Sitting about half a mile downhill from Cascade Pass, Pelton Basin is a free, permit-required backcountry site managed by the National Park Service. Permits come from the NOCA Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. Snow lingers deep in the basin well into summer, and once past the pass, trail markers disappear under snowpack, making route-finding genuinely difficult in early season. The campground has a composting toilet, bear boxes near the group cooking area, and creek water accessible just downhill. Bears are present in the area. Campers wanting an established site with easier access might consider Johannesburg Campground or browse tent camping near North Cascades National Park for additional options.
Description
Just to the east of the pass, the Sahale Arm Trail veers steeply north towards Sahale Peak. The views from Sahale Arm are breathtaking as the trail ascends through sublpine meadows and over steep rock scree, before ending at the toe of the Sahale Glacier and a designated campsite.
From Cascade Pass, you can also head east and downward towards campsites at Pelton Basin and a popular side-trip to Horseshoe Basin-a spectacular steep walled cirque with waterfalls, wildflowers, and an historic mining site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPelton Basin is located in Washington near North Cascades National Park
Coordinates
48.46612451 N
121.04870428 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 43 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 56 min from Bellingham, WA
- 2 hrs 30 min from Seattle, WA
- 4 hrs 46 min from Wenatchee, WA












