Explore page

Sylvan Marshes

Stomping through brush and crossing fallen logs while leaving beaver island you will notice marshes filled with diverse water fowl. Solitary Blue Herons stilt across the waters. American Diving birds pop up and down the surface. Nuthatchers peck along the bark of the trees. It is a great spot to reflect and meditate on life.

Trails

Creek Side Trail leads away west from the meadow taking venturesome travelers toward the seep ponds. The trail is maintained as an easy walking trail and a great place to enjoy interesting natural wonders such as this Coral Fungi. Other species of fungi abound in the fall, such as bracket fungi, Chanterelles, bird's nest fungi and many others.

Old Growth Timber

Following Creek Side trail at the southern edge of the seep ponds, don't pass by the log bridge leading to the small islet called "Beaver Island". Protected from forest fire for centuries and nourished by the slow seepage of water from nearby Nason Creek, many magnificent Douglas Firs and Western Cedars flourish. Our camp manager found this wonderful cedar last October. Over 6 feet in diameter, the tree is easily four hundred years old. The cedar could have been a fine healthy young tree long before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.

Location

Cascade Meadows is located 13 miles east of the summit of Stevens Pass on Highway 2, then two miles south on White Pine Creek Road. From the lodge to the south rise the peaks of the Chiwaukum Mountains. The camp is just a mile from the White Pine trial head, gateway to the northern most parts of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, which is filled with dozens of hanging valleys, sweeping meadows, and mountain lakes. The seclusion of the wilderness area spills into the valley and is only disturbed by the occasional train.

 

Nason Creek

Nason Creek winds in and out of the camp's northern boundary. In the Spring it rages with melted snow, pushing hard against it's banks. In the summer, seen above, it offers a refreshing break from the summer heat. Humming birds skim its surfaces early in the morning. Harlequin ducks paddle by with their broods searching for aquatic insects. In Autumn, migrating Chinook salmon congregate and nest along its gravelly shoals. It mirrors the leaves in late September and October, intensifying the spectacular colors of the season.