![]() Lush meadows bloom in pinks, reds, purples, whites, and yellows. The trail into Fisher Basin is steep and scenic. The larch, a deciduous conifer which turns gold before losing its needles in the fall, is found only in the northern fringes of the United States and the eastern ridges of the North Cascades. Scattered clumps of trees include subalpine larch, subalpine fir, mountain hemlock, and farther up the ridge, whitebark pine. An ice axe is advised through early summer.Įasy Pass is spectacular, separating Granite Creek Valley and the drier mountains to the east from the glacier-mantled peaks ringing the Fisher Creek drainage to the west. The trail can be lost in lingering snow fields. Look and listen for pika and hoary marmots. The trail now climbs steeply, crossing Easy Pass Creek three times, traversing steep rock slopes and avalanche meadows. Look for spring-time glacier lilies emerging from the snow. After two miles (3 km) of western hemlock and Pacific silver fir forests, the trail emerges into avalanche paths on the flanks of Ragged Ridge. Three hundred yards (270 m) from the trailhead, cross Granite Creek on a footlog and head up into the forest. A US Forest Service Northwest Forest Pass is required to park here. The trailhead is located on the south side of the highway. Midway along the Fisher Creek Trail, find Cosho Camp in the forest, and Junction Camp is located at the intersection with the Thunder Creek Trail.Īccess: Follow State Route 20 to mile 151. Fisher Camp is located in the basin below the pass. There is no camping allowed at Easy Pass or in the meadows. An ice axe is necessary to safely traverse the steep snow.īackcountry Camping: A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays. The north side of this trail usually has steep snow well into July.Please take care to avoid trampling the vegetation by hiking and resting only on durable surfaces such as the trail, snow or rocks. This area has very fragile vegetation.Pets are not allowed at Easy Pass or anywhere else in the national park.See the detailed trail description for more information on this area. Backpackers will enjoy camping in Fisher Basin and along the wild and shady Fisher Creek. In the spring and early summer, wildflowers abound, and in the autumn, golden larches make this area even more special. The short, steep trail to the pass is anything but "easy." The views, however, are your reward: panoramic vistas of Fisher Basin and Mounts Logan, Fisher, and Arriva. Extensive meadows are crowned by glacial peaks. The trailhead is on the south side of the highway between milepost 151 and milepost 152.Many believe the Easy Pass and Fisher Basin area to be one of the most superb places in the North Cascades. (A $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at nearby Rainy Pass trailhead).įrom Winthrop, drive about 40 miles west on State Route 20 (or 46 miles east from Marblemount) to Easy Pass Trailhead. Dogs are not allowed in the national park.Ī recreation pass is required for parking. The national park does not allow campfires at Fisher Camp or the Fisher Creek Basin - be sure to carry a stove if you plan an overnight stay. Trail is closed to horse, mountain bikes, and motorbikes. If coming from the east side, Marblemount can also issue permits via email, Season: A permit can be obtained at the National Park Service office in Marblemount. (A $5/vehicle/day Northwest Forest Pass can be purchased from a self-pay station provided at nearby Rainy Pass trailhead).Ī national park backcountry permit is required for overnight camping in the national park. Interpretive Site,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,ParkingĪ recreation pass is required for parking. ![]()
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