HIKE NO. 18 | SAHALE GLACIER CAMP | 18-19 JULY

I will start by saying that I have day hiked to Sahale Glacier Camp previously, so I have at least experience the views that were not visible July 18th-19th.

I picked up my solo backpacking permit on Wednesday and car camped prior to starting my hike on Thursday. It was foggy/cloudy in the morning but looked as though the clouds would lift at some point, with periods of sun peaking through giving light to the amazing views. I started up the switchbacks, only seeing one other person until the last of the switchbacks (passed two backpackers coming down after a rainy night). Eventually, I was passed by a few rangers and day hikers closer to Cascade Pass. 

The clouds remained low at the Pass, before turning to light rain as I made my way up the switchbacks to the Doubtful Lake overlook/turnoff. There was one short burst of snow, but also the occasional sun lighting up the mountainside. I was able to get some views at this point, but they soon disappeared. As I made my way up Sahale Arm, wind speeds increased and SNOW began. Heavy wet snow started about as I made my way up the rocky push up towards camp. I had an idea of where a few of the campsites were. The first was occupied, so I slowly made my way across the snowfield to the barely visible rocky section where I was sure there was another camp. Luckily this one was free. 

Snow continued from about 4PM until I left camp around 7AM, then turned to an intermittent downpour of rain until I reached the top of the switchbacks beyond Cascade Pass. The wind gusts were very strong throughout the night, so much that I only ended up getting maybe 2 hours of sleep when things calmed down (for two hours) around midnight.

There was a lot more foot traffic on Friday, day hikers and the occasional backpackers. Based on the weather I had at Mount Baker later that day (and the next), it looks as though the weather cleared up nicely!

For what it's worth, Mountain Forecast showed cloudy during the day and clear skies on Thursday night. I was prepared, gear-wise for any weather (testing out gear for an upcoming month-long backpacking trip). Always make sure to have layers! It may turn out to be hot and sunny or the weather could change. 

Pelton Basin Camp was closed per the Marblemount rangers and signs at the trailhead, due to bear activity.

Wildlife: 1 deer, 2 marmots, and a couple of pikas (no bears or mountain goats)
Temperature: Low 30s to low 50s (at the warmest)
Weather: Rain, Snow, and Strong Winds