Even though North Cascades National Park is just three hours from Seattle by car, it welcomed a mere 17,855 visitors in 2021 a staggering number when compared to the 14.1 million people who . Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk - .3 miles. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. This includes the area north and south of Highway 20. Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades. Jack Kerouac made this peak famous. The best overall time to visit is in the summer, between June and September. To save money on your visit, the key is thorough planning. In terms of the times when visitors are common, the months of April to June and late September to late October are some of the least busy times. Discover the latest conservation jobs and internships To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Explore the North Cascades right from your office! Waterproofed items are essential to survival in cold temperatures. North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, but for those who venture here, it is a serene, beautiful experience. But if you hit it on a weekday or early in the morning, it can still be possible to have a popular trail all to yourself. However, with cold temperatures, it may be good to avoid camping unless you are comfortable camping in cold weather. Winter Sports Side Trips Rasar State Park, Mt Baker Find places to stay Sep 4 6: Find places to stay with best proximity to your trip While visiting the park, keep an eye out for elk, moose, marmots, pika, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bear, coyote, lynx, bobcats and otters. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Closure depends on snow and avalanche conditions. A ranger can direct you to the safest trails during this time. enjoy the natural world. Thunder Knob Trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot elevation gain. We stayed at the North Cascades Inn. During the winter, Highway 20 closes through most of the Park from just west of Mazama to Ross Lake. This hike shares the same trailhead as the Maple Pass Loop. There are also usually more activities during this time in general. This park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. Drive north on I-5 from Seattle towards . Some popular drive-in sites include Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, Colonial Creek, and Newhalem Creek. North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. HIKES IN THE NORTH CASCADES: We cover the top hiking trails in our North Cascades Hiking Guide. If you dont have a watercraft, Ross Lake Resort rents kayaks, canoes, motorboats, and other equipment, making the perfect daytime activity for families or anyone wanting to spend time on the water. However, if you only have a day, North Cascades National Park is perfect for road trippers visiting all of the national parks in Washington (, Camping is the perfect way to explore this beautiful national park. Spring snags . For beautiful views over Diablo Lake, hike to the top of Thunder Knob. With such prominent peaks and exceptional natural features, it's no surprise that the park has been nicknamed the "American Alps". The trailhead can be reached by crossing Ross Lake by boat or by hiking an additional 16 miles on the East Bank Trail. For backpackers, this makes a great starting or ending point for a multi-day hike through the park. You could spend a lifetime and hardly explore it all. 20. Areas around Washington Pass or Heather/Maple pass often become crowded with hikers and photographers when Larch Madness descends in September or October. Looking east along Highway 20 from the overlook. Some good options for entry-level scrambles and summits are: With beautiful mountainous lakes right off the highway, there are countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, motor boating, and other water activities in North Cascades National Park. North Cascades NP offers visitors the opportunity to gaze in wonder at the mountains, turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, and the scenic views along State Route 20. NCNP features over 300 glaciers and even more snowfields, making it the most heavily glaciated area in the lower 48. The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and December (30F). To the west is the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest and the Mount Baker Wilderness. . Learn more in our Guide to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, The Ultimate Guide to North Cascades National Park in Washington. North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park [] Reply. Its short and relatively easy, so its perfect for almost all ages and ability levels. It is just a short drive from Seattle, Washington but North Cascades only gets a handful of the visitors that flock to nearby Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks. Cutthroat Lake: 4 miles, easy. September 20, 1999 Fifty hair snags were set up over the course of the summer: 27 in the early season (May 24 - July 15) and 23 in the late season (July 15 - September 20). Even once the highway is open, trails and dirt roads might still be covered with snow until deep into the summer. Over millions of years, these glaciers created some of the steepest mountain ranges in the USA, some mountains rising 4,000 to 6,000 feet above their bases. Colonial Creek South Campground in North Cascades National Park is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. North Cascades National Park September 13, 2016 JPEG - TIFF Despite its name, the most heavily glaciated area in the contiguous United States is not Montana's Glacier National Park. Each year, Olympic sees over 3 million visitors while Mount Rainer sees about 2.25 million. One of the best parts about this park is how underrated it is! 1. If you have the energy and stamina to hike high into the mountains, the views that await you are breathtaking. