Sahale Mountain [HARD] – Epic Alpine Views, Fall Colors & Glacier Traverse

Join us for an unforgettable alpine adventure to Sahale Arm and Sahale Mountain, one of Washington’s most iconic high-country routes. This trail delivers spectacular views of Cascade Pass, Johannesburg Mountain, Eldorado, Forbidden Peak, and Glacier Peak, with breathtaking ridgelines and expansive meadows leading up to the Sahale Glacier.

The hike is strenuous and demanding, with steep climbs, rocky switchbacks, exposed alpine terrain, and a short glacier crossing near the summit block. Helmets, ice axe, and crampons/microspikes are required for safety due to potential rockfall and glacier travel. This is considered advanced and best suited for hikers with prior glacier experience or those comfortable with basic mountaineering skills.

Distance: ~12 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~4,000+ ft
Difficulty: Advanced/Glacier
Pace: Steady/moderate with breaks
Estimated Duration: 10–11 hours (including drive, hike, and rest stops)

AllTrails Map: Sahale Arm Trail to Sahale Mountain
(https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/sahale-arm-trail-to-sahale-mountain?sh=zkpwyh&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality)

Logistics
Meeting Point: Wilburton Park & Ride, Bellevue – 7:00pm sharp
Carpooling: We’ll organize into cars at Park & Ride. Drivers, please note capacity. Riders, coordinate accordingly.
Gas/Carpool Contribution: $25 per person. SUVs recommended, but lower-clearance vehicles can make it.
Pass Required for Parking: Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.

Itinerary

🕓 4:00 AM – Depart Eldorado Gate (MP 20)
Start hiking by headlamp along the closed road toward the Cascade Pass Trailhead.
Distance: ~3 miles
Time: ~1 hour (gentle incline)
🕔 5:00 AM – Reach Cascade Pass Trailhead (3,600 ft)
Quick break, adjust layers, check packs, start ascent toward Cascade Pass.
Snack & water break (10 min)
🕕 7:00 AM – Arrive at Cascade Pass (5,392 ft)
Sunrise over Johannesburg Mountain — great photo spot.
Take a short break for food and hydration.
Continue toward Sahale Arm via well-defined switchbacks.
🕗 8:30–9:00 AM – Reach Upper Sahale Arm (6,800–7,200 ft)
Expect lingering snow patches; use crampons if needed.
Take in views of Doubtful Lake below and Boston Peak ahead.
🕘 9:30–10:00 AM – Reach Sahale Glacier Camp (7,600 ft)
Rope up if necessary for glacier travel.
Drop heavy gear if some members aren’t summiting.
🕙 10:30–11:30 AM – Ascend Sahale Glacier (~700 ft gain)
Firm snow early, softens later — ice axe & crampons essential.
Angle up gradually to the base of the summit block.
🕛 12:00 PM – Summit Sahale Mountain (8,681 ft) 🎉
Amazing panoramic views: Forbidden Peak, Eldorado, and the Boston Glacier.
Short stay (15–30 min) — weather and wind permitting.
🕐 12:30 PM – Begin Descent
Carefully downclimb or use prusik/handline on the summit block if icy.
Descend glacier back to camp by 1:30 PM.
🕝 2:00 PM – Return along Sahale Arm
Descend steadily with caution — watch for fatigue on rocky trail sections.
🕓 4:30 PM – Arrive back at Cascade Pass Trailhead
Rest, refuel, re-layer for cooler temps.
🕔 5:30 PM – Begin 3-mile Road Walk to Eldorado Gate
Light will fade by 6:30 PM; headlamps on.
🕕 6:45–7:00 PM – Return to Vehicles (Eldorado Gate)

Return
7:00 PM – Depart trailhead.
9:30 PM – Arrive back at Wilburton Park & Ride.

Things to Pack

• Helmet (mandatory)
• Ice Axe & Crampons (mandatory for glacier section)
• Hiking poles (mandatory)
• Mountaineering boots or sturdy waterproof boots
• Warm clothing in layers + extra socks
• Waterproof jacket & pants
• Gloves & hat (alpine weather shifts quickly)
• 2–3 liters of water (filter recommended)
• Lunch + plenty of high-energy snacks
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Small bag for muddy boots after hike/change of footwear

Notes
This is an advanced glacier hike/ basic alpine climb, best suited for those with previous alpine experience.
Expect steep climbs, rocky terrain, and an exposed glacier section.
Weather at higher elevations can shift rapidly – be prepared.

This is not a guided trip. You are responsible for your own safety.

*****By signing up for this event, you affirm that you and your guests alone are responsible for your own safety.
You and your guests attend at your own risk, and that Hosts and Organizers are indemnified.