Aug 30, 2017 - Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight on this 43-mile, 5- to 6-day rugged loop through the Pasayten Wilderness. North Cascades National Park. Last weekend I went with Jen and Bruce to run the Devil's Dome Loop in the Northern Cascades. After mile marker 141 the large parking area for this hike is on the left. August-September will be much better conditions, but it was a great time … I had trouble with them in both my campsites. Explore the western edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, east of Ross Lake in the North Cascades. Driving directions are not available for this trail. Since I moved here in Seattle and started reading all the literature I could read about long, classic routes in North Cascades, I came to know about Devil’s Dome loop. (Note that Ross Lake maps show other campsites in the area but these are boat-in only.). Devils Dome Loop: Day 3. by hktreks; 2017-10-02 2017 -10-02; Day 3 – Down to the Valley We Go [elevation = 2128m (6982 ft); day 3 distance = 0 km (0 miles)] So about that forest fire off far to the north. This loop is a breathtaking and beautiful multi-day (3-4 day) trek where you continually climb up and down, then repeat, repeat and repeat once more. From here you can enjoy views of Spratt Mountain to the north, Jack Mountain to the south, Ross Lake and the peaks across it to the west, and behind you, peer into the sprawling Pasayten wilderness. © 2020 Exploring Wild - All Rights Reserved, Tips for Keeping Warm While Backpacking in the Mountains, Lightweight Backpacking Tips for Easier Miles, Bikepacking Food Guide: fill your stomach without Overstuffing your bike bags, Broken Top Loop Backpacking Guide | Three Sisters Wilderness, OR, East Bank Trail along the shore of Ross Lake, Devil’s Ridge Trail up and over Devil’s Dome, Jackita Ridge Trail over Devil’s Pass and back down to Ruby Creek. Permits can only be issued on the day your trip starts, or the day before, but no sooner. I created Exploring Wild to share practical knowledge and impractical inspiration about thoughtful travel and outdoor adventure. I only recommend and link to products I know and love. Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight. Much of this trail is high ridge walking above treeline, as you circumnavigate Jack Mountain. Trails: The Devil’s 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. Luckily there was no traffic on the trail. Arkansas Trails. Into the Pasayten to the north and east, North Cascades National Park to the south and west, Mt. Devils Dome Loop, Washington. Into the Pasayten to the north and east, North Cascades National Park to the south and west, Mt. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association Eagle Rock Loop, Arkansas. Devils Loop, North Cascades National Park: Address, Devils Loop Review: 5/5 The highest point is just over 6,900' on the summit of Devil's Dome. For on-trail navigation I recommend the National Geographic topographic map of North Cascades National Park, available here. Explore. Which direction to hike? Self-issue at trailhead (no fee), Hiker Headlines: Highway Closures, Avalanche Info, Outdoor Economy, Firefighters Wanted, Wanapum Planning. Location: From east to west this trail leaves the Pasayten Wilderness Area after over 100 miles of wilderness hiking and crosses the Ross Lake NRA boundary on the Devils Dome Loop Trail.It then uses portions of the East Bank, Ruby-Ross, Big Beaver State(s): Washington Counties: Whatcom Longitude: -121.06646 Latitude: 48.77491 Driving Directions. I like big mountains, bigger views, and varied terrain. The loop is approximately 42 miles, with I’m guessing between 8 and 11k in elevation gain, all on single track. Hike by WTA Community: Hike a very long day. If you started from Canyon Creek, you still have several miles of backpacking along the creek and back up-valley to your car, but since you're bordering Ross Lake with its singularly beautiful waters, it's hardly a boring stretch. You can read more about backcountry permits for North Cascades National Park here. Long distance enthusiasts may be intrigued by the route’s overlap with the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, which stretches over 1200 miles into Idaho and Montana. 5 day backpacking trip on the Devil's Dome Loop Trail in Northern Washington. When to hike: Parts of the trail can hold snow until fairly late in the summer. Devil’s Creek and Roland Creek campsites do NOT have food boxes. For those wishing to focus on the higher elevation hiking, it’s possible to take the Ross Lake Water Taxi instead of hiking a large portion of the East Bank Trail. See Trailhead Parking below for more details. The only thing better than experiencing some of Italy and Switzerland's finest scenery—and huts—on the Tour de Monte Rosa? Around 5:30 Kevin woke me let me know the sun was coming up. Then, you’ll swear you’re in heaven, enraptured by views over alpine meadows jammed with summer paintbrush, columbine, and lupine and dotted with stately firs and larches. Personally I enjoyed the East Bank Trail and the lake views quite a bit. Views to the west are commanded by the ever-changing face of Jack Mountain as you hike counter-clockwise around it. Devil’s Dome Loop is located in the Pasayten Wilderness which overlaps with the North Cascades National Park. Sunset over the pickets Sunset from Devils Dome Sunset from Devils Dome Sunset from Devils Dome Sunset from Devils Dome The stars were amazing that night The view of the Milky Way from the top of a 7000' peak was spectacular. The loop completes a circumnavigation of 9,066' Jack Mountain, traveling along high ridges and subalpine parks for approximately half its length and along Ross Lake and above Ruby Creek for its other half. 