High Pass
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A remote 7,100-foot saddle below Liberty Cap with point-blank views of Glacier Peak's glaciated north face.
About This Trail
High Pass earns its name at 7,100 feet on the shoulder of Liberty Cap in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. The full 26-mile round trip from Trinity Trailhead gains 4,500 feet, with the route breaking into two stages: a 9.6-mile, 3,100-foot climb to Buck Creek Pass, then another 3 miles and 1,400 feet to the pass itself. Most parties camp at Buck Creek Pass and day-hike to High Pass from there.
From Buck Creek Pass, the High Pass Trail circles the western flank of Liberty Cap, contouring above Triad Lake through meadows that explode with wildflowers in late July and August. The final approach to the saddle is steep and often snow-covered early in the season. The views from the pass look directly into the heart of the Glacier Peak Wilderness, with the volcano's glaciated mass filling the northern horizon.
This trail can be combined with the Spider Gap - Buck Creek Pass Loop or approached from Little Giant Pass for a point-to-point route. The Trinity Trailhead on Chiwawa River Road is the standard starting point. Fire closures on the Chiwawa River Road affected access during the 2025 Pomas Fire. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. The combination of long approach, significant elevation, and remote location makes this a trip for experienced backpackers, but the payoff at the pass is among the best in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Snow was present on 60-70% of the trail between Buck Creek Pass and High Pass in early October 2024. The 2025 Pomas Fire closed Chiwawa River Road during the summer. Late July through September is the typical window for a snow-free crossing.
“There was 1-3 inches of snow at High Pass and there was snow on the trail for 60-70% of the way from Buck Creek Pass to High Pass on our way up.”
Last report: Aug 25, 2025
Scorecard
Buck Creek Pass sees moderate traffic from backpackers. High Pass itself is quieter since it adds significant extra effort. PCT through-hikers pass through the broader area.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Snow lingers on High Pass trail into late July
- Fully exposed alpine terrain with lightning risk
- Long approach with no bailout options
- Chiwawa River Road subject to fire closures
Getting There
Trinity Trailhead on Chiwawa River Road. Toilet available at the trailhead.
Chiwawa River Road from Highway 2 at Coles Corner to Trinity Trailhead. Check road status as the 2025 Pomas Fire closed access for portions of the summer.
Plan as a 2-3 day trip. Camp at Buck Creek Pass and day-hike to High Pass for the best experience. Start the High Pass portion early for stable morning weather.
Recent Reports
We did Glacier Peak circumnavigation as a 9-day hike with a few long days and a few shorter days Aug. 25-Sept.
My friend, A. , had wanted to get back into the Glacier Peak Wilderness, but the Pomas Fire response teams had closed the roads to Trinity and Phelps Creek.
We started at Little Giant Trailhead at 11am, planning on doing a loop over up Little Giant Pass, High Pass, and back through Trinity if the river seemed navigable. We were able to forge safely without much issue (water high thigh height).
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