Cascade Pass, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section K - Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass & North Fork Sauk River — Saturday, Jul. 16, 2016

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Hiked in through Cascade Pass (spending the night at nice Cottonwood camp), then a luxurious night at Stehekin, on to Hemlock camp on the PCT, then the high route from Suiattle Pass up to Lady Camp (beautiful), back down to camp at Vista Creek, another camp on the S side of Fire Creek Pass (wet night), and finally a night at Red Creek on the N Fork Sauk trail. It was a really beautiful area, but we had mixed luck with the weather. The trails were all totally passable. In the high areas, stunning views-- particularly on Miner's Ridge (that observation tower is amazing), Vista Ridge, and Fire Creek Pass. I am sure Red Pass is also cool when not socked in. :) In the low areas, there are ripe blueberries, and wildflowers are starting up high. Also, the water (Stehekin river and contributing creeks) is really beautiful. However, we were surprised at the amount of brush on the PCT (mainly between High Bridge and Hemlock Camp and again from Hemlock to Suiattle Pass), which was especially noticable since it was all WET when we were there. Also, there was some blowdown on the PCT, especially just north of Red Pass. Nothing impassable, but slowed us down a bit. Had to cross a log across Agnes Creek, although it would also have been fordable. There was snow at Fire Creek Pass and Red Pass, but there was only one sketchy/steep snowfield with a bad runout, S of Red Pass right before our turnoff to the N Fork Sauk trail. We were STUNNED at the number of people hiking up the N Fork Sauk to climb Glacier Peak. Wow. Roads to both trailheads were in good shape.