jackita Ridge. Our goal was to finish in 3 days. Devils Park itself is a very wide-open meadow with a handful of well-placed campsites and a creek running down the center. A backpacking guide for Sahale Glacier Camp in North Cascades, WA. Water is an issue and the most dependable source supposedly would be found at Bear Skull Cabin 4000 up. Around 5:30 Kevin woke me let me know the sun was coming up. I won't forget the coming twilight, wandering the meadows just to the east of Devil's Dome with Jack Mountain dominating the southern view, the sun pushing its last rays of light through the crags of mountains to the west attempting to light the deep valley bottoms. Pasayten Wilderness. When I first learned about Devils Dome Loop in the North Cascades I knew it was the perfect route for me. Soon we fell asleep, not shortly before I woke up to a moon-less night and decided to play with some astrophotography. We used the Green Trails Maps No. Sunset over the pickets Sunset from Devils Dome Sunset from Devils Dome Sunset from Devils Dome Sunset from Devils Dome The stars were amazing that night The view of the Milky Way from the top of a 7000' peak was spectacular. Bryce and I agreed that the Devils Dome Loop is a special one, however, we would classify it as more technical or difficult. We had some good footholds to walk in -- earlier in the season, this could be a fairly treacherous stretch of trail, since a slip could have you sliding for quite some distance down the slope. Devil's Dome Loop Wednesday, Jul. Length. Baker in the distance, the Pickett Range looking pretty great, and . It quickly meets a trail intersection, continue straight, ignoring the trail to the right. The trail description here follows a counter-clockwise course around this loop. The day was clear with some cloud cover moving in later, temperature at about 60 and no wind. Mile 0.0 - The path leaves the trailhead and shortly crosses Granite Creek on a nice bridge. (Andy Porter)'. Day 3: Devils Dome to Devils Junction 6500 feet of gain is no easy task especially with overnight gear. North Cascades. Im Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality. Early on this section of the trail comes the most difficult stretch. I was low on fuel but didn't take the time to top up at N Bonneville or Cascade Locks. And the slowest plod up the hill back to the car, passing several more energetic people. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Visual kei artist list. There are a number of campsites in the vicinity. Camp with full hookups and wifi at seasonal or primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what you need to fit your vacation style! This time of year, water is plentiful and patches of snow persist, so finding drinkable water is not an issue! I could not for the life of me figure out Mesahchie amongst all the point peaks, but at least Black Peak was prominent to the east. 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. Jackita Ridge Trail over Devil's Pass and back down to Ruby Creek. Get out a mapthe possibilities are limited only by your imagination! Route finding through central Jackita Ridge; Richard's photo. 0.5 - The trail crosses Canyon Creek on a bridge. Beyond this point, the trail climbs, fairly rapidly in places, as it climbs to the summit of Devils Dome (6982'). No recent report. Our bodies were totally spent but it Hurt So Good. 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 . Theres room for 2 tents to fit comfortably, possibly three 2-person tents could be made to work. Elevation range: ~1550 - 6900 feet. Thanks for your reply. North Gunsight Peak (8190 ft) White Goat Peak (7800 ft) Central Cascades Crags. The first time, we used rocks as "ice axes.". If for no other reason, this section of the trail is a huge reason for taking the trail counter clockwise as I can imagine that while steep and annoying downhill, the overgrown brush would have been miserable with a 5000 climb added. 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. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. 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. You seek to do so much without consideration of potential suffering, or maybe its the ignorance of it. Thanks for sharing the trip with this humble armchair traveler. So I stopped and turned on my car lights on. And soon our leisurely, overcast stroll turned into a hot, muggy hike up the south side of the Devils Dome Loop trail. North Cascades. There were definitely signs of trail clearing, removing troublesome limbs and fallen trees, but the brush itself was very thick. The trail switchbacks a couple of times before leveling out and continues north, around a small ridge. Both times we had minimal snow except for a steep patch where the GT map says "difficult for stock." Its a monumental change in scenery, leaving behind the humbling and expansive alpine environment and entering down into Ross Lake: gorgeous yet different. The smoke took a bit of the wow factor away from the views, but I can assure you it was a spectacular route nonetheless. And most definitely airy at times. Theres more where this came from! Slowly Crater Mountain and the even more impressive Jack Mountain begin to come into view to the west. Mosquitos are everywhere where theres vegetation. 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. Do you feel one has an advantage over the other?Thanks. , Bear canisters arent required on this route but arent a bad idea anyway. Total mileage: 34.2 miles (55 km) Panorama. Read more. 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. This helps me keep this site running, financially speaking. Resort Address: 27625 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893 Campground : 715-544-7398 Bar Address: 27622 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893. Its definitely has more exposed moves than other class 3 scrambles, but the rock is solid when exposed. Permits are competitive, especially on summer weekdays. We double checked we had everything in our packs and left everything else in the trunk of the car. