![]() Winnie Hsieh May 2025The generally warm and sunny weather that we saw in April seems to have transitioned into more "normal" or "average" weather for the month of May. According to some outlooks, May is trending towards near average temperatures and even slightly above average precipitation totals for northwest Washington, including the North Cascades.As of the first week of May, the snowpack in the North Cascades is all but gone below 4000', and feels healthy once above 5000' elevation. South-facing terrain is melting out quicker than other aspects, and there is a noticable change once you move to north-facing terrain where the snowpack is closer to average depth. Keep in mind that we have not seen a real high water event yet this spring, meaning creeks and rivers could rise quickly with a couple warm days in a row or a warm rain-on-snow event. Be sure to check the weather forecast, trail conditions, and closures beforehand. As always, leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member, including the date and time you plan to exit the backcountry. Closures and NoticesStay up-to-date with road, trail, and camp closures related to wildfire and seasonal winter closures using the helpful links provided. Understand the rules and regulations, including food storage requirements at each camp or cross-country zone, prior to your visit. You can find the backcountry permit process and regulations on the backcountry permit page. ALL overnight trips in the park require a backcountry permit.Note: Overnight camping at trailheads in the national park is prohibited. This includes the Eldorado, Boston Basin, and Cascade Pass trailheads. Current and General Climbing Conditions Climbing conditions are reported by climbing rangers, and updated as frequently as possible.
A detailed climbing blog and composting toilet location on Sulphide Glacier can be found here:
Climbing Conditions - Mt. Shuksan
A detailed climbing blog and composting toilet location on Eldorado can be found here:
Climbing Conditions - Eldorado Area
A detailed climbing blog and composting toilet location at Boston Basin can be found here:
Climbing Conditions - Boston Basin Area
Hannegan Pass Trailhead
5/8 - The road is drivable to within a mile of the trailhead. The trail to Hannegan Pass is a mixture of dirt trail and snow, with numerous avalanche paths covering the trail until full snow coverage starting 2+ miles from the trailhead. 5/8 - The road to the Goodell Creek trailhead is drivable to the trailhead. Consistent snow starts at or above 4600' elevation.
5/8 - No recent report.
Mt. Goode NE Buttress
5/8 - No recent report. Bacon Peak, Mount Hagan, Mount Blum 5/8 - No recent report. |
Last updated: May 15, 2025