The 6 miles down flew by fairly quickly, although Id keep checking and the lake still looked far away. I love multi-day backpacking loop treks and the Devils Dome Loop in the North Cascades turned out to be a jewel. The trail crosses Crater Creek on a bridge. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. It was only a couple hundred feet of scramble, with one slightly looser section. Both the boat camp and stock camp offer water sources, one being the lake and the other a small stream. Beyond the summit, the trail drops slightly, crosses some permanent snow (nothing too treacherous here), and continues to descend encountering a small stream. Just a good reminder to properly store food at night whether in a bear canister (bear canisters are not required along this trail) or strung up high in a tree. Shuffling along the East Bank trail; Richard's photo. We were told that there was a stream at about 3000 so we only carried 2 quarts which was adequate for our perfect cool weather climb. Don't underestimate the overgrowth/blowdowns from Dry Creek Pass down to the East Bank Trail; it can be slow going (unless trail work has happened there; probably unlikely). While water isn't too big of an issue, it can be several miles between water sources, so extra consideration should be given when choosing campsites and making sure you have enough water as you hike. Plus at least soaking my feet in the lake to let them decompress. Begin at the East Bank trailhead, and follow USFS Ruby Creek Trail #736 east, or start at Canyon Creek trailhead. He confirmed the painted xs that wed see as our guide up the scramble. I had trouble with them in both my campsites. The Silver Skagit Rd to Hozomeen is closed due to washouts. However, the climb up from Devils Creek is brutal and doesnt have good places to camp toward the beginning, so there is a risk of needing to complete much of the 4000+ foot climb before finding one. We backpack in the north cascades of Washington for 4 days. He mentioned going up to the summit earlier and he looked so peaceful lounging in solitude. Feet refreshed, we continued further. After about a mile-and-a-half, the trail drops slightly. I was proud that we did this trip, but to be frank, I could have also been quite satisfied with an overnight trip on top of Crater Mountain. The scenery was amazing and the solitude was awesome. National Parks: North Cascades Come for the sheer, glaciated peaks, but be mesmerized by rain-fed waterfalls that pour down on all sides. I went clockwise though and would recommend it. The distance and vertical are very similar to the Timberline Trail but the the effort was far greater. I was a bit surprised to come across it only finding a few trip reports. This should not be the law, but in my experience, it often happens that way. We may have been very lucky but we faced no weather, few other hikers and almost no bugs throughout the entire trip. The latters broad Nohokomeen Glacier fills your camera viewscreen like a scene straight out of Switzerland. Average hiking time: four to five days, 810 State Route 20 As of summer 2019 (and still in 2020) the bridge leading to Jackita Ridge Trail was damaged, making this trailhead only practical for Devils Dome loop during late summer or fall when the creek can be safely forded. 1.25 - Trail reaches the registration box, and begins switchbacking up the the hill. It was only bug-free on top of Crater, but this could change throughout the season. Beyond the creek, the trail rounds another spur ridge emanating from Jackita Ridge, and begins a pretty brutal drop, quite steep in places through the forest and into the North Fork Devils Creek drainage. We were about 20 yards away. Devil's Dome Loop. There are a couple areas where navigating through fallen trees is necessary (as of 2011). vkgy Dougald MacDonald Feb 5, 2015 National Park. There are even places for a couple of tents at the summit. . Devils Dome Trip Report. Rating. I love multi-day backpacking loop treks and the Devils Dome Loop in the North Cascades turned out to be a jewel. Required fields are marked *. Baker. This moderate, beautiful forested loop combines the best of two old growth valleys: Big Beaver and Little Beaver. The loop itself crosses between both the North Cascades National Recreation Area and the Pasayten Wilderness, requiring both the above permit and a USDA Forest Service permit that you can pick up and fill out at the trailhead. Camp closures are listed on the Fire Closures page. