With my changing of jobs I wanted to get out of civilization and reflect my recent decisions and life changes. I figured that the hiking season is quickly coming to a close, and therefore found a hike that would challenging as well as rewarding. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm starts at 3600 feet above sea level, to get here you must drive for approximately 2.5 hours. Julie and I awoke at 5:30am to leave the house at 6:30am. We arrived at the parking lot of the hike a little before 10:00am, getting onto the trail a bit later. The trail begins with 35 switchbacks, gaining 1800 feet in about 3.7 miles. This portion of the hike was a easy walk through the woods. I was able to try out some new boots and a new day pack, both of which I am now very happy I purchased. Juile and I were able to talk with no interuptions for this length of the hike as we only came across one other couple near the 3.5 mile mark, they were heading back down, so it was a simple “Hello” greet, and then alone once again at 5400 feet, surrounded by what are nicknamed the Pacific Alps, rightfully so. To see these gods of the sky is amazing, and really makes you consider your insignifigance in the world, esspecially how temporary and fragile you are.

Looking out to Cascade Pass at 3.7 miles in and 5400 feet above sea level.

Julie and I were definitely not ready to turn around at this point and decided to climb the treacherous 700 foot gain in 0.75 mile to the begining of Sahale Arm. This was definitely a bit of a challenge, it was nearly a vertical ascent. At the top, with sore feet, Julie and I gazed upon Doubtful Lake, 800 feet below, like a hidden gem in heaven. We had our lunch here. Bagel sandwiches and apple slices. At this point Julie’s feet were really starting to kill her. With her bunion, and the beginning of blisters, she wasn’t too happy.

Looking out to the East towards Doubtful Lake at 5 miles in and 7400 feet above sea level.

We went about a mile further up the arm when Julie was ready to head back, we took a short break for some more photos of Doubtfull Lake and the Glacier we were going to visit, and turned back. The traverse back was definitely atest on my bad knees, as it was all downhill, but I was happy to feel a bit of pain, made me feel a bit more human.

Julie and I happy in the heavens.

We saw a family of ptarmigans, who were very well hidden, enough so that none of my photos came out. There were alot more people on the trail on our way back, even when we arrived at the parking lot, there were people leaving just then! This was at 4:00pm, our trip took 6 hours round trip. Those people must have had an interesting hike back in the dark.

View all the photos here.