Cathedral Pass Loop (Alpine Lakes)
~2 days · 14 mi · moderate · Loop
Quick facts
What the Cathedral Pass Loop (Alpine Lakes) is known for
This roughly 13-mile loop in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness starts near Salmon La Sac at the head of the Cle Elum River valley, climbs to Cathedral Pass beneath the spire of Cathedral Rock, and returns via Deception Pass and the valley floor near Hyas Lake. About 2,800 ft of gain; a classic 2-day trip.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 11,033 ft to 18,136 ft over 14 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 7.3 mi · 53%
- Downhill 5.9 mi · 43%
- Flat 0.5 mi · 4%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Cathedral Pass Loop (Alpine Lakes)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Cathedral Pass Loop (Alpine Lakes) scores 23/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Cathedral Pass Loop (Alpine Lakes) take?
Most backpackers hike the Cathedral Pass Loop (Alpine Lakes) in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 14 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Cathedral Pass Loop (Alpine Lakes)?
The Cathedral Pass Loop (Alpine Lakes) climbs roughly 3,258 ft total — about 233 ft per mile, topping out near 5,545 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.