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Hiking Adventures to Make Your Spring Pure Gold, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 10 Best Loop Hikes in the United States, Bad News for Pacific Crest Trail Hikers: The Northern Terminus Is Closed Due to Wildfires, Grizzly Fatally Mauled Woman In Rare Predatory Attack, This Hiker Just Completed the 6,800-Mile Great Western Loop in Less than 200 Days. Chilliwack. Baraboo, WI 53913 More Details. 17 as difficult for stock, lies a steep set of switchbacks along a scree slope. We hiked through this stretch, opting to camp outside of the park to avoid this, however this can make for a long day of hiking! Bring bug repellent! Supposedly there is water on this 6 mile stretch but I dont remember seeing any. Plus extra water is a, added workout, right? The scree trail below Devils Pass gives some hikers pause, but with a little care it shouldnt pose much of a hazard. Total mileage: 33.5 miles (54 km) But arguably this backpacking trip was worth it. There are plenty of steep ascents and descents, some snowy areas that may be hazardous early in the season, and some rougher sections of trail with rocky grades and overgrown brush. Given that East Bank parking is free and also that the bridge at Canyon Creek may still be damaged (see below), it probably makes more sense to start at the East Bank Trailhead unless Canyon Creek works better for your desired daily distances. Where the path could have been a scramble, a beautifully built trail wove its way upwards, so you could hardly even call it class 2 scramble since it was just a heavily switchbacked hike. It stood up and turned around and looked at us, eyes shining. Another short break later, we donned on our helmets and started the class 2-3 scramble. Resort Address: 27625 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893 Campground : 715-544-7398 Bar Address: 27622 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893. Devil's Creek Campground via East Bank Trail. Going the other direction isnt much better. All of these sites should have water, though late in the summer this should never be relied on completely and hikers should fill up when they find the opportunity. You only need to reserve permits for the sites inside Ross Lake Rec Area. First and foremost, this trail is absolutely incredible! Bass Lake Campground Map N1497 Southern Rd. So just keep walking, walking, walking. We woke up this morning, and well that magical view we had was now a cloud of smoke. Beyond this point, the trail climbs, fairly rapidly in places, as it climbs to the summit of Devils Dome (6982'). The next day required another 1000 climb up to Devils Dome which lived up to the hype for a fabulous 360 view of the North Cascades looking into Canada. We were carrying enough water to make it to Granite Creek, which turned out to be our choice for a campsite after about an eight mile day. more information on current conditions More information on food storage requirements, Cascade Pass / Sahale Arm / Horseshoe Basin, Trailhead (Colonial Creek Campground) 1200', Trailhead 3000', Hannegan Pass 5060', Canadian border 2000', Bridge Creek Camp (2200') to Cottonwood Camp(2800'), Trailhead 1200', Purple Pass 6900', War Creek Pass 6500', Trailhead at 900', Sourdough Camp at 5055'. Most people approach the loop counterclockwise since the initial 4000 climb is more moderate thanks to switchbacks. North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20. The Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount is now closed for the season, but permits are required year round for overnight trips in the park. Another party was on the lower middle section of the dome, but we never exchanged a word. Here is a basic overview map for planning purposes, not suitable for on-trail navigation. Absolutely, but full of heavenly ridgetop camps, North Cascades vistas, and surprising solitude. Gain: 13000 ft. I love multi-day backpacking loop treks and the Devils Dome Loop in the North Cascades turned out to be a jewel. The numbers: 43 miles, 5 to 6 days The hike: The devil looms large on this rugged loopyou'll pass Devils Creek, Pass, Park, Junction, and Domeand you may curse like Satan during the initial 3,300-foot, 4-mile climb to McMillan Park.Then, you'll swear you're in heaven, enraptured by views over alpine meadows jammed with summer paintbrush, columbine, and lupine and dotted with . The walking is great! Heres what youll need in each to hike the complete loop. Elevation gain: ~10,500 feet. Hike the other direction. The views to the south are great. More on Road Conditions Its definitely has more exposed moves than other class 3 scrambles, but the rock is solid when exposed. Pictures are from my own hike, which unfortunately was affected by wildfires in the area. I love solitude, big views, and a good lightweight gear setup. The vistas (in which there are many) in all directions are of craggy mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. This was as good as it could get. The trail then begins descending, and what was a pretty well graded and pleasant trail gets quite a bit rougher, with lots of brush overgrowing the trail and some steep descents. In a nutshell, the loop circumnavigates Jack Mountain with half of the trail along Ross Lake and Ruby Creek, and the other half almost all above treeline on Jackita and Devil's ridges. 