Devils Dome Loop

The Devils Dome Loop is one of the North Cascades' great multi-day backpacking circuits — a roughly 40-mile trek that throws everything the range has at you. You'll climb through old-growth forest along the East Bank Trail, cross the wild upper reaches of Jackita Ridge, and eventually summit Devils Dome itself, where the panorama stretches from Jack Mountain's glaciers to the jagged teeth of the Picket Range. The trail alternates between dense timber and wide-open alpine meadows carpeted with lupine and paintbrush in late July. Expect rugged, sometimes faint tread through the high country, with a few creek crossings that run fast during snowmelt. The descent along Devils Creek feels endless but rewards with solitude few trails in the Lower 48 can match. This loop is built for experienced backpackers who want wilderness that earns its reputation.