North Cascades National Park Hiking: Peaks, Glaciers and Wildlife

North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is a beautiful and rugged park known for its stunning mountain ranges, forests, and waterfalls. While the park is quite remote, the beauty of its landscape should be on any one looking for great hiking opportunities! A definitely must-do on a National Park road trip from Seattle!

North Cascades National Park Road Trip

A road trip to North Cascades National Park in Washington state, USA, is an unforgettable experience. With its rugged peaks, glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and deep valleys, the park is a nature lover’s paradise. Here is a suggested itinerary for a road trip to North Cascades National Park:

Day 1:

Arrive in Seattle, Washington and spend the day exploring the city.
In the evening, drive to Marblemount, located just outside the park’s boundary.

Day 2:

Start your road trip by driving the North Cascades Scenic Byway, which runs through the heart of the park and provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Make a stop at the Diablo Lake Overlook, where you can admire the turquoise-colored lake surrounded by towering peaks.
Continue driving on the scenic byway to the Ross Lake Resort, located on the shores of Ross Lake.
Spend the night at the resort or in one of the nearby campgrounds.

Day 3:

Spend the day kayaking or fishing on Ross Lake, or hiking in the surrounding wilderness.
In the evening, drive to the park’s western boundary and spend the night in one of the nearby towns.

Day 4:

Drive to the trailhead for the Cascade Pass, a popular destination for hiking and backpacking.
Hike to the top of the pass for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
In the afternoon, drive to the Stehekin Valley, located at the end of Lake Chelan.
Spend the night in the valley or in one of the nearby campgrounds.

Day 5:

Spend the day exploring the Stehekin Valley, including the nearby waterfalls and lakes.
In the evening, drive to the town of Winthrop, located just outside the park’s eastern boundary.

Day 6:

Drive to the trailhead for the Washington Pass, another popular destination for hiking and backpacking.
Hike to the top of the pass for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
In the afternoon, drive back to Seattle and spend the night in the city.

Day 7:

Depart from Seattle and return home with memories of your incredible road trip to North Cascades National Park.

This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be adjusted to suit your interests and schedule. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in the park, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Note: Always be prepared for changes in weather and road conditions, and check with park rangers for the most up-to-date information on trail closures, fires, and other hazards. Additionally, make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the park’s wildlife and wilderness areas.

Cascade Mountain Range

What to See in the North Cascades

North Cascades National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. With over 500,000 acres of protected wilderness, the park is home to rugged peaks, glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and deep valleys. Here are some of the must-see attractions in North Cascades National Park:

Diablo Lake: This stunning turquoise-colored lake is surrounded by towering peaks, creating a dramatic landscape. Diablo Lake is fed by glacial runoff, giving it its unique color. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour or hike around the lake to enjoy its beauty.
Ross Lake: This narrow, glacier-fed lake is over 20 miles long and is surrounded by towering peaks, creating an idyllic setting for kayaking, fishing, or simply admiring the scenery.
Mount Baker: This 10,781-foot peak is one of the most iconic in the park and is an excellent place for hiking, climbing, or backcountry skiing. On clear days, the view from the summit is breathtaking, with views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Boston Basin: This beautiful basin is surrounded by towering peaks and is a popular spot for backpacking and camping. Visitors can hike to the basin and set up camp, or climb one of the many peaks in the area.
Cascade Pass: This scenic drive takes visitors over the Cascade Range and provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trailhead to Cascade Pass is located near the parking lot, and from there, visitors can hike to the top for panoramic views.
Sahale Glacier: This picturesque glacier is surrounded by towering peaks and provides a stunning backdrop for hiking, camping, and mountaineering. Visitors can hike to the base of the glacier or climb to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Hidden Lake: This serene lake is located in the heart of the park and is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and fishing. Visitors can hike to the lake, set up camp, and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness.
Ladder Creek Falls: This stunning waterfall is located near the park’s western boundary and is a popular spot for picnicking and hiking. Visitors can hike to the falls and enjoy the sound of the cascading water and the beauty of the surrounding forest.
Stehekin Valley: This picturesque valley is located at the end of Lake Chelan and is accessible only by boat or foot. Visitors can hike, camp, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Washington Pass: This scenic drive takes visitors over the Cascade Range and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trailhead to Washington Pass is located near the parking lot, and from there, visitors can hike to the top for panoramic views.

North Cascades National Park is a breathtaking destination that offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, camper, or simply a nature lover, you’ll find something to love in this stunning wilderness.