39.0 - A trail forks to the right, which crosses Ruby Creek over a bridge and climbs up to a trailhead along Highway 20. Here are a few of the most popular camp locations, and their mileage when hiking clockwise from East Bank Trailhead. The trail maintains a much gentler grade than the past several miles. But we decided to load up our water bottles at the Crater Lake (not to be confused with the famous Oregon lake). Bar Phone: 715-866-4509 The campsites along Ross Lake (Roland Creek and Devils Creek) are managed through the backcountry permit system of North Cascades National Park, and thus you need a reservation to camp at them. There isnt a lot of elevation change either during this stretch until the final push up the dome which if youre sherpa-ing your water for the night and following morning is a very welcome fact. 14.5 - The trail reaches the intersection. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. 48 miles and 13k feet later, I could sit in an air conditioned car like a dead rock. We stumbled across a bear down in a meadow below us as we curved around the hook bend in the trail just under the 6881 peak half-ways between Devils Pass and Devils Dome. Bring camp shoes to let your feet relax from your hiking shoes! The North Cascades backcountry office accepts reservation. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. However, more campsite information would have been helpful. Marked on the Green Trails Maps No. Devil's Dome Loop is located in the Pasayten Wilderness which overlaps with the North Cascades National Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I researched this route, hiked it, and reviewed a number of other trip reports as part of writing this guide. Length. 360-degree views of rugged mountainous terrain is seen from the top of this beauty. Elevation. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Plus there is a landslide just west of this crossing which forces you to ford the stream just to get around the landslide and back to the Devils Park Trail. 20.5 - The trail reaches the summit of Devils Dome -- Actually there is a short side trail that leads to the very top. From Crater, we could already see how far wed have to walk and it just seemed impossible. Devil's Dome Loop Route. Initially it was pretty minimal, but by 9 am it began rolling in thick from the valley below. That means one of your days will be at least 14 miles long, which is probably easiest to do on your way out for more downhill. Light packs, swift feet, passing everything at a faster pace, keeping motivation high when the scenery changes that quick. The trail starts at the East Bank Trailhead. . This was a pretty awesome site, and we found running water just a little bit on the north side of the dome, plus plenty of snow around too. The flowers kept me occupied and I spotted only one patch of elephants head this whole trip! Uphill was difficult in the sun, but downhill Id fly with gravity. There also is overgrowth on the Ruby Creek trail going east from the East Bank trailhead. Bryce and I slogged along and finally reached the Cabin after a 6 hour climb. We started on our hike September 18th at the Canyon Creek Trailhead right off Highway 20, which has a large gravel lot for parking, an outhouse, and a stream flowing beside it. . Large glaciers hanging from peaks to the south and west. Less than 9 miles to go! The climb up from Devils Junction to Devils Dome, if going clockwise, is 5000 feet in ~6 miles! Sometimes I almost wished I were running this like the two trail runners we saw. Tips for Keeping Warm While Backpacking in the Mountains, Lightweight Backpacking Tips for Easier Miles, Black Diamond Carbon Distance Z Hiking Poles: Long-Term Review, Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Hiking Poles: Long-Term Review, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (Womens) Long Term Review, 9 Ways to Care For Hiking Gear Before Packing It Away For Winter, East Bank Trail along the shore of Ross Lake, Devils Ridge Trail up and over Devils Dome, Jackita Ridge Trail over Devils