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Cascade Pass Zone permit

Cascade Pass Gear Checklist

What to carry on Cascade Pass, and why. 2 items are written into the permit rules and 7 more are worth the pack space.

9Total Items
2Required
7To bring

What to bring on Cascade Pass

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. 2 of these are written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    A bear canister for Sahale Glacier Camp

    loaned free at the Wilderness Information Center and the Glacier Public Service Center

    Permit rule: “Bear canisters are required at Sahale Glacier Camp”

  • Required

    A stove; all four camps here are no-campfire

    Permit rule: “No campfires at Sahale Glacier, Pelton Basin, Basin Creek or Johannesburg”

  • Bring

    An ice axe if you are on the trail in early season; the park says steep snow sections can require one as late as July

  • Bring

    Wind protection for a moraine camp at 7,600 feet

  • Bring

    Water treatment

  • Bring

    Trekking poles

    the park's own July 9, 2026 note recommends them for the snow patches on the Sahale Arm

  • Bring

    Traction devices for early July

  • Bring

    A tent you can pitch on rock, not soil

  • Bring

    A vehicle with clearance; the road is gravel and washboarded past mile 10

12 people can go on one permit. Split this list between them so nobody carries two stoves.

Build a shared list

General backcountry gear

Kit we recommend for backcountry trips in general. This is not a checklist specific to Cascade Pass — the North Cascades National Park rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Cascade Pass

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Check current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

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