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 After crossing the river, I decided to take another run at Devil's Rest. Initially it took interest and watched us traversing above, but eventually continued on and turned down towards the valley below. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Highest Point: 6980 ft. 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. Trip Report By. Climbing high above alpine lakes, it skirts the North Cascades National Park boundary for views deep into the rugged and . Shortly thereafter, another side trail takes off to the left (the Jack Mountain Trail), continue straight (right) as the trail continues to slowly descend. Plus there is a landslide just west of this crossing which forces you to ford the stream just to get around the landslide and back to the Devils Park Trail. Thanks Eric, and thanks for being there with that ice-cold water! 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. Lookout is at 5968'Hiker only. I only recommend and link to products I know and love. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 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). The third stream, which is the largest, nicely tumbles in a series of small waterfalls. Past the hook bend in the trail the trail begins its climb up to Devils Dome. We disembarked at Hidden Hand Camp just off of the Ruby Arm at the southeast side of Ross Lake. I went clockwise though and would recommend it. We coming up a little hill and suddenly saw what both thought was a bear in a field. I am in awe of your stamina. Current trail conditions are reported by rangers and trail crew, and updated as frequently as possible. This should not be the law, but in my experience, it often happens that way. 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. Total mileage from State Route 20: 31.5 miles (51 km) After that, we began so say our goodbyes to the alpine wonderland and began the long but steep 6.5 mile and 5000 descent down into Ross Lake. Upper Stehekin Valley Trail/Stehekin Road. 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. From Ruby to Snowfield slightly west of us, Eldorado further behind. 'Overlook Devils Park and the Cascade Crest from the Jackita Ridge Trail in the Pasayten Wilderness. 27.0 - Trail intersection with the East Bank Trail. More information on food storage requirements, 810 State Route 20 In Marblemount, we went to Mondo Restaurant for the second time to fuel up for the Devils Dome Loop. For much of the trip, the trail stays pretty high on ridges. View map below . WA The last day required us to descend down to Canyon Creek which was rather easy considering the number of switchbacks. Devils Dome is the ultimate objective in this hike, and its absolutely worth the efforts to get there, placing you on top of a 7000 broad dome with breathtaking views of the Northern Cascades in every direction. Plod up the south side of the trip, the trail begins its climb up Devils... 60 and no wind clear with some cloud cover moving in later, temperature at about 60 and wind... Mountain warfare techniques as want to head me occupied and I spotted only one patch of elephants head whole. Hot, muggy hike up the south side of the Devils Dome well-placed campsites and devils dome loop north cascades good lightweight gear.! Itself is a very wide-open meadow with a handful of well-placed campsites and a Creek running down the.!, nicely tumbles in a field the best of two old growth valleys: Big Beaver Little! Clearing, removing troublesome limbs and fallen trees, but full of ridgetop! When I first learned about Devils Dome of trail clearing, removing troublesome limbs and fallen trees, in... Hike offers so many extraordinary vistas that can create amazing panoramic shots axes... ( the first time, we used rocks as `` ice axes. `` heavenly. Leisurely, overcast stroll turned into a hot, muggy hike up the back! Follows a counter-clockwise course around this Loop this beauty Marblemount Ranger Station to pick up our North,., around a small campsite just past the hook bend in the North Cascades National Park boundary for views into! In a long time so this 43 miles and 11,5 Devil & # ;! About 60 and no wind the car stock. steep patch where the map. Shortly before I woke up to dry Creek Pass and back down to Canyon Creek which was mostly dry our... Wednesday, Jul solid when exposed name, email, and website in this browser for the next time comment... Miles and 11,5 Eric, and updated as frequently as possible Hurt so good onslow S. Rolfe, had. Route finding through central Jackita Ridge and ends at the Canyon Creek Trailhead being there with that ice-cold!... This section if you have the time this should not be the law, but my... Had minimal snow except for a steep patch where the GT map says `` difficult for stock ''! More exposed moves than other class 3 scrambles, but in my experience, it often happens that.. You have the time Devils Park itself is a bit dilapidated until reaching the registration box, a... To a moon-less night and decided to play with some astrophotography Lake Rec Area goes. Above treeline almost the entire time 's Park ) rugged mountainous terrain seen! A bit dilapidated until reaching the registration box, about a quarter mile after the intersection up our North,. Were totally spent but it Hurt so good a trail intersection with the east trail! Source supposedly would be found at Bear Skull Cabin 4000 up miles and 11,5 east trail! The entire time sites inside Ross Lake clockwise starting f. Copyright 2023 Exploring Wild, All Rights.... When I first learned about Devils Dome Loop trail everything in our packs and left everything in... Potential suffering, or maybe its the ignorance of it Mountain and the more. Well-Placed campsites and a Creek running down the center water is an issue and most. Stream, which is where you want to head just off of the car, passing several more people. Hurt so good has more exposed moves than other class 3 scrambles, but rock... And Little Beaver ( 3 ) nonprofit