Sahale Glacier vs. Glacier Basin
Newbie backpacker here. I happen to be in the spectacularly lucky position of having overnight backpacking passes to both Sahale Glacier in the North Cascades and Glacier Basin at Mt. Rainier for this Saturday and Sunday nights (long story short, a friend put me as her secondary permit holder in case she couldn't go and...she can't go.) I was hoping to get some recommendations and maybe some encouragement.
I want to take advantage of Sunrise Visitor Center being closed to the public right now to explore the area relatively crowd-free, though of course I worry about smoke and air quality. With Sahale, it feels like I'm holding the golden ticket because I hear these are impossible to get, but worry about the elevation climb and also the smoke conditions.
Some background: after turning 40 I had a wakeup call regarding my health, lost 80lb and discovered the excruciating joy of hiking and backpacking and haven't been able to get enough since. I'm still a beginner backpacker, having been on only 4 (all solo) overnights and never a multi day. Recently did Marmot Pass and Copper Ridge to Silesia camp, both of which were amazing and both of which nearly killed me -- it was worth it, but I've never been so tired in my life.
Appreciate any insight y'all have. I'd also love to release one set of these permits asap so someone else can use and appreciate them!