Easy Pass & Fisher Creek Basin

getting there

Drive SR-20 to the Easy Pass trailhead between Mileposts 151 and 152. There is room for about ten cars, and bathroom facilities are available.

ON THE TRAIL

Follow the Easy Pass Trail up and over easy pass and descend into Fisher Creek Basin. Camp at Fisher Camp. The east side trail is well graded and a very easy ascent, on the west side it drops quickly into the basin on a steep and heavily switch backed trail. The ascent starts off with a stroll through a dense forest, a very nice bridge crossing and a number of very well constructed foot bridges elevating the hiker over mudded areas. At about 5,500 ft the forest ends and opens into flowering meadows with a good view of the pass. There is little shade left at this point until the bottom of the basin on the other side of the pass. Ascend the trail through a few boulder fields. At 6,500 ft, you'll be at the pass. Astounding views to the west of glacial peaks and into the basin with a few larch trees for fall colors as well.

notes

• Day hiking out-and-back to Easy Pass is 7 miles round trip.
• Camping is not allowed at the pass.
• Fisher Camp has three camp spots, two support one tent each, while the third can support four tents.
• There is easy access to water in the basin, and few small creeks during the ascent. There is next water after the pass is at Fisher Creek.
• Snow can persist late into the season.
• At the pass there are a few very accessible scrambles.
• In the winter the slope on the east side is a nice intermediate ski, and the slope on the west side is for experts.

information for leaders

Courses, paid clinics, staff-led programs, and course field trips require a Commercial Use Authorization. The Park typically accepts applications for 2-year CUAs  through mid-March each year, and CUA's are activity-specific. Please contact info@mountaineers.org if you would like to apply for a CUA for a field trip or paid clinic for an activity we do not already have a CUA for. Please follow all Mountaineers group guidelines when leading trips or courses in North Cascades National Park. 

Notes:

• Leaders are responsible for securing backcountry permits or other required permits even if  we have a CUA.
• Leaders must have all relevant CUAs with them in paper or electronic copy to show Parks Staff as requested. 
• All Hiking course field trips or paid clinics must have a First aid and CPR certified leader. Current (non-expired) certificates must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip
• All mountaineering field trips or paid clinics must have a WFR-certified leader and a leader with documented climbing certifications (an AMGA certification OR Mountaineers climb leader with a recent resume of training and experience). Both qualifications must be uploaded to the park web portal by Mountaineers staff prior to the trip

View list of current North Cascades CUAs

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
• Seasons: July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Length: 11.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft
• High Point: 6,674 ft

• Land Manager: North Cascades National Park
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12