Hey guys, I'm looking for a difficult day hike in the North Cascades early June that would be something incredible, but no snow shoes. Sahale is looking like the most interesting, but on AllTrails, it seems like no one is hiking it now. I like lakes, glaciers, and lots of elevation gain. Not a mountaineering route. Anyone have any pointers? Thanks in advance!
Im cool with some micro spikes! I appreciate the tip. Any hikes you would recommend?
Hidden Lake via the winter route if the snow level is still low enough. Not sure if I’d take the summer route up the avy runout without a good understanding of whether the snows gone thru its last shedding of the season.
Sahale is gorgeous but you probably only want to go 2/3-3/4 of the way up to the glacier camp unless you’re also bringing an axe.
Cutthroat pass could be good as well.
Again just be wary of the snow bridges… the little 2’ deep ones below the tree line are a minor inconvenience, the 10-15’ deep ones above the tree line will ruin your day.
This is extremely helpful, thank you!
Cascade River Road has major washouts after the Eldorado parking lot, so if you want to do sahale, plan on adding 3 miles, each way since the gate will be closed
Even with low snow pack this year, there is a LOT of snow in June. Please make sure you know what you're getting into. Many of these hikes listed are dangerous in spring unless you're well versed in snow travel.
Check to make sure they haven't air dropped Grizzlies in to the NCNP first. Timeline TBD.
We liked Hidden Lake Lookout.
Hidden Lake Lookout on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/hidden-lake-lookout-trail?sh=awimtt
Not sure of conditions in early June tho.
Thanks! That looks beautiful!!
That is unreal! Fingers crossed June is not completely frozen over
It will very likely be covered in snow, same with everything at elevation in early June.
On the AllTrails page for this trail they give a url to check for conditions.
Hidden lake is not for the faint of heart in June. Search this subreddit there’s some pictures.
The more I talk to people, the more I want to just visit in August
August could have fires, but yeah much better for that kind of hiking here.
If the trail is accessible, you can try to do a portion of the McAlester Pass and Rainbow Lake Loop.
Cascade River Road has major washouts after the Eldorado parking lot, so if you want to do sahale, plan on adding 3 miles, each way since the gate will be closed
Looking for the same info for Sahale and Hidden Lake!
Unless you're an experienced hiker with snow travel experience, ice axe usage, avy terrain evaluation, and campons, Sahale is definitely off the list in most years until early July. I've cross snowfields on my way up in August. Sahale is insanely beautiful, popular, and one of the best places on Earth to camp, but its popularity doesn't make it any more accessible than other hikes up to and through 7,000ft elevation in the North Cascades in snow conditions.
Great to know! I did sahale in September last year so definitely wasn’t familiar with the early summer late spring conditions.
Any recs for a non-snow June cascade hike? I know it can be a bit hard this year because of the late thaw.
Wishing us both some good weather & favorable conditions
Early June is micro spikes and snow bridge roulette season in a lot of places up there. Almost everything with ample elevation gain is going to require you to be on snow for at least some portion.