Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm

Drive Cascade River Road 23 miles to the end, 13 of which are unpaved; parking lot half full Hit the trail at 8:00 AM; warm day with light breeze; hazy from fires in CA with AQI around 50, visibility around 8 miles 2.75 miles of 35 switchbacks through forest, then escape out to expansive views Made it to Cascade Pass at 9:00 AM 4.3 miles to doubtful lake trail intersection, 9:30 AM Made it to Sahale Arm at 9:55 AM, 6600 elevation, 5.15 miles Down approx 1/2 mile, 700 feet to the lake shore at 11:35 AM (7.75 miles, 5365 elevation); saw a few fish rising Back to Doubtful Lake sign (8.22 miles, 6084 elevation, 12:15 PM) 9.05 miles back to Cascade Pass, 5370 elevation, then back down the long stretch of switchbacks 5 bears spotted on hike - 1 just below Cascade Pass, 1 above Cascade Pass, 1 on the East side of Sahale Arm, 1 on the West side of Sahale Arm, and 1 on the way down to Doubtful Lake Also enjoyed about one dozen ptarmigans, mostly near Sahale Arm and a few marmots Back to car at 1:30 PM, full parking lot; 12.69 miles total