Things to Do in the North Cascades National Park

Hike the trails: There are over 300 miles of trails in Cascades National Park, ranging from easy to challenging. Some popular hikes include the Skyline Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and the Heather-Maple Pass Loop, which takes you through alpine meadows and past several waterfalls.
Visit the waterfalls: The park is home to several waterfalls, including the popular Carbon River Falls and the scenic Maple Falls.
Go rock climbing: The park has a variety of rock climbing routes, ranging from beginner to advanced. Some popular climbing areas include Tumwater Canyon and Index.
See the wildlife: Cascades National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, marmots, and elk. Keep an eye out for these animals as you explore the park.
Take a scenic drive: The park has several scenic drives that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One option is the Mount Baker Highway, which takes you through the mountains and past several glaciers.
Go backpacking: The park has several backpacking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Canada. Backpacking in the park allows you to explore the backcountry and see the park’s remote areas.
Visit the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center: The visitor center is a great place to learn more about the park’s history and ecosystem. It also has a gift shop and a theater that shows park-related films.
Go skiing or snowshoeing: In the winter, the park is a great place for skiing and snowshoeing. The park has several trails and ski areas, including the Mount Baker Ski Area.
Take a guided tour: The park offers a variety of guided tours, including ranger-led hikes, boat tours, and history tours. These can be a great way to learn more about the park and its natural and cultural resources.

Hiking Hidden Lake Trail Lookout

North Cascades National Park Hiking

North Cascades National Park in Washington state, USA, is home to some of the most scenic and challenging hikes in the country. From high alpine ridges to deep valleys, the park offers a wide range of hiking opportunities for adventurers of all skill levels. Here are 10 of the top hikes in North Cascades National Park:

Cascade Pass Trail: This trail leads to the Cascade Pass, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trail is 5.5 miles round-trip and can be accessed from the Cascade Pass trailhead.
Trail of the Cedars: This easy, interpretive trail is a great option for families and those looking for a shorter hike. The trail is 0.7 miles round-trip and offers views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Diablo Lake Overlook Trail: This short hike offers panoramic views of Diablo Lake and the surrounding peaks. The trail is 0.7 miles round-trip and can be accessed from the Diablo Lake Overlook.
Thunder Creek Trail: This trail leads through a scenic canyon and past several waterfalls. The trail is 22 miles one-way and can be accessed from the Colonial Creek Campground.
Maple Pass Loop: This popular loop trail offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, and passes several alpine lakes. The trail is 7 miles round-trip and can be accessed from the Rainy Pass trailhead.
Ross Lake Resort Trail: This trail leads to the Ross Lake Resort, located on the shores of Ross Lake. The trail is 6 miles one-way and can be accessed from the Ross Lake trailhead.
Hozomeen Lake Trail: This trail leads to a serene lake surrounded by towering peaks. The trail is 8 miles round-trip and can be accessed from the Hozomeen Campground.
Pacific Crest Trail: This long-distance trail runs through North Cascades National Park and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The trail can be accessed from several trailheads within the park.
Stehekin Valley Trail: This trail leads through the scenic Stehekin Valley, offering views of the surrounding peaks and waterfalls. The trail is 13 miles one-way and can be accessed from the end of Lake Chelan.
Washington Pass Overlook Trail: This trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, including the iconic Liberty Bell Mountain. The trail is 0.8 miles round-trip and can be accessed from the Washington Pass Overlook.

These hikes are just a sampling of the many trail options available in North Cascades National Park. No matter which hike you choose, be prepared for changes in weather and road conditions, and check with park rangers for the most up-to-date information on trail closures, fires, and other hazards. Additionally, make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the park’s wildlife and wilderness areas.

Hidden Lake from the Lookout

How to Get to the North Cascades National Park

There are several ways to visit Cascades National Park in Washington state. Here are some options:

Drive: If you’re driving to the park, you can enter the park from several different locations. The park has two main entrances: the Marblemount entrance on the west side of the park and the Sedro-Woolley entrance on the east side. There are also several other entrances that offer access to specific areas of the park.
Fly: The nearest major airport to the park is Sea-Tac International Airport, which is about a 2-hour drive from the park. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park.
Take the bus: There are several bus options that can take you to the park. The Skagit Transit bus serves the Marblemount area, and the Whatcom Transportation Authority serves the Sedro-Woolley area.
Take the train: The Amtrak Cascades train serves the park and stops at several stations in the surrounding area.

Once you arrive at the park, there are several options for exploring the park. You can drive through the park on the scenic drives, hike the trails, go rock climbing, or participate in other outdoor activities. You can also visit the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history and ecosystem.

Cascade Mountain Range Hiking

Have you been to Washington State? What was your experience? Are you planning your WA trips soon? Share with us your adventures in the Comments section!

You can also consider expanding your trip to other Washington State National Parks, consider San Juan Islands and Olympic National Park, or plan a longer trip while on a Pacific Coast highway road trip itinerary. If you are looking for more trip ideas in the US, check out our posts on:

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