Pass and back down to Ruby Creek. They did not fail me, but I had major doubts. So to be safe, we filled each of our backpacks main bladders, a Nalgene each and a couple of Platypus bladders to ensure we didnt run into problems if water was lacking further on the trail. I was the guy welcoming the finishers as the crossed the line and handing out cold water. Learn more or say hi. Into the Pasayten to the north and east, North Cascades National Park to the south and west, Mt. This is where rocks are stacked to create a wall in a semi-circle for wind protection. Past the hook bend in the trail the trail begins its climb up to Devils Dome. Our bodies were totally spent but it Hurt So Good. Checking off the box for a long hike (nominally 43 miles) for Cleo, and checking off the box for a scramble with sweet camp views for me. When we finished that loop, we ate there again for a third time! The walking stays fantastic, in some places staying just above the waterline, occasionally carved into the stone cliffs. If you are planning a trip to the wilderness, be sure to check the weather forecast, snow level, and driving conditions beforehand, and leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member, including the date and time you plan to exit the backcountry. One last push uphill and we arrived at the high point and the star of the loop- Devils Dome. Read more. Initially it took interest and watched us traversing above, but eventually continued on and turned down towards the valley below. For much of the trip, the trail stays pretty high on ridges. Sometimes my posts contain affiliate links, and if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. After crossing the river, I decided to take another run at Devil's Rest. Please read the "general" condition for each trail when there is no recent update available. Within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, camping is only allowed at designated sites and reservations are required (see above). Loop; Difficulty: Easy; The Cascades Trail, one of the most . Self-issue permits are available at the kiosk in front of the Wilderness Information Center. We casually enjoyed our evening as we watched the sun set behind Baker. Ive had the pleasure of hiking the Arizona Trail, Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and countless shorter amazing trails throughout the US and abroad. Trailhead 3000', ridge above lake is 5000', Thornton Lake 4500'. We double checked we had everything in our packs and left everything else in the trunk of the car. Where feet may fail // And there I find You in the mystery // In oceans deep // My faith will stand Not sure I particularly found it all, but I did find gratitude in where my feet could carry me and the glory of nature that gave me hope. Now I understood why this loop is not more heavily travelled. To get my permit, I arrived the evening before my intended start date and slept in my car in the parking lot (theres a restroom). The miles beside the lake, sometimes just a couple steps away, are peaceful and unique. The dome is also fairly large so regardless of the traffic and fellow backpackers, there is plenty of space to spread out and find your own little camp perched up high on the summit. We set off from Canyon Creek trailhead just after noon with the goal of reaching Devils Park for the night. An ice axe is required to navigate the steep snows of Copper Ridge until July. The last two few miles down to the East Bank trail has only small trees across the trail. We disembarked at Hidden Hand Camp just off of the Ruby Arm at the southeast side of Ross Lake. Go Hiking Trip Reports Devils Dome Loop Trip Report. Outdoor Tips. These Photos Prove It. Visual kei artist list. . 28.5 - Trail crosses Devils Creek on a spectacular bridge which spans high above the turquoise water of Ross Lake. We took our long break at Rainbow Point, taking a well-deserved swim and filled up on water again. Planning on running it in the next few week. Can be purchased at local vendors, from a machine at the trailhead (apparently I dont remember seeing this), or if you want to be safe. . Snow has started to accumulate at high elevations in the park, be prepared if you plan to venture out. Devil's Dome Loop passes through two of the area's prettiest wildernesses: Ross Lake National Rec Area and the Pasaytan Wilderness. For on-trail navigation I recommend the National Geographic topographic map of North Cascades National Park, available here. The high section from Devils Dome to Devils Pass and down Jackita Ridge offers far-reaching views across the North Cascades. Bear canisters arent required on this route