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Seattle - North Cascades National Park

Writer: Hannah Nietfeld
Hannah Nietfeld
Mar 15
5 min read

Updated: May 14

Summit of Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail

August 30th, 2025

Our first hiking day! Friday night, Miles and I stayed up to decide where we should hike the following morning. There are so many great National Parks and hiking trails in the area, but we narrowed it down to a favorite of Miles, Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail. I checked the stats on AllTrails and it looked within my abilities so we went for it.


Saturday morning, we slept in until 8am and were on the road by 9am to head to North Cascades National Park! There's a small grocery store in Miles neighborhood that we stopped at before hitting the road, picking up some breakfast items. Miles, a breakfast sandwich, me, a coffee. Risky play right before we were about to hike a trail with no bathroom access, but we had a 2.5 hour car ride ahead of us so I was hopeful that I would be good by the time we started our hike.


It was a cloudy morning, but the forecast was looking optimistic for the time we would start our hike Miles was getting a bit nervous because typically you can see the mountains on the entirety of this drive, however we never got a glance at them until the very last 30 minutes. But, if there was a time for the sun to peak through, may it be when we are on our hike, so no complaints on my part.


We spent the whole car ride chatting, continuing our many conversations of the weekend. By the end of my stay, I was sure we should hopefully have caught up by then, because we had so many opportunities to chat. I did miss our friend Timmy, it would have been so fun to have him in the mix, but, that'll be the next visit!


We got to the National Park around noon, stopping for gas about halfway through our trip. This place was beautiful. The sky was clear, the air was warm but not humid, truly perfect hiking conditions. The first half of the hike was switch backs, which I appreciated because it helped us gain elevation a modest degree of difficulty. However, when the switch backs concluded, the more arduous portion of the hike was upon us. And this is where Miles and I separated a bit and went at our own pace. Not to mention that I was going even slower because of my camera, so totally understand Miles keeping his own pace instead of waiting around for me to catch my breath and get my photos. Let's just say, he had plentyyy of time to take in the view each time we came to a lookout point.



We didn't make it all the way to the end/top of the trail, but where we concluded our hike was perfectly beautiful to me. The rest of the way was pure uphill to a glacier, and I was not appealed by that as I did not ration my water well enough. I heard Miles mention that he had a water filter, so I drank my water as needed, thinking that we would be able to get fresh water at the peak. To my unplanned dismay, there was no good fresh water source at the top and my water bottle was bone dry. I even had a backpack and didn't think to pack an extra water. So, we stopped there, mainly due to my lack of resources, but also, it we wanted to make sure we got down to the bottom of the hill before it got dark.



We really cut it close because we spent so much time at the top, enjoying the view we worked hard for, and having those top of hill epiphany life changing type conversations. About what's the right path to follow, the better decision to make, the redirection that we need, and the steps to take in order to obtain our dreams. But truly, a moment like that is one of my favorites. For one, hiking, and reaching the top, earning the amazing view very few people can even reach or achieve. And while staring out to enjoy the very reason for which you travel, incredible nature, you are having a deep conversation with a close friend that you don't get to see as often, but you were close with for a reason? Yes, I was content with my afternoon. A bit sweaty, but surely a smile on my face and joy in my heart.



Back down the hill we went, I love when it feels like a different view on your way because because you are seeing the same place from a different perspective, angle, POV. And it was both beautiful and different. I really enjoyed the first half of the descent. However, the second half of the hike was a bit tortuous, The once grateful switch backs were coming to haunt me. Desperate for some water, food, and a place to sit, I was ready to be done hiking, however there was always at least one more switch back. I think Miles was also a bit over the hike down, plus the sun was just starting to set below the mountain peaks, so it was getting darker quickly. And per the Wilderness Explorers, it is not good to hike in the dark. So our mile pace got faster and faster as we neared the end of this hike.



Finally, we saw gravel and cars, and I can't remember the last time I was this excited to hear running cars and honking horns. And when we reached his car, I just about collapsed into the seat, my legs shaking and feet sore from the my hiking boots, which I really need to upgrade.


I bet you can guess what our first stop was... correct, to get water. It took us 45 minutes however to get out of the National Park and into the closest town. But the first quick stop we found, we pulled over and bought the largest jug of water we could. I wanted to down the whole thing instantly, but thankfully I still had a good amount left to last me the rest of the drive until we got back to Seattle.


Overall, it was such a great day. I loved the drive out, the many fun conversations we had, the challenging hike but worthwhile views, and most importantly, quality time with my friend. Whenever I travel, my two favorite things that I seek out are nature and friendship. I will go to the ends of the earth if that means I get to reunite or spend quality time with a dear friend of mine, and/or to visit the most breathtaking nature. Today, I got both and I was a happy camper.

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