Castle Pass Trail #749


This is a ridge and side hill trail linking the northern end of the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 and East Bank Trails in the North Cascades National Park. This trail drops into timber of Big Face Creek and back to meadows in Elbow Basin. There is a long descent in timber to Three Fools Creek and the park boundary. The East Bank Trail is about 4.5 miles beyond the boundary. This trail has has many down trees and is difficult to follow in places, especially in meadows where the tread is often absent and near Big Face Creek and Three Fools Creek, as it has not been cleared of down trees since 2006.  This trail usually melts out later than most trails in the wilderness. This trail is impassable for stock. This trail offers good views of Jack Mountain, Hozameen Mountain, and the Pickett Range. 

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Not maintained for seven years, many, many down trees across trail.
Fees: No fee from Ross Lake or Hart's Pass access points. Northwest Forest Pass required for parking at most access trailheads into the Pasayten Wilderness.
Permit Info: Free, self issue Wilderness permits are required for the Pasayten Wilderness. They are available at trailheads.
Open Season: July
Best Season: August
Busiest Season: August
Restrictions: Wilderness use restrictions apply.Certified weed free hay is required on National forestlands (processed grains are okay).
Closest Towns: Mazama, WA
Passes: Northwest Forest Pass required at most access trailheads into the Pasayten Wilderness.
Operated By: Forest Service

General Information

Directions: Eastern terminus: Junction of Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 and Castle Pass Trail #749 at Castle Pass. Western terminus: Desolation Campground, Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

Activities

Backpacking

The trail offers good views of Jack, Hozomeen, and the Pickett Range. This trail is the natural continuation of Boundary Trail #533, which ends at Castle Pass. The Elbow Basin Trail is not maintained as high standard a trail as #533. Specific Hazards/Difficulties: The trail is difficult to follow in places, especially in meadow where the tread is often absent. This trail usually melts out late compared to most trails in the wilderness.