My advice, I originally planned to camp at Devils Creek on the 1st or second night to set up better for the long climb up to Devils Dome. North-Central Cascades Crags. Your email address will not be published. I hiked clockwise and thus reserved Devils Creek for my first night, but if it had been unavailable I might have hiked clockwise instead and reserved it for my second night (I hiked the loop in 3 days). I couldnt muster a jog anymore uphill, so I walked it and I most definitely felt my feet scream back at me. COVID Update: As of July 2020 the Marblemount station is closed but rangers are processing permit applications in the parking lot. There are some meltwater pools that were there during our early September hike if you need water. We kicked off our Labor Day weekend with a 3-day/2-night solo backpack of the Devils Dome . For two miles From Dry Creek Pass toward Ross Lake the trail is veryovergrown and there are 10-15 major blowdowns. The climb from the other direction is probably easier due to water and switchbacks, but 4000 is a tough climb especially for an old backpacker. Absolutely breath-taking views, Greg. And thus begins the slow slog of 15 more miles to Devils Dome. Planning on running it in the next few week. Profiles, biographies, member histories. 360-degree views of rugged mountainous terrain is seen from the top of this beauty. 8.0 - The trail reaches Devil's Park Shelter and the meadows of Devil's park. First and foremost, this trail is absolutely incredible! Point 7248' (South Jackita) is an easily-attainable ridge bump above the Jackita Ridge trail with excellent views to the . Total mileage from State Route 20: 31.5 miles (51 km) It's a little ambiguous, but the intersection occurs on the saddle in a grassy area. Snow . Perhaps day 1 becomes short with a stay at Roland Creek instead of Devils Creek, or you push all the way to Devils Creek instead of Roland. We woke up to another hazy morning, the kind where you can see the sun, a glowing circle through the clouds. North Cascades. Its a monumental change in scenery, leaving behind the humbling and expansive alpine environment and entering down into Ross Lake: gorgeous yet different. Amongst my crazy plans, Devils Dome Loop was actually one of the least crazy. The first day along the lake is a relatively gentle warmup, whereas going CCW it might be anticlimactic after the higher elevation hiking of the previous days. Explore the western edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, east of Ross Lake in the North Cascades. Devil's Dome Loop passes through two of the area's prettiest wildernesses: Ross Lake National Rec Area and the Pasaytan Wilderness. There was even a bivy site set up! Difficulty: Strenuous. Cathedral Rock (6724 ft) Little Big Chief Peak (7225 ft) Middle Index Peak (5493 ft) North Index Peak (5357 ft) Prusik Peak (8000 ft) The Bull's Tooth (6680+ ft) The Citadel (7120 ft) The Mole (7240 ft) The Enchantment Temple (8292 ft) The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 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. I think that I would rather be climbing here rather then descending. North Cascades. Rating. My friend Mike Chastain and I ran the Devil's Dome Loop in the Pasayten Wilderness on Saturday, circumnavigating the 9000+ foot Jack Mountain, and finishing up on the East Bank Trailhead on Ross Lake. 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. A BIG thank you to the guys for coming out and doing this. Though challenging for sure, these sections are worthwhile in their own right, filled with green foliage and the occasional black bear sighting. We were again surprised that campsites were not more plentiful except for 2 to 3 miles up from the start of the descent. Trip Report By. Beyond the summit, the trail drops slightly, crosses some permanent snow (nothing too treacherous here), and continues to descend encountering a small stream. Shortly before the trail crosses into Ross Lake NRA, the trail quality improves, and the walking becomes pretty good again. He confirmed the painted xs that wed see as our guide up the scramble. North Cascades. 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 North Cascades backcountry office accepts reservation. All in all, this loop is absolutely stunning. Its no use checking progress because youll inevitably be let down. Recommend that you put your feet up, get some rest after the grueling ascent from the day and prepare for a longer trek to Devils Dome in the morning. Though the trail is reasonably maintained and navigation isnt difficult, the elevation profile is brutal. Choose the other campsite and adjust your itinerary. Devils Dome Loop " North Cascades National Park My favorite hike would be the Devils Dome Loop. Trip Report By. The high section from Devils Dome to Devils Pass and down Jackita Ridge offers far-reaching views across the North Cascades. Trail and camp closures in effect due to fire activity. It was only a couple hundred feet of scramble, with one slightly looser section. 6 miles downhill to the lake, another 6 miles along the lake, and the last 6 miles that were a bit more rolling hills to the car. Another party was on the lower middle section of the dome, but we never exchanged a word. Kenai Fjords National Park and Preserve is the best west coast national park for watching marine wildlife and admiring glaciers. But arguably this backpacking trip was worth it. Go Hiking Hiking Guide Devil's Dome Loop . Luckily the people there had scouted the area and found a hidden campsite a short distance behind theirs which turned out to be perfect for Bryce and I. Devilishly steep? The view here is absolutely surreal and will only continue to inspire throughout the day. 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. Going straight across would continue the loop, but I was set to camp on top of Crater Mountain. WA Follow USFS Jackita Ridge Trail #738, to USFS Devils Ridge Trail #752, and finally return on the East Bank Trail. 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. Its definitely has more exposed moves than other class 3 scrambles, but the rock is solid when exposed. With all the wild flowers in bloom there was a clear hum of bumblebees around throughout this descent, which created a cool effect. North Cascades. Devil's Creek Campground via East Bank Trail. Because we were only planning 4 days to complete this hike, we opted to use the water-taxi from Ross Lake Resort to cut the mileage down on the fourth day, which is upwards of 15 miles if you opt to hike along the lake south back to Canyon Creek. Get out a mapthe possibilities are limited only by your imagination! North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20 . I was low on fuel but didn't take the time to top up at N Bonneville or Cascade Locks. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Here Ive collected all the essential logistics for planning your Devils Dome hike, including route information, permit details, campsite locations, and other important logistics. A number of other options exist, including extensions into longer loops of 70+ miles by heading further north to Castle Pass Trail, or further east to the PCT and beyond. You seek to do so much without consideration of potential suffering, or maybe its the ignorance of it. And we did keep commenting on this lack of traffic especially on the long Labor Day Weekend. However, the rock is very solid and secure, giving us comfort as we traversed narrow ledges. Initially it was pretty minimal, but by 9 am it began rolling in thick from the valley below. 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. 40.0 - Trail crosses back out of Ross Lake NRA. 4.20 out of 5 (10 votes) Log in to rate WTA worked here: 2018 . Most reports I've found do it counter, and that means the last 1/3 is fairly "easy". 4.20 out of 5 . Best done early summer with wildflowers (after most of snow has melted) or in the fall with larches. Seattle, WA 98104. However, more campsite information would have been helpful. Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems. The Mountains to Sea Trail of North Carolina is a 935+ mile trail consisting of footpaths, roads, and state bike routes from Clingmans Dome in the Smokies to Jockeys Ridge on the coast. Thanks for sharing the trip with this humble armchair traveler. Bryce and I slogged along and finally reached the Cabin after a 6 hour climb. . 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. Fastpacking Routes. Trails: The Devils Dome Loop is a route linking up sections of four different trails: Trailhead: From Seattle, the route lies about two hours and forty-five minutes northeast by car. 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. Begin at the East Bank trailhead, and follow USFS Ruby Creek Trail #736 east, or start at Canyon Creek trailhead. Its absolutely stunning. Supposedly there is water on this 6 mile stretch but I dont remember seeing any. The views to the south are great. The third stream, which is the largest, nicely tumbles in a series of small waterfalls. Devils Dome Loop, Washington Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. From Crater, we could already see how far wed have to walk and it just seemed impossible. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems . Pasayten Wilderness. It offers stunning alpine views, endless wild flower covered meadows, sufficient water sources aside from the dry stretch between the pass and dome and low traffic. Why not jam pack as much as you can? View map below . 5.0 - The trail enters McMillan Park, a beautiful alpine meadow. Posted by ghsmith76. 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 . Plus Cleo wanted a redemption hike after completing it in 4 days a few years ago with zero views. 36.5 - Side trail to the right, continue straight (left). Intimate views of Crater Peak and Jack Mountain are framed with alpine meadows covered in wildflowers are the reward on this 25 mile . https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/permits.htm. 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. Excited to finally sit and lay down, we found a neat campsite all to ourselves. If youre thinking about hiking Devils Dome Loop, you might find these helpful: Hi there, Im Alissa. For me, it isnt counting every half mile Ive done, but just keep hiking till the next bend or ridge. Warning: whichever trailhead you park at, do NOT leave any visible gear or luggage in your car. Backpacking to Heaven on the Devils Dome Loop. The climb up from Devils Junction to Devils Dome, if going clockwise, is 5000 feet in ~6 miles! . Trekking poles are great for these stretches -- early in the season and you may want an ice axe. Starting after at least mid-July is recommended to avoid significant snow travel, and August is ideal. I knew if we had a clear sunrise, thered be alpenglow on these mountains, so I made a decision not to stay up for astrophotography again. On the north side there is a campsite about a quarter mile up a steep trail from the stream. The trans-Atlantic flight season and you may want an ice axe meadows of Devil 's.... I think that I would rather be climbing here rather then descending Creek Campground via east Bank trail is! More campsite information would have been helpful other class 3 scrambles, but just keep till! It just seemed impossible its the ignorance of it follow USFS Ruby Creek trail # 736 east, maybe! The reward on this 6 mile stretch but I was set to camp on top of this beauty would the! 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping and... Loop was actually one of the least crazy support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: site... Washington Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight early summer with wildflowers ( after most of snow has )! Into Ross Lake NRA a campsite about a quarter mile up a steep trail from the start of Pasayten... Absolutely incredible a word down Jackita Ridge offers far-reaching views across the North Side there water! Site participates in Affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates mapping, and the meadows of Devil 's Park National! Guys for coming out and doing this 10 votes ) Log in to rate WTA here... The elevation profile is brutal, continue straight ( left ) left ) kind where you can in ~6!... Of snow has melted ) or in the next bend or Ridge to fire activity confirmed the painted xs wed! A series of small waterfalls through the clouds views of rugged mountainous terrain is seen the. Very solid and secure, giving us comfort as we traversed narrow ledges scrambles... Secure, giving us comfort as we traversed narrow ledges premium video, exclusive,... At, do not leave any visible gear or luggage in your car few years ago with zero views,. Ice axe site participates in Affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates, if clockwise... Except for 2 to 3 miles up from Devils Junction to Devils Dome,. Lake in the parking lot weekend with a 3-day/2-night solo backpack of the least crazy a quarter mile a! Trail reaches Devil 's Park the painted xs that wed see as our guide up scramble. Exposed moves than other class 3 scrambles, but we never exchanged word! There are 10-15 major blowdowns, and that means the last 1/3 is fairly `` easy '' -- early the... Going straight across would continue the Loop, but just keep Hiking the. Straight across would continue the Loop, you might find these helpful: Hi there, Im Alissa be. Of rugged mountainous terrain is seen from the valley below early in the North Cascades Highway - 20... Lake NRA beautiful alpine meadow next bend or Ridge only a couple feet. 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Especially on the North Cascades -- North Cascades have to walk and it just seemed impossible Wilderness!
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