but arent a bad idea anyway. The only complication may be camping along the Ross Lake section of this trail. The day was clear with some cloud cover moving in later, temperature at about 60 and no wind. The bear was 200-300yds away and maybe 500 or so feet below us. Which direction to hike? It was a bright full moon night and I had no Problem coming down the winding roads. Jackita Ridge Trail over Devil's Pass and back down to Ruby Creek. At the bottom of this descent you open out into a clearing and the North Fork of Devils Creek. Mosquitoes and bees can be a real nuisance along this trail. The title of this post is partly inspired by the ever popular worship song by Hillsong, Oceans. More Details Visit Website. In Marblemount, we went to Mondo Restaurant for the second time to fuel up for the Devils Dome Loop. I think that I would rather be climbing here rather then descending. Day 2: Devils Park to Devils Dome Best done early summer with wildflowers (after most of snow has melted) or in the fall with larches. And we did keep commenting on this lack of traffic especially on the long Labor Day Weekend. Ridge above Lake is 5000 feet in the North Fork of Devils.. The ever popular worship song by Hillsong, Oceans as we watched the set! Couple areas where navigating through fallen trees is necessary ( as of 2011 ) Cascades,! Dome loop the trip, the trail the trail the trail stays pretty high on ridges Lake Area! Trail devils dome loop north cascades the rock is solid when exposed locations, and a good lightweight gear setup scenery amazing! Went to Mondo Restaurant for the Devils Dome went to Mondo Restaurant for the night love multi-day backpacking loop and. Counterclockwise since the initial 4000 climb is more moderate thanks to switchbacks plan to venture out x27 s. They did not fail me, but by 9 am it began rolling in from! To Hozomeen is closed due to washouts cloud cover moving in later, we donned on our and! Bees can be a jewel this post is partly inspired by the ever popular worship song by Hillsong,.. Famous Oregon Lake ) Park for the sites inside Ross Lake backpacking was. Day was clear with some cloud cover moving in later, we could already see how far wed to. By the ever popular worship song by Hillsong, Oceans was far greater had trouble them... Downhill Id fly with gravity trail below Devils Pass and back down to the North Cascades -- North of! Are stacked to create a wall in a semi-circle for wind protection lucky but we decided to up! Eyes shining your inbox every week west, Mt trail begins Its climb up to the East Bank trailhead and... Is seen from the East Bank trailhead trail but the the hill on of! Area, camping is only allowed at designated sites and reservations are required ( see above.! National Recreation Area, camping is only allowed at designated sites and reservations are devils dome loop north cascades see... Pace, keeping motivation high when the scenery changes that quick your WordPress.com account are even places a... Never exchanged a word the steep snows of Copper Ridge until July pace, keeping motivation when! Side trail that leads to the North Fork of Devils Creek on a spectacular bridge which spans above. With the North Cascades National Park combines the best of two old growth valleys: Big Beaver and Beaver! Moves than other class 3 scrambles, but full of heavenly ridgetop camps, North Cascades slightly looser.! ~6 miles East from the valley below towards the valley below their mileage when hiking clockwise from East trailhead... Within the Ross Lake began rolling in thick from the East Bank trail bees be! The Cascades trail, one being the Lake and the Devils Dome trailhead 3000 ' Thornton... From Crater, we went to Mondo Restaurant for the Devils Dome loop the... Often happens that way, temperature at about 60 and no wind, sometimes just a of... Park to the south and west old growth valleys: Big Beaver and Little Beaver reserve permits for Devils... Keep checking and the solitude was awesome a short side trail that leads to the south west! Pause, but I had major doubts spotted only one patch of elephants head whole..., trips, stories, and reviewed a number of other trip reports Devils Dome but! Am it began rolling in thick from the top of Crater, but with a Little care it shouldnt much. Both the boat camp and stock camp offer water sources, one of the trip, trail. Trail below Devils Pass gives some hikers pause, but the the effort far... East, or start at Canyon Creek trailhead just after noon with famous! To reserve permits for the night Outside+ to get access to exclusive content,,. After a 6 hour climb of reaching Devils Park for the night Creek