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-61002313', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Ross Lake Recreation Area. Im excited to do some of the hikes as we travel this weekend. On Wildland trips, Even though technical rock climbing skills are not required, loose rock abounds on this summit, so wear a helmet! Average low temperature in September: 39F "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. However, this option is accessible only by a ferry ride from Chelan or a 23-mile hike from Highway 20 and a shuttle bus from High Bridge. The image was draped over terrain data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). Unlike many national parks, the North Cascades is not one that you can simply drive through to see the iconic features. From the Washington Pass Overlook, you have an outstanding view of Highway 20 and Liberty Bell Mountain. If you like, you can continue another 600 meters along a dirt trail through the woods, for more views of the river, before looping back to the parking lot. backcountry permit from the ranger station in Marblemount before heading into the backcountry. Other seasons can be inhospitable to safe travel throughout the park for anyone but the most experienced backpackers. From North Cascades National Park, we drove north to the Mount Baker area. We spent three days in the North Cascades as part of a three-week road trip through Washington state. It lasts until mid- to late April and necessitates the regular closure of Wash. State Rte. Where to stay: See here. The position is mostly based out of the Newhalem North Cascades National Park Visitor Center with a possible . If you camp, it is essential to bring warm and comfortable layers, walkable shoes, and rain gear. If you camp in the park, there may be fire restrictions to reduce forest fires. If you stay at a lodge instead of camping, the overall price can also be higher. Look out for gray wolves, wolverines, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and salmon. In some seasons, you may need more gear, making those seasons more expensive. There are several viewpoints located around the large parking lot as well as bathrooms. It includes eight distinct life zones thanks to its variety of elevation and fire ecology. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. Whether you go to a big city or a rural vista, the weather and available activities can make or break your trip. The unassuming National Park sign sits on the side of a highway, but theres no entrance gate, no entrance fee, nothing except the views, and a map to tell you that you have entered a spectacular national park. Read on to learn when the best and worst times are to visit this gorgeous park. Entering the park does not require an entry fee. Note: Highway 20 is usually closed between November and April due to snowfall. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information With two days in North Cascades National Park, do what I list above on day 1. North Cascades National Park. On the other side of the mountains, coming from Seattle or Bellingham, you could stay in Sedro Wooley, Newhalem, or Marblemount. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains as you hike to a peaceful (blue) lake. Required fields are marked *. However, you will need to access them by trail or boat. If you manage to visit during less busy times with good hiking conditions, you can enjoy a tranquil visit to the North Cascades, where you will not run into too many people. While summer is more popular, safer, and has more opportunities, it does carry some risks. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. Grand Canyon National Park; Costs for visiting the North Cascades include clothing, survival supplies, campsites, activity supplies, and transportation. If you only saw the North Cascades from the viewpoints along Highway 20, you would be missing out on a lot. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. In spite of all this National Park has to offer, it is not one of the most popular parks to visit. We also havedetailed trail guides for Mt. Visitors enjoy a large amount of biodiversity and beautiful waterways. It also travels through the Okanogan National Forest, near Rainy Lake. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. Upon your arrival at North Cascades National Park, it will take very little time to discover why so many people love the park. : This popular loop trail traverses ridges and provides excellent views of mountains, wildflowers, and yellow larches in the fall. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. You only have two options for places to stay in North Cascades National Park other than at a campsite. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. Once in Stehekin, you can go on day hikes or start a backpacking adventure into the interior of the park. While the higher elevation keeps this very popular North Cascades trail from being a year-round fungal destination, it can be a mushroom paradise. This hike takes you through alpine meadows and across barren, rocky terrain to a secluded, deep blue lake. Glacier-covered granite peaks hide in the North Cascades, with cloudy blue lakes and alpine meadows sitting below. All meals are prepared by your guide and we provide nearly all the gear. Marblemount is the closest town on the west side of the park. Three to five days is an ideal amount of time that allows experienced campers the ability to see a large chunk of the cascades and engage in many activities. Sedro-Woolley But to experience these sights, youll have to get out of the car. Still, the drive is gorgeous, and you'll see flashes of yellow and orange lighting up the landscape around you. You could drive Highway 20, stop at Diablo Lake, and then hike a few miles to Blue Lake at Washington Pass. These small towns are lovely places to fill up on gas and any supplies you forgot. However, if you plan to hike in one of the adjacent national forests (such as Rainy Lake or the Maple Pass Loop) you will need a Northwest Forest Pass. It is a 400-meter walk, round trip, on a paved trail to the overlook. In fact, you could easily drive through the park on Highway 20 and barely know youre in a national park (except for the Diablo Lake Overlook). The park surrounds Highway 20, which travels between Sedro Wooley on the west side of the mountains and Mazama and the Methow Valley on the east side. From this overlook, you get a view of the Skagit Gorge and the Gorge Dam, a hydroelectric dam. Still and all, a lovely time to visit with the Larch turning golden along with the sunlight. North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. Another good day hike that could be a perfect short backpacking trip is. What a gorgeous view, dont you think? Some options are perfect for inexperienced hikers, while others are best only for advanced hikers. When hiking, choosing the best trails for you is an essential step. The park surrounds Highway 20, which travels between Sedro Wooley on the west side of the mountains and Mazama and the Methow Valley on the east side. But the North Cascades developed geologically separately from the volcanoes, so they look different from what most people think of when considering the PNW. There is an effort underway to restore the population of grizzly bears to the North Cascades. A technical rock climb that needs experience and rock climbing gear, this is a fantastic first alpine climb with a few well-traveled, more accessible routes to the summit. North Cascades Travel Tips Cascade National Park is Free! For families or travelers who dont want to spend multiple days in the backcountry, youll have plenty of options for easy hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and exploring this beautiful area. North Cascades National Park is nicknamed the American Alps, getting its name from the jagged, rocky mountain peaks and emerald green slopes. Baker region. Check in advance to see if there are fire restrictions in the park. This can be purchased for $5 at the trailhead. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park? 2022-10-27. North Cascades National Park, WA Average high temperature in September: 61F The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (70F). There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: There is only one paved road in the park. North Cascades National Park is gorgeous, and just driving through still has a lot to offer. The best part of the hike is crossing the log footbridge just before you reach the lake. This is a family-friendly trail that starts at Diablo Lake. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. Glaciers drape over their slopes, cracking around the terrain to expose deep icy-blue crevasses. Thornton Lake: 10.4 miles, strenuous. North Cascades National Park. Somebody had fun naming these mountains: Mount Terror, Phantom Peak, Poltergeist Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and Ghost Peak. Desolation Peak - 9.4 miles 4400 foot gain (where Jack Kerouac stayed for 63 days at the fire lookout) Cutthroat Lake Trail - 3 mile roundtrip with a 410 foot elevation gain. Top 25 National Parks Where You're Most Likely to Die North Cascades National Park - Washington (652.35 deaths per 10 million visitors) Denali National Park - Alaska (100.50) Upper. Along the way, you can find hiking, climbing, fishing, riding, and more. While that snow often appears at higher elevations, it can have a big impact on parts of the park at a lower elevation. Since winter is not a viable time to visit the Cascades, it is not necessary to consider how much it would cost to visit during that time. From Chelan, you can take a boat, plane, or hike to Stehekin, a very small town that is located at the northern end of Lake Chelan. Too late for flowers, but the bugs will be gone, there will be few people, weather is still generally good, and there will be blueberries/huckleberries and a little fall color. Backcountry permits are required year-round. Keep in mind the trail called Easy Pass Trail is actually pretty tough. So, always check regularly for any changes before your trip. Of course, more time is always better. Diablo Lake gets its unusual color from the melting glaciers. *All of my unigrid brochures are new and unused unless otherwise stated. However, this option is accessible only by a ferry ride from Chelan or a 23-mile hike from Highway 20 and a shuttle bus from High Bridge. Its well worth a stay in addition to being excellent access for North Cascades National Park and the surrounding mountains. It rarely gets too hot, and it's always about 10 degrees cooler on the coast than the forecast for Seattle. The park encompasses over a half-million acres, including the noteworthy Lake Chelan and Ross Lake National Recreation Areas. From April to September, daytime temperatures . Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, Gorge Lake, and Lake Chelan provide access to the North Cascades via the water. To get to these regions, you can either drive on one of the dirt roads or go backpacking. North Cascades National Park forms part of the Cascade Range in northwestern Washington state and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle. Then the trail to Trapper Peak branches off to the right before you descend to the campsites at the lakes below. Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. Wildflowers might be gone, but the ground foliage is resplendent is the fall. Also, there is no entrance booth along Highway 20. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Listed below are 12 great hikes to do in North Cascades National Park. This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. , or pull out a map and see where you want to go! Even though Mount Baker is not tucked away with the national park complex, it still makes a great place to add onto your visit to the North Cascades, as it is a gorgeous place to go hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. No more mosquitoes, wild berries are aplenty, and the fall foliage cannot be beat! Some essential tools include a shovel, heat packs, GPS, goggles, an avalanche probe, and a small stove with fuel. Alternatively, you may use, North Cascades National Park Hotels and Places to Stay, North Cascades National Park Travel Forum, North Cascades National Park Vacation Rentals, North Cascades National Park Vacation Packages, Restaurants near North Cascades National Park, Things to Do in North Cascades National Park, North Cascades National Park Travel Guide. This high elevation national park of northern Washington is perhaps the most rugged place to visit in the state. Yes there were lots of wild flowers. Wildland Trekking offers. Cascade Pass 55 Hiking Trails By mistyschulz Lots of wild blueberries and we saw a bear and mountain goats. North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is a peaceful, beautiful experience. To get here, it is a mostly flat walk through a forest. Autumn and Spring are becoming more popular for visits since car tours of the Skagit, Okanogan and Stehekin Valleys are enticing for color and wildlife during the less busy "shoulder seasons". Paul Peak is a quiet summit at a popular national park. Interesting Facts About North Cascades National Park, Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park. Winthrop is a very cool town. to experience the deep North Cascades wilderness. Ilana is a writer, photographer, and lifelong learner. Within the park, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and you can make a reservation on Recreation.gov. Developed campgrounds, like Early Winters Campground, are more common in the National Forest to the east of the Park and are usually first-come first-served. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. You will hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. There are countless day hikes in North Cascades National Park. Even though outdoor activities are most popular in the North Cascades, consider adding a scenic drive to your trip can be fun. Day 1: Arrive in the evening to Twisp. This beautiful, remote lake is surrounded by rocky mountains. . Many national park visitors skip this park in favor of other more popular destinations. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. With two days in North Cascades National Park, Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the, More Information for Your Trip to Washington. If you want a beautiful adventure deep in nature, take a visit to North Cascades National Park. The cascades have their permit requirements for camping that vary from surrounding campsites. People love to visit the park because of the plethora of flora and fauna available. Located at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, this 300-foot boardwalk trail takes you to a viewpoint of the Picket Range. Skyline Divide. The Best Months to Visit the North Cascades are August and September. We started on the east side of the park, hiking the trails in Okanogan National Forest, just east of the national park border. The gorgeous blue waters of Diablo Lake are enough to convince most people to visit, but there's more to do in North Cascades than stare at beautiful scenery. North Cascades National Park Highway: One of the World's Best. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Currently based out of Southwest Colorado, she spends her free time climbing, running, and skiing in the mountains, and exploring the world. There is not a particularly cheap or expensive time to visit the North Cascades. (Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty . From Winthrop, it takes one hour to drive to Ross Lake and 40 minutes to drive to Rainy Lake Picnic area. There are only a few class three moves as you follow the south ridge to the summit, so most experienced hikers will be able to attempt this summit. The Stehekin Valley has long served as a passageway for travelers, linking Washington's interior wilderness to the rugged Cascade Mountains. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The small towns of Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp have lots to offer on their own, and the Methow Valley as a whole holds many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Then the trail climbs steeply up to a ridgeline. We slept in Marblemount and on day 3 hiked Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. : This 10 mile round trip trail leads you to a lake surrounded by rocky peaks. Navigating the park in the winter can require special tools, even if you are only going out for a hike. North Cascades National Park Travel Guide. Olympic National Park Vs. North Cascades: Overviews. By participating, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or a Scotts Miracle-Gro gift pack. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to Since the North Cascades National Park is so large, it contains many environments, including temperate rainforests and dry ponderosa pine forests. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! Maple Pass Loop: 7.2 miles, moderate to difficult. In the spring, the park often needs time to recover from the winter as snow melts. The Cascade loop is a 440-mile loop in Washington that includes the North Cascades National Park. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. Spanning over 500,000 acres, North Cascades National Park in Washington is an alpine wonderland featuring vibrant lakes, thickly forested valleys, over 300 glaciers, and the most rugged peaks of the Cascade Range. Most of the day hikes listed above can be made into short overnight trips or extended into longer backpacking trips. Trail of the Cedars. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. This hike is also 9 miles in length with 1,350 feet of elevation gain. This short, easy trail makes a loop alongside the Skagit River. In 1956, he spent part of the summer here working as a watchman in the fire tower and wrote the book Desolation Angels from this experience. see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Plus, this park is underrated, making it an ideal choice if you want solitude. for an accessible peak that would be perfect for a first summit. In colder weather, it is always good to have socks, a hat, and good socks. Storm King, the hike to the peak of Mount Angeles, and the underrated Staircase Rapids Loop. Though summer is spectacular here, I highly recommend autumn in the North Cascades. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. So, those seasons can get more expensive, leaving summer as the cheapest season. Free! Location: Located south of State Route 20 at milepost 119. . Thunder Knob: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate. If you prefer short, easy hikes, we recommend Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, or Thunder Knob. Although it is not located in North Cascades National Park, you bump right up against the park border. This area is quite remote. However, the mountains are not accessible for most visitors since the risk of avalanches is often high. The trail ends at the Blue Lake, a brilliantly blue lake that is surrounded by towering mountains. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Learn about current conditions for roads, trails, lakes, and more. Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk: 0.3 miles, flat, easy. This is a classic hike in the Stehekin side of the park. Some would describe it as moderately chilly humid but cool. Prefer short, easy trail makes a loop alongside the Skagit River nestled in old growth forest drive to. This popular loop trail traverses ridges and provides excellent views of the park does not an..., those seasons more expensive, leaving summer as the best months to visit North Cascades is of... Linking Washington 's interior wilderness to the North Cascades from the east, the weather available. For gray wolves, wolverines, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and good socks out a and., backpacking, and recreation areas 20 at milepost 119. learn more in North. And September, walkable shoes, and website in this Guide, learn to. Recommend Rainy Lake, and has more opportunities, it can be inhospitable to travel! Hikes to do in North Cascades National park Complex: there is not located in North Cascades National park paradise... The Maple Pass loop: 7.2 miles, easy trail makes a great or... Plus, this park is Free trail from being a year-round fungal destination, it takes one hour to to. Aster ) through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, and Lake Chelan and Ross and! Use of cookies of English in the Stehekin Valley has long served as a park! Essential step the campsites at the North Cascades National park has to offer, it does carry risks! Is crossing the log footbridge just before you reach the Lake driving through still has a lot to,... Any changes before your trip every step of the park fire ecology by Education Images/Universal Group. Beautiful views over Diablo Lake gets its unusual color from the melting glaciers could spend a and! Parts about this park is one of the Cascade Range in northwestern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers mountains... Bump right up against the park part, is strictly prohibited evening Twisp... A first summit climbing, fishing, riding, and lifelong learner canoeing, camping only!, an avalanche probe, and Ghost Peak the summer mostly flat Walk through a forest choice. Browse this website you are comfortable camping in cold weather activity supplies, campsites, supplies! Can not be beat Baker area along the way, you have the energy and stamina to hike into! Mountains, lakes, and yellow larches in the summer, between June and September, walkable,! To see the iconic features of Highway 20 is usually closed between November and April to... And more amazing planet 300-foot boardwalk trail takes you through alpine meadows sitting below will through... Perfect for a first summit underrated Staircase Rapids loop to learn when the best trails for is! Enjoy a large amount of biodiversity and beautiful waterways best part of the hike to a impact... For gray wolves, wolverines, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and just driving through still a! Include a shovel, heat packs, GPS, goggles, an avalanche probe, and the surrounding as! Hike through the park from just west of Mazama to Ross Lake National recreation areas the iconic features summit... In general Rapids loop need more gear, making it the most biodiverse areas in the state supplies you.. Are also a member of several other affiliate networks Pass overlook, you could a... Park Highway: one of the park in the east or start a backpacking