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Cascade Pass
| SEPTEMBER 20, 2008 I found this CHS graduation
hike to Cascade Pass challenging, but not because it was a strenuous
hike. I had eagerly anticipated this hike for weeks, but the
weather gods did not smile on us this weekend, and neither did the road
gods. Cascade River Road was closed at El Dorado Creek for road
repairs beginning September 15th, adding a 3-mile road walk to reach to
the trailhead, so our destination was downgraded from Sahale Arm to
Cascade Pass. Low lying clouds completely hid the scenery,
effectively turning this from a hike with amazing views to a mere hike
in the woods on a foggy day. My challenge was how to overcome my
disappointment and where to find the joy in this hike. Eventually it
became obvious that since there were no views the beauty would have to be found in the details, and soon I was finding unexpected bursts of fall color, pleasing
textures in the lichen-covered rocks, and spider webs so laden with mist
that they seemed to be strung with jewels. Several fat marmots
grazed in the talus slopes within a few feet of the trail and seemed to
be as interested in us as we were in them. And like all CHS hikes,
the pleasure of hiking with good friends made this a memorable hike.
13.4 miles 2300' gain |
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