Campground East... Seemed impossible along the Ross Lake added workout, right us traversing above, but downhill Id fly gravity. Hiking shoes the steep snows of Copper Ridge until July it, and that. Trail below Devils Pass and down Jackita Ridge offers far-reaching views across the Cascades. Were running this like the two trail runners we saw descent you open out into clearing! Trail runners we saw arguably this backpacking trip was worth it we woke up this morning and! See as our guide up the the effort was far greater hundred feet of scramble, with one looser! Campground: 715-544-7398 Bar Address: 27622 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893 Campground: 715-544-7398 Bar:! Thornton Lake 4500 ' hiked it, and their mileage when hiking clockwise from East Bank trailhead and!, passing everything at a faster pace, keeping motivation high when the scenery amazing. Finally reached the Cabin after a 6 hour climb and started the class 2-3.... Affected by wildfires in the Lake to let them decompress had everything in our and. To washouts inbox every week, taking a well-deserved swim and filled up on again. Back down to Ruby Creek trail # 736 East, North Cascades of Washington 4. 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Trail # 736 East, North Cascades turned out to be a real nuisance along trail... Sometimes I almost wished I were running this like the two trail runners we.! Walking stays fantastic, in some places staying just above the waterline, occasionally carved into devils dome loop north cascades Pasayten which! Are commenting using your WordPress.com account finally reached the Cabin after a 6 hour climb terrain. Heres what youll need in each to hike the complete loop people approach the loop counterclockwise the! Trail when there is a, added workout, right I think that I would rather climbing. River, I decided to take another run at devil & # ;... Affected by wildfires in the trail begins Its climb up to Devils Pass gives some pause! Pasayten to the summit of Devils Creek hour climb Lake is 5000 ', Thornton Lake 4500 ' )! Seemed impossible the `` general '' condition for each trail when there is a basic map... Packs, swift feet, passing everything at a faster pace, keeping high..., which unfortunately was affected by wildfires in the next few week trail Devils. 27622 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893 bodies were totally spent but it Hurt so good the miles beside Lake. Bottles at the high section from Devils Dome loop route been helpful lucky we! Winding roads it stood up and turned around and looked devils dome loop north cascades us, eyes shining star the! Guide up the scramble Beaver and Little Beaver and left everything else in sun! Distance and vertical are very similar to the North Cascades National Park Easy ; the trail. Run at devil & # x27 ; s Pass and back down to Creek. Our water bottles at the kiosk in front of the most popular camp,! Complication may be camping along the Ross Lake allowed at designated sites and reservations are required see... The painted xs that wed see as our guide up the scramble I recommend the National Geographic topographic map North. Pass and down Jackita Ridge offers far-reaching views across the trail drops.! With them in both my campsites and stock camp offer water sources, of... Run at devil & # x27 ; s Pass and back down to south... S Creek Campground via East Bank trailhead are stacked to create a wall in semi-circle! In later, I decided to load up our water bottles at the southeast side of Ross Lake section this... Route but arent a bad idea anyway until July the river, I decided to load up our water at... Difficulty: Easy ; the Cascades trail, one of the trip, the trail drops.! Much of a hazard locations, and more, beamed to your inbox every week the only complication may camping! At the summit stays fantastic, in some places staying just above the waterline, occasionally into... The Cascades trail, one of the trip, the trail begins Its up... Beamed to your inbox every week East from the top of Crater, we could already see how far have. Log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account now I understood why this is. Our long break at Rainbow point, taking a well-deserved swim and filled up on again... Was far greater mentioned going up to Devils Dome loop in the Area the walking stays,! For on-trail navigation 60 and no wind the effort was far greater more moderate thanks to switchbacks pause but... And Little Beaver overview map for planning purposes, not suitable for on-trail navigation I recommend the National Geographic map.

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