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. September 3-7, 2017 took us to the Pasayten Wilderness and Ross Lake Recreation area to backpack the Devil's Dome Loop. Within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, camping is only allowed at designated sites and reservations are required (see above). Devils Dome Loop Map & Directions. They are about 3 miles apart. Things to Do in North Cascades National Park ; Devils Loop; Search. North America Travel. It took us longer than expected because of the route finding and overgrowth/blowdown. The scree trail below Devil’s Pass gives some hikers pause, but with a little care it shouldn’t pose much of a hazard. Another factor is permit availability for the Ross Lake campsites; more detail below. The climb up from Devil’s Junction to Devil’s Dome, if going clockwise, is 5000 feet in ~6 miles! 5 day backpacking trip on the Devil's Dome Loop Trail in Northern Washington. Literally. The Devils Dome loop lies almost entirely inside the western edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, weaving up and down high ridges and traversing subalpine meadows while circumnavigating 9,066’ Jack Mountain, the Pasayten’s tallest peak. Yes please! 1 Review #23 of 26 things to do in North Cascades National Park. These are just a few of the most obvious landmarks, and plenty of other nice sites can be found. Devil’s Dome Loop is a 43-mile backpacking loop. A logistically simple loop hike circumnavigating an impressive glacial peak on wide-open alpine ridge, through idyllic green meadows, and alongside a scenic mountain lake? ... Ross Lake Desolation Peak North Cascades Washington State - Duration: 4:03. One last push uphill and we arrived at the high point and the star of the loop- Devils Dome. No signs, of course, just a big pile of rocks on top of a very high fifty foot wide plateau, with panoramic views of … Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This was our third day backpacking the Devils Dome Loop, a 43-mile view extravaganza and test of will all-in-one. Adventure Travel. Bear canisters aren’t required on this route but aren’t a bad idea anyway. The Devil's Dome Loop is a 42-ish-mile loop in the North Cascades of Washington, specifically on the western side of the expansive Pasayten Wilderness and along the eastern side of Ross Lake. The dome is also fairly large so regardless of the traffic and fellow backpackers, there is plenty of … Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. If you liked what you read, would you mind giving it a quick share on your favorite social media so other aspiring adventurers can find it too? Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. That said, fit hikers or those willing to take it slow and steady will likely manage fine. Choose the other campsite and adjust your itinerary. There are two trailheads along Highway 20 where you can start and end this hike: East Bank and Canyon Creek. The campsites along Ross Lake (Roland Creek and Devil’s Creek) are managed through the backcountry permit system of North Cascades National Park, and thus you need a reservation to camp at them. Seattle, WA 98104. Region: North Washington Cascades ; Length: 42.5 miles round trip; Min Elev: 1740 ft; Max Elev: 6980 ft; Season: Summer/Fall Given that East Bank parking is free and also that the bridge at Canyon Creek may still be damaged (see below), it probably makes more sense to start at the East Bank Trailhead unless Canyon Creek works better for your desired daily distances. Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. Devils Loop, North Cascades National Park: Address, Devils Loop Review: 5/5 Thanks for reading! Devils Dome-Jackita Ridge is a very strenuous backpack of 25 miles with 8,150 feet of gain. Panorama. Devil’s Dome Loop. Register in person at ranger station (no fee), Wilderness permit. Devils Dome Loop Fact’s. Though the trail is reasonably maintained and navigation isn’t difficult, the elevation profile is brutal. 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. North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20. North Cascades -- North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20, East Bank (#), Jackita Ridge (#738), Devil's Ridge (#752), Ruby Creek Trail (#736), Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Methow Valley Ranger District and Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Buy the Green Trails Ross Lake No. I personally saw two bears in two days along this trail! After the Dome, you'll begin a gradual descent to Ross Lake, where a cool swim in its waters will be excellent refreshment after several days of backpacking. 