Sahale Peak Rock Climbing
Elevation: | 8,499 ft |
GPS: |
48.49111, -121.03844 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 18,924 total · 135/month |
Shared By: | Josh Lewis on Oct 18, 2012 · Updates |
Admins: | Jon Nelson, Micah Klesick, Zachary Winters |
Description
Sahale has an airy feel, moderate approach and an easy fourth class scramble to the summit. There are two standard routes to the summit. The most common of the two is the Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm route. The second route is via Boston Basin route which involves more glacier travel. If you climb Sahale, you may also consider climbing Boston Peak as well since it's summit is only a third of a mile away as the bird flies. But Boston is known for having much more loose rock.
Climbing Sahale is very similar to the alps in terms of weather and the quality of alpine climbing. With peaks in the eight to nine thousand foot range does translate to wetter conditions and a shorter climbing season. Unless you are climbing in mid to late summer, it's not uncommon for the approach road to be covered over by avalanche snow deposit 5 or 10 miles before the trail head. From the Moraine of the Quien Sabe glacier you can see Sharkfin Tower (8,120 ft), Boston Peak (8,894 feet), Sahale Peak (8,680 ft), Forbidden Peak and the towering north face of Johannesburg (8,200 ft) Mountain with it's hanging glaciers.
Getting There
Getting there from Seattle: Drive North on I-5 until you get to Arlington where you take a right at exit 208 onto highway 530. The highway briefly takes a left in downtown Arlington onto highway 9 and a few seconds later be sure to turn right back onto highway 530 east to Darrington. At Darrington the road pretty much ends and you take a left onto highway 530 which goes north. In about 19 miles the highway ends, take a right onto highway 20 towards Marblemount. In about 7.5 you arrive at the city of Marblemount. After passing a few gas stations the highway curves, so be sure to go straight which goes onto Cascade River Road. This road takes you all the way to the trailhead of Sahale (Cascade Pass trailhead) which is at Mile Marker 23. Keep in mind that after mile marker 10 the road becomes gravel and washes out almost every year at some point. The last 2 miles are paved, but is a little steep. The trailhead itself has a nice oval shaped parking lot with a bathroom.
Approach - The Hike Up to Cascade Pass
The trip begins on a nice and easy trail up to Cascade Pass which is 3.7 miles (5,400 feet). On the way up there are clearings through the trees which offer views of the Cascade Valley, the Triplets, and of Mixup Peak. Once your out of the woods the switch backs eventually stop and you traverse the bottom edge of Sahale Arm until you get to Cascade Pass. Be warned, when avalanche danger is high this is not the place to be hanging out. At the Pass you are rewarded with great views of Magic Mountain, Mix Up Peak, and the Stehekin valley.
Classic Climbing Routes at Sahale Peak
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