June 2, 2106 - Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Vicinity

A quick post for weekend trip planning, since no beta on TAY so far this year. Eric & I exited Logan High Route (fm Swamp Ck on Hwy 20) via Sahale & Cascade Pass environs on Thursday evening. Though the Arm still has plenty of fun & skiable snow (especially to Doubtful Lake), the west-side Cascade Pass headwall is 95% "done" for the season (far skiers' L is only marginally skiable; going fast; lots of brush above road-end). We walked/descended the Cascade Pass trail and found solid snow cover on the upper four brutally-flat switchbacks, with multiple old-growth blowdowns over trail in final mile. The CRR is gated at mp 19 (Eldo Creek) and must be walked on largely dry roadbed all the way to road end. No sign of opening the road past Eldo any time soon, since County excavating equipment is parked at mp 21 and ~22. Midas Ck crossing is marginally debris+water covered.

Logic suggests that Sahale-CPass zone is not a viable touring destination this year; way too much effort for minimal turns IMHO. But a promising gateway to longer and larger multi-day tours+turns or descents if one can endure the long, foot-sore approach. Mix-up Arm and alpine traverse zones south (and north) of CPass are well snow covered and look inviting.

Snow cover & quality on Logan High Route seemed normal, and provided four days of energetic touring. Douglas, Fremont and Banded glaciers all have great seasonal cover with minimal problematic cracks. Skiable snow still present in Fisher Pass environs but melting fast on west aspect of Spectacular Ridge. Cool to travel through the lonely land of the NCNP giants again. All the Norwands still seem well plastered.