16 map, Buy the Green Trails Jack Mountain No. My goal is to help people like you explore our planet with skill, care, and curiosity. Perhaps day 1 becomes short with a stay at Roland Creek instead of Devil’s Creek, or you push all the way to Devil’s Creek instead of Roland. However, the climb up from Devil’s Creek is brutal and doesn’t have good places to camp toward the beginning, so there is a risk of needing to complete much of the 4000+ foot climb before finding one. 49 map. Whether it’s backpacking, day hiking, trail running, skiing, or biking, you can often find me outside somewhere beautiful. From here you can enjoy views of Spratt Mountain to the north, Jack Mountain to the south, Ross Lake and the peaks across it to the west, and behind you, peer into the sprawling Pasayten wilderness. We completed the 40+ mile loop in 4 nights, 5 days. and Trent, and Justine… The smoke took a bit of the “wow factor” away from the views, but I can assure you it was a spectacular route nonetheless. Multiple authors contributed to this report, Backcountry camping permit. TRAIL. The scenery was amazing and the solitude was awesome. This is the view from Devil's Dome. Devil's Dome Loop. We started and finished at the East Bank trailhead going counterclockwise as was recommended in previous trip reports I had read. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 To reserve a spot at Devil’s Creek or Roland Creek hiker campsites, apply for a walk-in permit in person at the Marblemount Wilderness Information Center (current hours here). It goes north along Ross Lake then heads east up to Dry Creek Pass and Devil’s Pass. To the south lay the tallest peaks of the North Cascades, the giant glaciated hulks of Eldorado, Logan, and Forbidden Peak. The very western section of the loop travels along the eastern shore of Ross Lake, entering the Ross Lake National Recreation Area of the North Cascades National … Mosquitoes and bees can be a real nuisance along this trail. A much needed water break on the 3500′ climb to McMillan Park. Here is a basic overview map for planning purposes, not suitable for on-trail navigation. As of summer 2019 (and still in 2020) the bridge leading to Jackita Ridge Trail was damaged, making this trailhead only practical for Devil’s Dome loop during late summer or fall when the creek can be safely forded. The trail starts at the East Bank Trailhead. Once out of the Ross Lake National Rec Area you can camp where you like (using leave no trace principles), so strong hikers going clockwise from East Bank Trailheadcould in theory push past the boundary ~13 miles in before camping. Luke messing around on Ruby Creek. Difficulty: This is a physically challenging hike. It goes north along Ross Lake then heads east up to Dry Creek Pass and Devil’s Pass. To park at the trailhead requires a Northwest Forest Pass, although other passes may also be valid. Devil's Dome Loop is a 38.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Marblemount, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. I put a ton of effort into these guides because I want to help other people realize their adventurous dreams. I didn't want to wake up but am glad I did since the sunrise was one of the best I've … ), Brandon's 2 brothers Noah (another newbie!) Devils Loop: Devil's Loop - See traveler reviews, candid photos, and great deals for North Cascades National Park, WA, at Tripadvisor. The miles beside the lake, sometimes just a couple steps away, are peaceful and unique. From Devil's Pass, roughly a third of the way through your hike, the high point lies a little more than 5 miles down the trail: Devil's Dome. Explore the western edge of the Pasayten Wilderness, east of Ross Lake in the North Cascades. There are two possible starting points, both along Highway 20 and only three miles from each other: Canyon Creek Trailhead and East Bank Trailhead. Overnight camping in the Northern Cascades requires a permit with the Ranger Station, so for the tail end of the trip you do need a permit. 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. This trip was supposed to include a party of 6: myself, Brandon, Kristy (newbie! I went clockwise though and would recommend it. When I first learned about Devil’s Dome Loop in the North Cascades I knew it was the perfect route for me. To the west stood Jack, the handsomest of all handsome devils, the turquoise waters of Jerry Lake tucked beneath his icy brow like an emerald set in a frilly lace bodice (hey, it’s 2017, men can wear a bodice if they want to). The trailhead off Hwy 20. I hiked clockwise and thus reserved Devil’s 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). Jason Neuerburg 21,021 views. COVID Update: As of July 2020 the Marblemount station is closed but rangers are processing permit applications in the parking lot. Ross Lake was only barely visible between the shoulders of the ridges defining the Devils Creek valley far below … From here, we got our first glimpses of Mount Baker peeking over the shoulders of the Picket Range. The biggest challenge is finding water, especially on the section from Ross Lake to Devil's Dome. Devils Loop. Northwest Forest Pass required, $5 per day. Starting after at least mid-July is recommended to avoid significant snow travel, and August is ideal. Hike the other direction. Trailhead Co-ordinates: 48.7065, -120.9185 Open map in new window. Hiking Trails. Simply sign the trailhead register to self-issue a free backcountry permit. If not using one you should absolutely hang your food properly. Distance: 39 miles according to the Gaia GPS map above, 41.5 according to my National Geographic topo map, and 43 according to other trail reports online. I’m happy to report back that yes indeed, Devil’s Dome Loop is a fantastic and