Cashmere Mountain exceeded our expectations with its beautiful scenery, unique views of the Enchantments' peaks, and a fun, unchallenging scramble.
The day wasn't very strenuous in terms of climbing or elevation, it just felt long with so many miles of (enjoyable) approach. The standard Eightmile/Caroline trail is nicely maintained and easy to follow, with long stretches of flat or near-flat grades. There were plenty of water sources between the trailhead and upper Caroline Lake, so we didn't carry much on our backs, refilling at a few streams with my hand filter. It took us about 3-3.5 hours to reach Windy Pass at a laidback pace, where we turned right to ascend the ridge.
We were impressed with the easy-to-follow boot path all the way from Windy Pass, atop the ridge, to the base of Cashmere. There were a few short snowfields we crossed in trail runners/hikers, with trekking poles. No ice axe or spikes needed. We did wear helmets, though we didn't see anyone else with them. We didn't see any rockfall or blatant objective hazards, but it was one of those situations where "why not?" wear them in case the worst should happen.
Avoid the temptation to ascend the inviting rock gullies as you approach the base of Cashmere's summit block. Continue on to the far side of the mountain - where the true summit is. We got excited a couple times and veered up too soon, just to have to downclimb. We ascended the summit via a very direct, steep snow field that I would not recommend (though it was pretty fun). On our descent we followed a mellow trail that swooped a little wider around the mountain. If you find yourself on any moves above an easy class 3, you're off route. We spent 6 hours getting from the trailhead to the summit.
SO many gorgeous wildflowers this time of year! Between the unique view of the Enchantments from the west side, the marmots and other wildlife who joined us, and not encountering another soul until the descent, Cashmere Mountain is a gem amongst overpopulated peaks, and I would highly recommend it to hikers looking for a long, fulfilling day above treeline.
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