As the trail approaches the base of the rocky summit, a few small tarns and snowmelt provide a last water source for backpackers. Look back frequently as a sea of peaks begins to rise behind you. Now the trail begins a long, upward, open traverse through meadows, rocky slopes, and communities of heather and huckleberry, interspersed with small creeklets. Listen for the piercing whistle of marmots sunning on rocky slopes. Observe migrating hawks and eagles near Sibley Pass during autumn. Watch for Ptarmigan and water pipit in the subalpine and near Sibley Creek.
As the trail crosses Sibley Creek again at a higher contour, look back down the valley for views of the icy volcanic dome of Mt. Mudslides or trail slumps are not uncommon. Be sure to stay on the main trail to spare the meadows any additional erosion. Here the trail switchbacks moderately through avalanche and flower meadows thick with cow parsnip, false hellebore, fireweed, and many other wildflowers in season. The trail climbs for 1 mile (1.6 km) through the forest before crossing Sibley Creek and entering the creek basin. Visitors must camp on rock, snow or bare ground, not on fragile alpine vegetation. This area is considered a cross country zone, so there are no trails or designated campsites. This road is moderately steep, fairly rough, and prone to washouts.Ī view of Hidden Lake, with popular camping locations circled. Drive 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to the small trailhead, and park so that you leave room for others and for yourself to exit easily. Drive the Cascade River Road 10.2 miles (16.4 km), then turn left turn onto the Sibley Creek (Hidden Lake) Road (USFS Rd #1540). Cross the Skagit River on a large steel bridge to access the Cascade River Road. Hikers enter the National Park at the saddle before descending to the lake.Īccess: Drive State Route 20 to the town of Marblemount, mile 106. Fires are not allowed in the National Park, and stoves are recommended for all camping in the subalpine area. Avoid camping on the fragile heather communities.
There is also dispersed, minimum-impact camping allowed in the US Forest Service, before reaching the saddle and lake. Decent camping in the park can only be reached via a rocky scramble through the massive boulder fields above the lake-there is no trail, so be prepared for some route-finding and scrambling. The area around Hidden Lake is a cross-country (trailless area) and there are no designated sites, toilets, or bear hangs. Fires are not allowed within the National Park.īackcountry Camping: A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays within the National Park.Controlled pets are allowed along the trail and at the lookout (USFS). Pets and hunting are not allowed in North Cascades National Park (past the Hidden Lake col and down to the lake).Snow lingers into late summer along this trail ice axe, climbing skills, and routefinding are needed to reach the lookout in early season.See the detailed trail description for more information. It is a very popular day hike, but also makes a nice overnight backpack trip and is an access route for climbers headed off into the Eldorado and Triad area. Hidden Lake Peak is a joyous hike that begins in cool forests but quickly propels the hiker into vast, open meadows filled with wildflowers, then rocky slopes and heather, before ending at a steep rocky pinnacle with a historic fire lookout perched on top.
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