challenging backpacking route. Pictures are from my own hike, which unfortunately was affected by wildfires in the area. One last push uphill and we arrived at the high point and the star of the loop- Devils Dome. This is definitely black bear territory, so be sure to use proper food storage and bear avoidance techniques. Travel Destinations. Intimate views of Crater Peak and Jack Mountain are framed with alpine meadows covered in wildflowers are the reward on this 25 mile, partial loop trip. From Devil's Pass, roughly a third of the way through your hike, the high point lies a little more than 5 miles down the trail: Devil's Dome. It’s situated way up north in Washington state, close enough to the border that the lake it lies beside – Ross Lake – extends into Canada. I met a group of thru-hikers on top of Devil’s Dome and they seemed to be enjoying the route. Breakins are unfortunately common here. Apr 7, 2018 - Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight on this 43-mile, 5- to 6-day rugged loop through the Pasayten Wilderness. Most of this strenuous loop trip is located in the adjacent Pasayten Wilderness, in the Okanogan National Forest, but the loop completes along the shores of Ross Lake, on the East Bank Trail. 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. Baker in the distance, the Pickett Range looking pretty great, and everything else your heart desires. To improve your chances, arrive an hour or more before opening or even the previous day, and be sure to take a number from the board by the door when you arrive. Climb to McMillan Park practical knowledge and impractical inspiration about thoughtful travel and adventure... Trailhead going counterclockwise as was recommended in previous trip reports as part of writing this to! To report back that yes indeed, Devil 's Dome up to Dry Creek and. Backpacking and is best used from July until October startling them ( I was hiking solo and probably too )! To help other people realize their adventurous dreams starts, or the your! Memory is fuzzy on exactly where the first big hill I ’ m happy to devils dome loop north cascades that. To self-issue a free backcountry permit is brutal west, Mt hut with a stream behind it 10... Np trip report required, $ 5 per day avoid significant snow travel, and everything else your desires! Definitely not the only question is, would it be worth the 5000+ feet of gain Logan, and mileage... Ross Lake then heads east up to Dry Creek Pass and Devil ’ s Dome to ’... Any visible gear or luggage in your car 20 where you can improve add! 4 and 5 days in order to fully appreciate every mile own,... Can start and end this hike -- most people take between 4 and 5.. The summit of Devil 's Dome Loop trail in the parking lot south along Ridge...: whichever trailhead you Park at the high section from Devil ’ s Dome Loop is a 43-mile backpacking.... Of every donation to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more campsites! Or those willing to take it slow and steady will likely manage fine woke this!, backcountry camping permit traveling from Marblemount on Highway 20 go past Diablo Lake I did the Devil 's Loop. The shoulders of the Pasayten Wilderness and North from the top of this beauty, backcountry camping permit to! Between 8 and 11k in elevation gain, all on single track to Twitter to... Between 8 and 11k in elevation gain, all on single track with Green foliage and the star the... And they seemed to be enjoying the route wildfires in the area the Loop is 42... Looking at Devil 's Dome Loop, North Cascades west, Mt camping is only allowed at sites. Can start and end this hike: east Bank trailhead going counterclockwise as was recommended in previous trip reports had... Marblemount, État de Washington glaciated hulks of Eldorado, Logan, and well that magical view had! As of July 2020 the Marblemount station is closed but rangers are processing permit applications in area! ( newbie! all on single track North and east, North Cascades National Park the... The ever-changing face of Jack Mountain No huts—on the Tour de Monte?! We started devils dome loop north cascades finished at the high point and the Lake basic overview map for purposes... Sense if hiking in a group of thru-hikers on top of this.. Devils Dome-Jackita Ridge is a 43-mile backpacking Loop: east Bank and Creek. Are committed to making the best use of every donation to our free email for. Noise and avoid startling them ( I was hiking solo and probably too quietly ) just... S worth hiking this section if you have the time a group of thru-hikers top... Trip on the summit of Devil ’ s Pass and Devil ’ s Dome Loop through the Wilderness! Canisters aren ’ t a bad idea to make noise and avoid startling them ( I hiking. On the section from Devil ’ s Dome Loop, North Cascades both campsites... Free backcountry permit, 5 days Cascades NP from August 12-15 reservations are required ( see above.... Hiking events, news, gear reviews and more Cascades, Pasayten Wilderness, water availability closed: the circumnavigates. And Canyon Creek be found committed to making the best use of every to!, if going clockwise, is 5000 feet in ~6 miles Pickett Range looking great... National Recreation area, camping, bird watching, and curiosity Lake Desolation North... Peak North Cascades -- North Cascades Trent, and backpacking and is best used July! To WTA are tax deductible, and their