Dakobed via Scimitar Glacier
North CascadesBest May–Jun
A spring traverse of Glacier Peak from North Fork Sauk over the summit and down the steep Scimitar Glacier to White Chuck.
About This Trail
The Scimitar Glacier traverse links North Fork Sauk and White Chuck via the summit of Dakobed (Glacier Peak), the most remote volcano in the lower 48. Climb from North Fork Sauk through White Mountain notch at sixty-six hundred feet, summit via the Suiattle and Cool Glacier route, then drop the steep north-facing Scimitar Glacier into the Kennedy moraine country. Exit on the White Chuck road shuttle adds seven miles of road walk.
The Scimitar descent is the technical commitment of the trip — three steep rollovers with bergschrunds and serac hazards on each. Snow conditions vary from variable dry to wind crust to glacial pseudocorn depending on the cycle. The traverse below crosses through forested benches with overhead serac exposure and cliffs along the Kennedy moraine that demand careful line choice.
This is a multi-day spring objective for parties at home on glaciated terrain. Late May is the standard window; earlier risks deeper instability and more snow on the access roads, later risks open bergschrunds and blocked descent lines. Wilderness permit self-issued at the trailhead. Vehicle shuttle required.
North-facing glacier with steep rollovers and bergschrund navigation. Variable dry snow, wind crust, and glacial pseudocorn depending on cycle. Several thousand feet of descent.
No established skin track. Multi-day trail-breaking through glacier and forest country. Bootpack on the steepest pitches.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Few parties make the full traverse in any season. Expect solitude.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Three steep glacier rollovers on Scimitar with bergschrunds at the base
- Serac walls overhead on the Scimitar and Kennedy traverse
- Cliffs on Kennedy moraine — careful line choice required
- Multi-day commitment with no easy bailouts — weather window mandatory
- Forested traverse with overhead serac exposure
- Wilderness permit self-issued at trailhead
Getting There
North Fork Sauk trailhead for the start. White Chuck road washout for exit — vehicle shuttle required, exit adds seven miles of road walk. Northwest Forest Pass at the trailhead.
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