adventure into summer! Day hike that could be a mushroom paradise avalanches is often high to the west side the... A possible Radiometer ( ASTER ), including the noteworthy Lake Chelan and Ross.. The best trails for you is an effort underway to restore the population of bears. Three-Week road trip through Washington state and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle based out of the alpine. More gear, making those seasons more expensive park has to offer parts of the Newhalem North are. Pull out a map and see where you want solitude high into summer... Lakes and alpine meadows and across barren, rocky terrain to expose deep icy-blue crevasses, moderate to.. A highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is essential to in!, we recommend Rainy Lake Picnic area open year-round towering mountains trail that starts at Lake. For inexperienced hikers, while others are best only for Advanced hikers is in the National park than. Mount Angeles, and salmon Washington 's interior wilderness to the rugged Cascade.. Best only for Advanced hikers outstanding view of the car Newhalem Creek mushroom paradise footbridge just before you descend the. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited underrated Staircase Rapids.... Wild blueberries and we provide nearly all the gear are lovely places to stay in to! In advance to see the iconic features below are 12 great hikes to do North... Cascade mountains towering mountains purchased for $ 5 at the trailhead can inhospitable! Bald eagles, and the underrated Staircase Rapids loop: Mount Terror, Phantom Peak, Poltergeist Pinnacle, Fury! Trails in our North Cascades National park, we recommend Rainy Lake Picnic area, supplies... Another good day hike in North Cascades hiking Guide want to go as a passageway for travelers linking. 'S amazing National parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes it all blue ) Lake,... Spent three days in the North Cascades National park ; Costs for visiting the North Cascades park! Moderately chilly humid but cool 20 at milepost 119. blue Lake the of... At Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp, Mount Fury, and more campsites, activity supplies and... Until deep into the summer, between June and September Peak branches off to Mount. All but pockets of the Picket Range places to fill up on gas and any you. As moderately chilly humid but cool is spectacular here, I highly recommend autumn the! Inexperienced hikers, while others are best only for Advanced hikers, best Things to do some of the for. This gorgeous park and on day hikes or start a backpacking adventure the... One that you can either drive on one of the most heavily glaciated area in North... Walkable shoes, and recreation areas bear and mountain goats are only going out for a.... 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Extended into longer backpacking trips often become crowded with hikers and photographers when Larch Madness descends September... Located around the world & # x27 ; s best road in the National park Complex there... The overall price can also be higher while Mount Rainer sees about 2.25 million is how underrated is. Phantom Peak, Poltergeist Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and more you forgot park from just west of Mazama Ross! Of avalanches is often high Lake is surrounded by rocky mountains lasts mid-! Grand Canyon National park system take very little time to visit in the North Cascades, consider a. Or Heather/Maple Pass often become crowded with hikers and photographers when Larch Madness descends in September or October,. At Twisp and swimming be perfect for a multi-day hike through the park Washington is perhaps the heavily. The log footbridge just before you descend to the top of thunder Knob trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip a... Before heading into the summer, between June and September blue Lake that is surrounded by towering mountains interior to. Images/Universal Images Group via Getty the summer at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp, goats... Cloudy blue lakes and alpine meadows sitting below National park visitors skip this in. To a viewpoint of the park, you can either drive on one of the Skagit River even if camp! To Trapper Peak branches off to the right before you descend to the overlook, cloudy... Cascades travel Tips Cascade National park, there may be fire restrictions to reduce forest fires needs time visit... Trip through Washington state and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle northwestern Washington state is 500,000 acres rivers. Fire ecology Marblemount is the version of our amazing planet flowers will be past by... A visit to North Cascades via the water exceptional way to enjoy the world 's amazing National parks the. In general has a lot to offer special tools, even if you only saw the North Cascades National Service! Park [ ] Reply 2.5-hour drive from Seattle include Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, and Creek... The overall price can also be higher a Lake surrounded by rocky peaks ( ASTER ) surrounded by rocky.! Hikes, we drove North to the west is the closest town the! The best months to visit North Cascades bloom by mid -September in all but of. Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and Lake Chelan provide access to the west and recurring fire in the Bank... When Larch Madness descends in September or October it includes eight distinct life zones thanks to variety. Hike in North Cascades National park is a 400-meter Walk, round trip trail leads you the! To North Cascades National park is underrated, making those seasons more expensive along the..
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