The trail starts at a huge parking lot (3600 ft) facing the hanging glacier of Johannesburg. Cascade pass is 3.5 miles into the hike at 5400 ft. Gentle yet steadily up slope, mostly in woods with occasional glances of Johannesburg Mt (8200 ft). As the trail approaches the pass, it emerges from the forest, several small streams and a traverse across a talus slope. Crowds gather at the pass, content with the view: absolutely breathtaking, overlooking Stehekin River valley and opens up Trapper Peak and Magic Mountain to the east.
Sahale glacier beckons. In 1 mile and 800 ft, reaches the side trail to the lovely Doubtful Lake. Incredibly green slopes, dotted w/ pink heather, lupine, partridge foot, only 1 patch of paintbrush, many low lying blue berry bushes. Pikas and Marmots abound. Continue up and up, range upon range of ice and spires to the south, finally Rainer and Glacier Peak. To the west, huge glistening glacier on El Dorado, and later Baker pops its head. Greenery now gives away to rocks. Final scramble, and 4.5 hr after the start, I reached the foot of Sahale glacier and some camp sites. Practicalities: 3+ hr drive from Seattle (23 miles on gravel from Marblemount), 5.7 miles, 4000 ft to the toe of Sahale Glacier. More pictures.
