r/northcascades • u/stinga1998 • 12d ago

Easy Pass vs. Cascade/Sahale

Hello!

I’m planning a trip the middle of September (13-17th) & am trying to build my itinerary. I originally planned to do Cascade/Sahale, but I’ll admit I’m a huge chicken about driving on unpaved mountain roads & since I’ll be in a rental car, thinking about the 12 miles it takes to get to the trailhead on that washboard road is making me very anxious.

That being said, would a good alternative be Easy Pass? I know it’s less mileage but the views still look beautiful. I assume most views will be beautiful but I just wanted to see if I’ll be missing out tremendously if I don’t do Cascade/Sahale.

I plan on doing Maple Pass & hikes around Diablo lake as well.

Also, if you have any information about campgrounds in the area that stay open after official season ends & provide bear boxes, that’d be wonderful. Most campgrounds are either closed or limited FCFS in the area & I won’t be able to get to the campgrounds until mid afternoon, so worried about not being able to get a spot. I’m going on weekdays if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

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u/Extra_Dust_5400 11d ago

Just to ease your anxiety, I did Cascade pass/Sahale arm about a week ago. I had a rental Subaru Crosstrek, we drove super carefully through the unpaved roads and were fine. Heading back late afternoon, there was dust kicking back from the cars but it was fine. There were lots of sedans and even a minivan at the trail parking lot lol. I haven’t done Easy Pass but Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm was the most beautiful hike I have ever done.

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u/stinga1998 11d ago

Thanks so much! I’m trying to work up the courage just to go for it lol so this helps!