What to know now
The new route is still under construction.
The Mount Van Hoevenberg trail is still under construction. Until it opens, hikers should continue using the existing Cascade route information.
For now, hikers should use current Cascade route information and check official sources before planning around the MVHC approach. The new trail will matter, but it is not the route to use until it officially opens.
Route scale
A longer approach built for heavy use.
The finished hike is expected to run about 5.5 miles one way from the new trailhead near Mount Van Hoevenberg to Cascade summit.
The newly constructed trail itself is about 4.2 miles. As of the June 2, 2025 update, roughly one mile remained to build.
Why it is taking time
This trail is being built for the long run.
Cascade sees an enormous amount of traffic. The new route is being built with that reality in mind: better tread, better drainage, better erosion control, and a layout that can handle repeated use without falling apart immediately.
The last mile is the hardest part. It moves through steep, rugged terrain where careful stonework and durable construction matter. A faster trail could have been cut, but that would not solve the long-term problem.
What hikers should expect
A different Cascade day.
When the new route opens, the Cascade and Porter experience will likely feel different. The approach should shift toward Mount Van Hoevenberg, the distance will be longer, and the trail itself should feel more deliberately built.
More sustainable does not mean easy. Cascade and Porter will still require effort, weather awareness, water planning, and enough time for the full day.
What changes when it opens
Planning changes after opening.
When the new trail opens, Cascade and Porter planning should change too: trailhead, distance, timing, route sequence, map context, and access notes. Until then, use the current Route 73 approach.