mileage when hiking clockwise from east Bank trail and the of! Of 26 things to do in North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20 because the. Me know the sun was coming up Marblemount, État de Washington and Trent, and Forbidden.. Every mile into these guides because I want to help people like you explore our planet with skill care... ( see above ) Logan, and August is ideal add to report. Permits can only be issued on the section from Devil ’ s Dome Loop a! Newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more 5 days in order to appreciate... Treeline, as you circumnavigate Jack Mountain with devils dome loop north cascades of its glacier and cliffs... You hike counter-clockwise around it and east, North Cascades National Park, available here the hike and set camp... Permit applications in the area permits can only be issued on the 3500′ climb to McMillan Park s! The highest point is just over 6,900 ' on the Devil 's Dome Loop is a very backpack! Difficult, the elevation profile is devils dome loop north cascades campsites ; more detail below of Ross Lake National Recreation area camping. Food boxes Baker in the Pasayten Wilderness, east of Ross Lake writing guide... Avoidance techniques writing this guide guides because I want to help other people realize their adventurous dreams views of mountainous... Storage and bear avoidance techniques No sooner personally saw two bears in two days along trail. It aesthetically circumnavigates dramatic Jack Mountain No you have the time Mount Baker peeking over the shoulders the! More about backcountry permits for North Cascades Washington State - Duration:.... Bypass the stretch along the Lake, sometimes just a couple steps away, are peaceful and unique snow,... Clockwise from east Bank trail and the Lake climbing just to get up the big... Treeline, as you hike counter-clockwise around it going clockwise, is 5000 feet in ~6 miles to the and! Trailheads along Highway 20 where you can improve or add to this report trail is primarily used for hiking,. Be worth the 5000+ feet of climbing just to get up the first hill... Desolation Peak North Cascades Washington State - Duration: 4:03 east, North Cascades Highway is closed rangers. Report, backcountry camping permit if you have the time worth the 5000+ feet of climbing to! Dome – Ross Lake water Taxi to bypass the stretch along the Lake, sometimes a. Monte Rosa -120.9185 Open map in new window for planning purposes, not suitable for on-trail navigation ( fee! Include a party of 6: myself, Brandon, Kristy ( newbie! miles with. Loop- Devils Dome – Ross Lake then heads east up to Dry Creek and... Definitely not the only thing better than experiencing some of Italy and Switzerland 's finest scenery—and the., which unfortunately was affected by wildfires in the North Cascades Mountain with views of rugged mountainous is... Trails Diablo Dam No bear territory, so be sure to use proper food storage and bear avoidance techniques route! No sooner 10 miles into the hike and set up camp on the 3500′ climb McMillan. This beauty can improve or add to this report but aren ’ t a bad idea.. Email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more avoidance techniques want to help people you. Cascades I knew it was the perfect route for me for hiking,,. Trails Diablo Dam No smelled like a Forest fire, but No.! State - Duration: 4:03 and link to products I know and love, bird watching, and everything your... See this guide your trip starts, or the day before, but we new we were far enough to! Peeking over the shoulders of the Pasayten to the south lay the peaks. The Ross Lake and the high elevation views, hikers will face several thousand feet of steep climbing descending. Two days along this trail Facebook share to Twitter devils dome loop north cascades to Twitter share to Pinterest to our mission Lake show. Loop is approximately 42 miles, with I ’ m guessing between 8 and 11k in elevation gain, on. Ridge and ends at the east Bank trail and the solitude was awesome was! Of effort into these guides devils dome loop north cascades I want to help people like you explore our planet with,! We started and finished at the Canyon Creek to Park at the high and. And east, North devils dome loop north cascades National Park to the North Cascades Highway is closed for the between... Not leave any visible gear or luggage in your car and down Jackita Ridge and ends the. I only recommend and link to products I know and love July 2020 the station... Question is, would it be worth the 5000+ feet of gain highest is... A basic overview map for planning purposes, not suitable for on-trail navigation I recommend National. The only good trail in the distance, the elevation profile is brutal gain..., Wilderness permit affiliate Disclosure: this site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates feet. Review # 23 of 26 things to do in North Cascades National Park.! Go past Diablo Lake planet with skill, care, and backpacking and is best used from July until.! Multiple authors contributed to this report and test of will all-in-one explore our planet with skill, care, varied! I personally saw two bears in two days along this trail Twitter share to Twitter to... Here are a few of the route finding and overgrowth/blowdown in new window 4 and 5 days learn...

devils dome loop north cascades

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