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Date: August 2, 2007
Contact: Charles Beall, (360) 854-7302

Temporary repairs are now in place that allows for vehicle access to the Cascade Pass parking area. Flooding last November necessitated the closure of the Cascade River Road three miles from its end. The road through the repairs remains rough and narrow. Please drive slowly and with caution.

A Federal Highways Administration design team will visit the road in August to develop plans for permanent repairs to begin in the spring and anticipated to be completed by July 1.

The Cascade Pass Trail is a great day hike with spectacular views of peaks and glaciers. The trail climbs steadily to the pass, with views of peaks such as Eldorado, Johannesburg, Magic, Mixup and McGregor. This trail provides the shortest and easiest access in the park to the alpine environment. As a result, Cascade Pass is the most popular day hike in the national park and can be quite busy on summer weekends. Pets are not allowed.

All overnight stays in the backcountry require a free permit, which must be obtained in person and is issued on a first come first served basis. The preferred location for obtaining permits is the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount.

The last two miles of the Cascade River Road are typically closed October 15th when ice makes driving hazardous. However, the last three miles of the road will be closed for the season by September 30th to preserve fish spawning habitat through the removal of six temporary culverts.

For additional information about the Cascade Pass Trail, call 360-854-7245 or visit http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/cascade-pass-trail.htm

For updated trail conditions, call 360-854-7245 or visit http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/trail-conditions.htm