The Roaring Cascades Magical Summit is an enchanting destination tucked away in the heart of nature. This mystical retreat offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking tranquility and adventure. Nestled amidst towering trees and breathtaking waterfalls, it is no wonder that visitors are captivated by its beauty. The main highlight of this destination is the roaring cascades that cascade down the mountainside, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The powerful rush of water creates a soothing symphony that can be heard from miles away. The summit, located at a dizzying height, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Even though its summit elevation is rather moderate, the view from Hurry Up is as good as any in the Cascades. Positioned on the crest between the wild peaks of the Ptarmigan Traverse and the icy giants up north, there is a sense of infinity to the range. The more I ski, the more doors are opened, and the possibilities truly do seem, at times, infinite.
Snow coverage directly up the gut towards Cascade Pass looked good, so we passed the picnic tables and dove into the alder, following a faint animal trail. We glided over to the base of the Plan B Couloir, a marvelous little line that is the key to this entire tour, giving access to the upper flanks of Hurry Up Peak.
The summit, located at a dizzying height, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It feels like standing on top of the world, as the rolling hills and lush green valleys unfold before you. It is a place where one can truly connect with nature and experience a sense of awe and wonder.
The Magic SLoop:
Magic Mountain Loop - S Glacier Ski Descent
It was a great pleasure to finally ski with the illustrious Dan Helmstadter. Dan, fresh émigré from low-snow Colorado, was ready and willing to undertake whatever I suggested. So I made a plan. Dan skied Cooper Spur on Mt Hood the previous week, then made an attempt at NFNWR on Adams, so he clearly had ideas about the volcanos. An introduction to some of Washington's other alpine treasures seemed in order. It was easy to choose Cascade River Road.
Late last November, with the onset of the monsoons and incredible powder runs on Mt Snoqualmie stoking my fire for skiing, I meditated over Green Fred and hatched a plan. Here it is:
Cascade Pass → Cache Col → Art's Knoll → Hurry Up Peak → S Glacier → Yawning Glacier → Cascade Pass.
It's a little jaunt around Magic Mountain, plus a bonus descent of Hurry Up Peak via the S Glacier; it's a Magic S-Loop; Hurry Up: It's da Magic SLoop. Several times through the winter I whispered my plan to conspirators: Who could resist a day pushing 10,000 ft and 20 miles, including four ski descents in one of the most scenic areas of the Cascades?
Dan and I left the Eldorado Trailhead at 5 am and hiked Cascade River Road. Thank you, NPS, for the foot bridges over the washouts. We booted continuous snow from the end of the road to Cascade Pass with two very short intermissions. Above Cascade Pass, there was clearly fresh snow on Mixup Arm. Hopefully not too much - or, hopefully it got zapped a little on Monday above the clouds while Seattle was still gray.
Climbing the roll after the traverse on the arm, the snow had been zapped, but there was still a lot of fresh under there. It felt as deep as two feet in places. I was really glad that the suface had such a great freeze after the clear night.
We skied some good corn and a little breakable crust to Kool Aid Lake. Then we skinned to Art's Knoll. Below Plan B Couloir by 11 am, we were actually ahead of my schedule. How did that happen, huh?
Jason and Sam's couloir looked great. Too bad that we didn't have time to yoyo Hurry Up, still concerned about a possible death by slurpee: a dangerous ride on a slush slide. Plan B Couloir is sweet but short. Dan really liked the views of Spider Mountain. We failed to notice anything near 55 degrees en route to the summit ridge. Let's give Jason and Sam the benefit of the doubt and say that it's likely to feature steeper sections in drought years.
The question of the day and the crux of Da SLoop: How is the snow on the S Glacier? Dan absolutely shredded the first roll and made it look like great corn on his Volkl Mantras. I seemed to break through the crust with every turn on my Atomic TMXs, but not too badly. I might have to try a pair of these fat skis. We played things a bit conservatively since the snow was about two feet deep under the crust, but the crust seemed strong.
S Glacier is a beautiful descent and the views with Trapper Lake are stunning. Nice pick, Skoogs and Andreas.
We skied a gully on skier's right to gain access to the lower cirque. There was still fresh down to that elevation. While traversing a roll, I noticed that the crust was no longer strong, so I gave it a good stomp and watched a big wet slide roar over the cirque cliffs below me. Then Dan and I had sweet corn turns on the older snow left in the slide's wake.
Over Alliteration Col (betwixt Pelton Peak and Magic Mountain) to the Yawning Glacier: no problem. A mixed bag of breakable and old down the YG, a very nice slowly rising traverse without skins to Cascade Pass, and a descent on very sweet corn from Cascade Pass: what a way to end the day.
We traversed far skier's left from Cascade Pass. I thought we were in a continuous snow finger that would get us through the cliffs. "All right Dan, let's rip." We both hammered the steep corn until - Hit the brakes! - we were right above a moat and a waterfall. Sidestep up, one finger over, and we hammered the corn to the road.
How do you like the Cascades, Dan? What's that, you want more?
As if that was not enough of a warm Washington welcome, the next day we made the inaugural descent of Cumshot Couloir, to this day still one of my favorites.
- Ski Sickness
- Cascade Pass Climbing and Skiing
- Patient History - Chronology
At Cache Col, we were stricken with horror to see that the snow blob was not even really attached to the rock! If we had known that, we would have given it even more berth. It is going to drop soon, and that will be bad for anyone on the Cache Glacier…
The summit is also a haven for adventure seekers. Hiking trails wind through the dense forests, leading to hidden gems such as secluded waterfalls and serene lakes. For those who seek an adrenaline rush, there are opportunities for rock climbing and rappelling down the sheer cliff faces. The summit is also popular among birdwatchers, as it is home to a wide variety of bird species. The Roaring Cascades Magical Summit is not just about adventure and natural beauty; it also offers a unique cultural experience. Local artisans set up stalls, showcasing their traditional crafts and artwork. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture of the region, learning about its history and traditions. Accommodation options at the summit range from cozy cabins nestled in the woods to luxurious resorts that offer all the comforts of home. Whether you choose to stay for a day or a week, the Roaring Cascades Magical Summit promises an experience like no other. So, if you are looking for a place to reconnect with nature, seek adventure, and experience a sense of magic and wonder, look no further than the Roaring Cascades Magical Summit. It is a place where memories are made, and dreams come true..
Reviews for "Discovering the Roaring Cascades' Secret Paradise at its Mystical Summit"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Roaring Cascades Magical Summit. The summit looked nothing like the pictures advertised. The cascades were barely trickling, and there was no element of magic whatsoever. The overall experience felt very underwhelming, especially considering the high ticket price. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a magical adventure.
2. John - 1/5 - I had such high hopes for the Roaring Cascades Magical Summit, but it turned out to be a complete letdown. The whole event was poorly organized, and there was a serious lack of activities or entertainment. The so-called magical elements were barely noticeable, and it felt like a regular visit to a crowded park rather than a magical experience. Save your money and find something else to do.
3. Amanda - 2/5 - I was extremely disappointed in the Roaring Cascades Magical Summit. The advertised magical elements were few and far between, making the event seem like false advertising. Additionally, the summit was overcrowded, and it was challenging to enjoy the attractions amidst the masses of people. The lack of organization and attention to detail made the overall experience chaotic and frustrating. I would not recommend this event to anyone seeking a truly magical experience.