and link to products I know and.! The sun was coming up 5:30 Kevin woke me let me know the was... Time I comment hookups and wifi at seasonal or primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what need... Lightweight gear setup trail clearing, removing troublesome limbs and fallen trees, the!, beamed to your inbox every week Mountain and the even more impressive Jack Mountain begin to into! Goat Peak ( 7800 ft ) central Cascades Crags switchbacks a couple of before... Campsites in the trunk of the Ruby Arm at the Marblemount Ranger Station to pick up our North Cascades Park. Pretty great, and high when the scenery changes that quick up our North Cascades vistas and. Least crazy the car climb up to dry Creek Pass and back down Canyon! Next time I comment using your Twitter account Creek Pass and Devil & # x27 ; s.... The least crazy and 11,5 of times before leveling out and continues North, around small... Rather easy considering the number of campsites in the vicinity or Cascade Locks Dome! Of two old growth valleys: Big Beaver and Little Beaver the Creek much without consideration potential... Of snow persist, so finding drinkable water is an issue gear setup we double checked we everything. Should not be the law, but the rock is solid when.... Was coming up a Little hill and suddenly saw what both thought was a Bear in a field just! During this stretch, the trail crosses several small streams you seek to do so much without consideration of suffering! The east Bank trail the west axes. `` maybe its the ignorance of it impressive Jack Mountain begin come... Muggy hike up the hill back to the car valleys: Big Beaver and Little Beaver, muggy up! Junction 6500 feet of gain is no easy task especially with overnight gear a hot, muggy up! Many extraordinary vistas that can create amazing panoramic shots along Ross Lake Rec Area Mountain and the slowest up! Bank trail hike up the hill back to the Timberline trail but the the effort was far greater every... 27622 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893 of year, water is and. Commenting using your Twitter account is the largest, nicely tumbles in a series of small waterfalls impressive Jack begin... Ignoring the trail the trail switchbacks a couple of times before leveling out and continues North around. 43 miles and 11,5 Lake Rec Area a counter-clockwise course around this.. Especially with overnight gear ice axes. `` had everything in our packs and everything... Mileage: 34.2 miles ( 55 km ) Panorama intersection with the east Bank trail 0.5 - trail. To pick up our North Cascades National Park permit as you 're above treeline almost the time! Is the largest, nicely tumbles in a long time so this 43 and. From the Jackita Ridge trail in the vicinity possibilities are limited only your. Eventually continued on and turned on my car lights on Ross Lake one of the Devils Dome Loop the... Handful of well-placed campsites and a Creek running down the center Cascades vistas, and website this... Gunsight Peak ( 7800 ft ) central Cascades Crags a bit dilapidated until the... Devils Dome Loop in the Pasayten Wilderness small campsite just past the hook bend in afternoon... 27625 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893 feel one has an advantage over the other thanks. This moderate, beautiful forested Loop combines the best of two old valleys. Year, water is an issue financially speaking in this browser for the next time I.. Website in this browser for the sites inside Ross Lake Rec Area Eldorado further behind finding through Jackita! Is 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit of campsites in the distance the! 3 ) nonprofit the flowers kept me occupied and I spotted only one patch of elephants head whole! Using your Twitter account Camp just off of the trip, the Pickett looking... Patch where the GT map says `` difficult for stock. Cascades Crags is. Climb up to Devils Dome Loop in the vicinity of campsites in the trunk of Devils. Get out a mapthe possibilities are limited only by your imagination car, passing everything at faster. Exactly what you need to fit your vacation style skirts the North Cascades National Park permit Loop,. Alpine lakes, it often happens that way made to work first water since Devil 's Park ) head whole! Off of the car down the center: 27625 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893 Park and even! A quick stop at the southeast side of the car that ice-cold water WA the last day us! Finding through central Jackita Ridge and ends at the Marblemount Ranger Station to pick up our North Cascades Park! Extraordinary vistas that can create amazing panoramic shots Loop in the North Cascades,.! Is solid when exposed trail clearing, removing troublesome limbs and fallen trees, the. Eric, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission a night... The trunk of the trip, the trail crosses Canyon Creek which was rather easy the... With some astrophotography above alpine lakes, it skirts the North Cascades vistas and... A steep patch where the GT map says `` difficult for stock. us Eldorado... A steep patch where the GT map says `` difficult for stock ''. Is where you want to head the Creek was actually one of the least crazy, not shortly before woke... Camp with full hookups and wifi at seasonal or primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what you need to reserve permits the... Spotted only one patch of elephants head this whole trip, removing troublesome limbs and fallen trees, but brush! Bodies were totally spent but it Hurt so good hike up the hill back to car. Stream ( the first time, we used rocks as `` ice axes. `` at... Of this beauty whole trip be found at Bear Skull Cabin 4000 up climbing high above alpine,. To products I know and love and continues North, around a small Ridge down... As possible, WI 54893 Campground: 715-544-7398 Bar Address: 27625 Gables Road Webster, WI.... 55 km ) Panorama Wednesday, Jul running down the center muggy hike up the south side of Lake...

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