The view west from Cascade...

The view west from Cascade Pass down the Upper Cascade River Valley. The trail to here from the trailhead (about where the valley turns the corner) has raised the ire of many a climber. The trail must have been built by the Forest Service with wheelchair folks in mind, for it switches back and forth up the hill relentlessly...without gaining much elevation. In fact, on the descent, you'll be walking along and see the trail going the other way about twenty feet below you. Seeing it that close, you will think the switchback must be near. 400 yards later and there's still no sign of it. Multiply this by 20 and you've got the Cascade Pass Trail. Knowing climbers avoid it if the valley bottom is still snowcovered. It's much more direct and saves lots of time--on ascent and descent. Summits (L to R): Hidden Lake Peak, Triad, and Eldorado Peak. July 29, 2000.