easy pass

9/4/2020

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The activities depicted on this site are inherently dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. Any action that you take as a result of information obtained from this site or any information provided through Hike2Hike is at your own risk.

North Cascades national park is one of the great treasures of the Pacific Northwest. The expansive landscape and never-ending sea of mountain tops has to be experienced to be believed. Luckily, places like the Hike up to easy pass make experiencing it all accessible. To take the trail stop in at the easy to locate trailhead along the side of Highway 20.

The start of the trail up too easy pass begins gently by passing over Granite Creek on a firm log bridge. The trail will immediately start to climb, but, this first section is easy. You will wind through the woods for a bit and then come to the first spot that could pose difficulty. Even at the time of this writing in September, Easy pass creek required fording. Luckily there is currently a smattering of rocks making the crossing straight forward. If coming here in the early season keep in mind that the creek crossing may be difficult to impossible.

granite river bridge easy pass trail
granite river bridge
wooden walkways along the easy pass trail
wooden walk ways
After coming out of the woods the north cascades will treat you to some expansive views. On this particular occasion, I was lucky to have a few friendly marmots watching me from a rock while sunbathing. We stared curiously at each other for a few moments before I continued on. From the first rock field, the trail will get far more difficult as it winds up the hill. The trail is steep but easy to follow. Be sure to stop when you need a break and look in all directions. The views only get better. Once you reach Easy Pass you will get a taste of why all the climbers in this state love the park and surrounding areas. Soak it in, and if you are here for the day, head back early. The trail gets dark fast in the afternoon. If you are planning to climb and have permits then check out my page for Mesahchie and Katsuk Peaks
marmots sunbathing below the pass
sunbathing marmots
fall colors near the crest of the trail
fall colors along the trail
looking up at easy pass
easy pass
easy pass trail in the woods
easy pass trail
first view out of the woods
first view along trail
view north from the pass
view north at sunrise