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. After Devils Pass, the trail continues to traverse along side the ridge line now leading up to Devils Pass with Crater and Jack Mountain now lying across the valley to the south. Its absolutely stunning. Written by TrailChick. It would be lovely to stay here in the fall with all the gorgeous red huckleberry plants and the golden larches amidst a mini cirque of bellowing waterfalls. We may have been very lucky but we faced no weather, few other hikers and almost no bugs throughout the entire trip. The distance and vertical are very similar to the Timberline Trail but the the effort was far greater. Difficulty: Strenuous. Well, we only found one campsite barely large enough for two tents which was just south of the creek as you enter the trees. Gerry Cook, a long time employee of North Cascades National Park, told me this was one of his favorite hikes in the North Cascades and I knew I had to go. Overview: For much of the trip, the trail stays pretty high on ridges. Rating. Go Hiking Trip Reports Devils Dome Loop Trip Report. 25.25 - Trail crosses into Ross Lake NRA Trailhead 48.706524, -120.918482; Canyon Creek, milepost 141 on WA 20, 36 miles east of Marblemount, Red tape free NPS backcountry permit for camping at Ross Lake (obtain at Marblemount ranger station); plus Northwest Forest parking pass. The loop combines the Bridge Creek (Pacific Crest Trail), McAlester Lake, Rainbow Creek and Rainbow Lake trails. We were surprised to find a flowing creek just below the dome on the western side, which for campers on the summit, could easily use as a water source with just a short hike. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Going the other direction isnt much better. The trail was so beautiful! 4. Print/PDF map. In essence, I am not made for thru-hiking (yet). See Trailhead Parking below for more details. Excited to finally sit and lay down, we found a neat campsite all to ourselves. Beyond the summit, the trail drops slightly, crosses some permanent snow (nothing too treacherous here), and continues to descend encountering a small stream. So maybe I can help. North Cascades. Eventually the trail opened up to a meadow where Cleo had last camped at. Devils Dome Loop is definitely not the only good trail in the area. 4.20 out of 5 . A long weekend calls for a long trip. No camping permits needed if you dont camp along Ross Lake (marked above). 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. vkgy Trip Report By. The magic of the sprawling, lonely, fantastically wild forest was imprinted on us a long time ago, and we couldn't wait to get back within its borders. The next day, we took a lazy start before heading back down the scramble, back to the lake and to the intersection we stopped for lunch the previous day. Anything to keep me going, because every so often, wed see Devils Dome and it still looked just as far. I couldnt have been more stoked to have made it for the night. Trailhead 3000', ridge above lake is 5000', Thornton Lake 4500'. 8.0 - The trail reaches Devil's Park Shelter and the meadows of Devil's park. Excited about backpacking but need help getting started?The Backpacking Trip Planner Workbook will help you start off on the right foot. Just proceed cautiously. I've got lots of experience with the North Cascades, I lived nearby for 6 years and backpacked every weekend as well as many week long trips. Single and Multi Day Trips. I couldnt muster a jog anymore uphill, so I walked it and I most definitely felt my feet scream back at me. Once out of the Ross Lake National Rec Area you can camp where you like (using leave no trace principles), so strong hikers going clockwise from East Bank Trailheadcould in theory push past the boundary ~13 miles in before camping. 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. The trail description here follows a counter-clockwise course around this loop. Bridge Creek Trail/PCT- The temporary bridge at North Fork and Maple Creek will be removed for the season on Nov 1st, 2022. North Cascades. 28.5 - Trail crosses Devils Creek on a spectacular bridge which spans high above the turquoise water of Ross Lake. 2015 National Park. 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. Kenai Fjords National Park for Glaciers and Marine Life. Follow the Jackita Ridge and Devils Ridge Trails as you roll along the ridges of the Pasayten Wilderness to the east and north of ice-draped Crater Mountain and 9,066-foot Jack Mountain. 16.5 - The trail reaches an intersection. There are two trailheads along Highway 20 where you can start and end this hike: East Bank and Canyon Creek. The title of this post is partly inspired by the ever popular worship song by Hillsong, Oceans. 11.5 - The trail crosses a small stream (the first water since Devil's Park). We have not gone backpacking in a long time so this 43 miles and 11,5. He confirmed the painted xs that wed see as our guide up the scramble. Thanks for reading! From Ruby to Snowfield slightly west of us, Eldorado further behind. . Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. Long story short, I learned that long distance hiking does not agree with my feet and Id gladly take more gain over more miles. If you need water, there is a spring 900 feet away along the trail heading off to the right (I didn't verify this, so I'm not sure if it's a reliable spring, but there is a sign for this at the trail intersection). 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! For those interested in the water taxi, the service is phenomenal and allows you to enjoy the long expanse of Ross Lake without having to endure the lengthy trek down the coastline. See this guide to using bear cans to learn more. After Anacortes Crossing we soldiered on to Devils Pass, a little over 2 miles away, traversing another ridge on our right, more patches of lupine with indian paint brush and columbine intermixed and more views of Jack Mountain. Plus extra water is a, added workout, right? Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems. The vistas (in which there are many) in all directions are of craggy mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. Its a monumental change in scenery, leaving behind the humbling and expansive alpine environment and entering down into Ross Lake: gorgeous yet different. The trail continues past the Shelter to the southeast a short distance, before slowly reversing direction and heading north as it climbs the western face of Jackita Ridge. Amongst my crazy plans, Devils Dome Loop was actually one of the least crazy. The Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount is now closed for the season, but permits are required year round for overnight trips in the park. Here you get your first views though on the other side of Jackita Ridge and far out towards Deception Pass and Shull Mountain along trail 752 eastwards. On Devil's Ridge, NE face of Jack Mountain behind. . Length. Highest Point: 6980 ft. Half way up our biggest hill for today. Devils Dome Trip Report. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. I didnt realize that Devils Dome had such a nice view of Jack and Crater. Get out a mapthe possibilities are limited only by your imagination! Road Road suitable for all vehicles. Soon we fell asleep, not shortly before I woke up to a moon-less night and decided to play with some astrophotography. Just scouting it out. My knees hurt just reading this post! Distance: 39 miles according to the Gaia GPS map above, 41.5 according to my National Geographic topo map, and 43 according to other trail reports online. Day 4: Devils Junction to Canyon Creek trailhead . I think this is the weakness of an alpinist. Day 3: Devils Dome to Devils Junction Camp Hale was a U.S. Army training facility in the Western United States, constructed in 1942 for what became the 10th Mountain Division.Located in central Colorado between Red Cliff and Leadville in the Eagle River Valley, it was named for General Irving Hale and was at an elevation of 9,200 feet (2,800 m) above sea level. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Most of this strenuous loop trip is located in the adjacent Pasayten Wilderness, in the Okanogan National Forest, . A trip report from a 3 day solo backpack of the Devil's Dome loop in the Pasayten. You can also submit a self-issue permit via email, find instructions on our Backcounty Permits page. Profiles, biographies, member histories. Hwy 20 is known to have car break-ins so I was meticulous in emptying the cabin so only my forest pass was in sight. Check here for recent reports if in doubt. North Cascades. I personally saw two bears in two days along this trail! I only recommend and link to products I know and love. 15, 2015. Mosquitos are everywhere where theres vegetation. September 25, 2016 backpacking / washington. No recent report. Camp with full hookups and wifi at seasonal or primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what you need to fit your vacation style! You can see from where you came from and where youre going. WA Total mileage: 33.5 miles (54 km) In Marblemount, we went to Mondo Restaurant for the second time to fuel up for the Devils Dome Loop. I'm on gmail: bataa32, I have run this loop twice and I agree with Luke.it is better done ccw. Im wanting to believe that theyre fairly rare since the other tiny patch I saw was by Easy Pass. And goodness there were larches here, just as I had read about! There are a few campsites shortly after that junction as well. After another final series of switchbacks you will pass along the Devils Shelter, which is essentially a worn old wooden covered shelter with a few cots from another era. Which direction to hike? -Devil's Dome Loop via East Bank on SR20 at 40.4 miles . 608-666-2311. 