Sahale Glacier Camp - July 26-27, 2016

This was my first backpacking trip in the North Cascades National Park and only my second hike in the area (the first being a trip to Hidden Lake Lookout in 2015). I remember seeing a photo of the campsites at the toe of the Sahale Glacier with organized rock piles built to block out the wind and thinking to myself that I had to go there, too. As much as people like to knock on social media, it was a great way for me to learn about the popular trailed hikes when I was first starting out.

I would say Sahale Glacier Camp is one of the best day hikes (if not the best) in the state. The trail is maintained all the way up to the campsites which offer tremendous views of Johannesburg Mountain, Spider Mountain, Mt. Formidable and beyond. These peaks lie just outside the national park boundary and are some of the most glaciated peaks in the state relative to their elevation.

If you’re looking to see wildlife, this is definitely the trail for it. Several families of mountain goats like on the glacier and will follow you around for a taste of your sweat (or pee!). There’s a resident bear on the slopes of Sahale Arm that can be seen chowing down on berries later in summer. And you can’t forget the fat marmots whistling in the distance.

I was here earlier in the season when I’ve heard the Sahale Glacier is very mellow. The person I shared one of the campsites with had been up Sahale Mountain and was pointing out the standard route to me. It’s mostly a walk up on the snow until the summit block which is an exposed scramble. It seems doable to me right now but I highly doubt I would’ve been successful back in 2016.

I spent a magnificient afternoon watching the goats able back and forth in front of the peaks before turning in for the night. Definitely recommend to anyone looking to get a taste for what the North Cascades are all about and don’t mind working a little for the views. Keep in mind that if you want to camp overnight at Sahale Glacier Camp, permits are required (either reserved well in advance or obtain via walk-up at the Marblemount Ranger Station). Rangers do check this area frequently and you will likely be fined for camping without a permit.

In hindsight, I hiked the JMT right after my trip to Sahale Glacier Camp, and while it’s highly subjective what sorts of landscapes people prefer over other, I think the views from this place blew everything I saw on the JMT out of the water. Honest.