608-356-3381.. A challenging 9.5 miles with 3000' up and 3000 . Here are a few of the most popular camp locations, and their mileage when hiking clockwise from East Bank Trailhead. TRAIL. Fire Lookouts. Up till now we were also sharing the trail with the Pacific Northwest Trail, PNT, but that would end as we approached Devils Pass. Do you feel one has an advantage over the other?Thanks. (LogOut/ You cross back into the National Park recreational area too here, leaving the Pasayten Wilderness. Trekking poles are great for these stretches -- early in the season and you may want an ice axe. Devils Dome itself sits beneath a 7330' peak to the northwest and offers a memorizing view in all directions of the Northern Cascades, including stunning views of Jack Mountain to the south, Spratt Mountain to the north, Skagit Peak, Joker Mountain and many more . Snow has started to accumulate at high elevations in the park, be prepared if you plan to venture out. This . Here in the rocks we found a fearless marmot that stayed about 10 feet away as we circled his perch and heard others up the slope with their unique shriek. Im happy to report back that yes indeed, Devils Dome Loop is a fantastic and challenging backpacking route. Devil's Dome Loop. This time of year, water is plentiful and patches of snow persist, so finding drinkable water is not an issue! 0.2 miles later we were crossing a bridge over the crystal clear, aqua Ruby Creek. After the creek crossing, the trail climbs back out of the valley bottom, steeply in some places. You seek to do so much without consideration of potential suffering, or maybe its the ignorance of it. Route finding through central Jackita Ridge; Richard's photo. At this point I still believe it was a bear. At the northern end of the bridge, immediately turn right at the fork. Ross Lake Boat-In Sites - Ross Lake is expected to reach full pool this season, visit the Boating on Ross Lake page for more information. Im Cherlyn and I love to adventure, from climbing mountains to going down canyons. Cheryl Talbert describes Devils Dome Loop, a 43-mile hike with views of Jack Mountain and Nohokomeen Glacier. My weary feet were done. Cascade River Road is closed for the winter season at milepost 20 (Eldorado), three miles before the Cascade Pass trailhead. The walking is great! Some views to the mountains to the north and the eastern flank of Crater Mountain as the trail descends slightly. These Photos Prove It. Camp with full hookups and wifi at seasonal or primitive Campgrounds.Find exactly what you need to fit your vacation style! The last two few miles down to the East Bank trail has only small trees across the trail. And the slowest plod up the hill back to the car, passing several more energetic people. 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. The trail passes through Blowing Rock, largely following the Blue Ridge Parkway in this area. The National Park permit isnt needed until you reach Devils Junction along the lake, however. Dog and Mountain Crazy 5 Type of Hike Multi-night backpack. The walking stays fantastic, in some places staying just above the waterline, occasionally carved into the stone cliffs. When we finished that loop, we ate there again for a third time! 43.0 miles, roundtrip. The trail, as it had throughout the trip, continues to offer a great balance between sporadic tree cover and open meadows along the ridge, maintaining a good balance between shade and unobstructed alpine views. (LogOut/ Be prepared for varied weather conditions. Length: 38.5 miles. From here we took the East Bank trail back to our car at Canyon Creek. After about a mile-and-a-half, the trail drops slightly. Resort Address: 27625 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893 Campground : 715-544-7398 Bar Address: 27622 Gables Road Webster, WI 54893. In my opinion, it is solidly class 3 when it is class 3. Hike the other direction. There are a number of campsites in the vicinity. And we did keep commenting on this lack of traffic especially on the long Labor Day Weekend. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This quintessential Northern Cascades hike offers all the beauty this majestic area has to offer. 10+ north cascades national park backpacking itineraries, a larch guide | 20+ crowd-free washington hikes, things to do in the off-season // how to hike in the rain, beginners guide to snowshoeing | resources for 20 washington hikes, the ultimate beginners guide to backcountry skiing | washington, checking em off | switchback + martin peaks, very nearly enchantments | lake ingalls backpack, hunting for larches | golden lakes loop backpacking, double trouble | boston-sahale traverse c2c, meet me in the afterglow | eldorado peak overnight, Start/End at East Bank Trailhead in counter clockwise loop, Camped on Crater Mountain and Devils Dome. Devils Dome Loop - North Cascades. You only need to reserve permits for the sites inside Ross Lake Rec Area. Change). But it did turn out to be a good site for setting up in the dark. 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. 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'. Maple Creek will be removed for the next time I comment water Ross. For today WordPress.com account wed see as our guide up the scramble no permits... Down, we found a neat campsite all to ourselves the valley bottom, steeply in places. A 3 day solo backpack of the valley bottom, steeply in some.! Happy to report back that yes indeed, Devils Dome Loop, we ate there again for third... 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