If you’re planning a trip to North Cascades National Park and don’t know where to begin, this post is for you!
North Cascades is one of the lesser visited national parks in the United States, making it the perfect retreat for hikers and mountain lovers.
The stunning Cascade Mountain landscapes are home to alpine wildlife, excellent views, and the most glaciers in the contiguous United States!
But with so many incredible scenic vistas and trails, how do you prioritize your time in North Cascades, especially if you only visit for a day or two?
This guide covers the best things to do in North Cascades National Park, plus tips for your trip, including the best time to visit, how many days you need, where to stay, and more!
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North Cascades National Park At-A-Glance
Before diving in, here are a few highlights to help you plan your trip:
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-July to September is the best time to visit, once the snow has melted and North Cascades Highway is open. Few areas of the park are open year-round.
- Where to Stay: While there are two remote lodges inside the park boundaries, the best places to stay are in the towns surrounding the park or campgrounds inside the park. Consider staying at River’s Edge Resort or the Mt. Gardner Inn.
- How to Get There: The closest airport is in Seattle, 3 hours away. Use Expedia to browse flights and find the best price.
- How to Get Around: My favorite way to see Washington is by campervan. I had a fantastic experience renting a luxury campervan through Noma Vans on Outdoorsy. You can also easily get around by car. I recommend using Expedia to browse for deals.
- Don’t Forget: Be sure to get an America the Beautiful National Park Pass ahead of time. This $80 pass is valid for 12 months and gets you into all 400+ national park sites (including all 3 Washington parks).
Overview of the North Cascades National Park Complex
North Cascades is located in northern Washington State near the Canadian border. Unlike most national parks, North Cascades is formed by a unique partnership between several federally protected lands.
Read More: 3 Best National Parks in Washington State
The North Cascades National Park Complex is comprised of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Chelan Lake National Recreation Area, and North Cascades National Park.
The Ross Lake National Recreation Area protects the land along the Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, Gorge Lake, and the Skagit River, thanks to the many dams found here.
The Lake Chelan National Recreation is home to Stehekin, a remote mountain community. This area is isolated and challenging to reach, requiring you to get there on foot, by boat, or by plane.
In addition, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest lies on the eastern border of the complex along the North Cascades Highway and is often considered part of North Cascades by those planning trips to the region.
This guide focuses on these four regions and highlights the top things to do in each.
Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park
The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is mid-July through early October. However, due to harsh winters, most roads are closed until May, and trails are snow-covered into mid-summer.
North Cascades Highway (aka Highway 20) is the main route through the park. North Cascades Highway is closed from November to May between Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) and Early Winters gate (milepost 178) east of Washington Pass Overlook.
While the highway opens in May, most of the higher-elevation routes like the Cascades Pass and trails on the eastern part of the park in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, are snow-covered until mid-July.
While much of the park is closed for the remainder of the year, you can still visit North Cascades and enjoy activities at lower elevations.
Explore the trails in Newhalem in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area instead in the late spring or early summer.
Early fall is also an excellent time to visit North Cascades, thanks to its brightly colored yellow larches that come ablaze in late September or early October.
If you’re interested in chasing the fall colors, hike the Maple Pass Loop or Blue Lake Loop.
Are you planning a national park trip but don’t know where to start? Get my free 28-page national park ebook where I break down everything you need to know to visit all 63 USA national parks.
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Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park
1. North Cascades Highway
North Cascades Highway is the main route through the North Cascades National Park Complex. Also called Highway 20, this route stretches 140 miles from Sedro-Woolley to Twisp, crossing over the Cascades for 30 miles in the park’s heart.
If you’re short on time, driving the scenic highway is an excellent way to see the park’s highlights by car. The route has scenic overlooks, towering mountains, old-growth forests, and bright teal glacial lakes.
North Cascades Highway is closed from November to May between Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) and Early Winters gate (milepost 178) east of Washington Pass Overlook. Therefore, this scenic drive is best done in June or October.
2. Diablo Lake Vista Point
Diablo Lake is one of the most iconic attractions in North Cascades National Park. This milky blue-green lake has large surrounding glaciers to thank for its unique hue. The melt from nearby glaciers forms a silt called glacial flour that flows into the lake.
The best vantage point of Diablo Lake is the Diablo Lake Vista Point, located at Highway 20 mile marker 132 above the lake. This viewpoint is stunning at midday when the direct sunlight brightens the teal color and just before sunset as a golden glow illuminates the area.
If you prefer to see Diablo Lake up close, opt for the 8-mile Diablo Lake Trail that takes you along the lakeshore.
3. Washington Pass Overlook
If you’re hiking in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, taking the side trip to Washington Pass Overlook is well worth it.
Located a bit further east along Highway 20 at milepost 162 at the highest point along the North Cascades Highway, this viewpoint provides stunning views of the surrounding towering mountain peaks.
After a short walk to the overlook, you’re greeted with excellent views of Liberty Bell Mountain and Early Winters Spires.
4. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail
Are you seeking a challenging but rewarding day hike in North Cascades National Park? Look no further than the Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail!
This 12-mile trek offers stunning alpine scenery, including evergreen forests, fields of wildflowers and heather, and snow-capped peaks. Watch for wildlife like marmots, mountain goats, and even bears!
While you could turn around at Cascade Pass, bringing the hike down to around 7 miles total, the entire trek to Sahale Glacier is worth it. The Sahale Glacier Camp offers breathtaking views over Doubtful Lake and the mountainous landscape.
This trail can be crowded during peak season, so start early and prepare. In addition, the unpaved route to the trailhead on Cascade River Road is often snow-covered into July, so plan to take this hike between late July and September.
5. Maple Pass Loop
The Maple Pass Loop is one of the best hikes in Washington state. The 7-mile loop offers a little bit of everything, from wildflowers and old-growth forests to panoramic views of the North Cascades.
Although technically just outside North Cascades National Park, the trail provides stunning views of the park from its highest points. For the best views, hike in a counterclockwise direction.
An optional 1-mile detour to Lake Ann presents you with picturesque alpine meadows filled with all kinds of wildflowers in summer. In the fall, the trail comes alive with golden yellow larches.
6. Blue Lake Trail
The Blue Lake Trail is worth considering if you’re looking for a relatively short and easy hike in the North Cascades. The trail covers 5 miles and about 1,000 feet of elevation, making it suitable for many hikers.
The trail leads to the brilliantly blue Blue Lake, surrounded by towering mountains and genuinely jaw-dropping views of the Cascades.
Despite being shorter and easier than most other trails in the park, Blue Lake is still one of the most scenic and highly recommended hikes in the North Cascades.
Read More: 15 Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park
7. Ross Lake Overlook
Quickly stop at the Ross Lake Overlook for a breathtaking view of Ross Lake. Located at mile marker 136 along the North Cascades Highway, this spot offers visitors a glimpse of the majestic beauty of North Cascades National Park.
From this viewpoint, you can see the southernmost end of Ross Lake winding its way towards Canada and the famous Desolation Peak in the distance, made famous by Jack Kerouac’s book Desolation Angels.
Though less impressive than the Diablo Lake Overlook, the Ross Lake Overlook is a must-see and a quick stop for those passing through the area.
8. Gorge Lake Overlook & Gorge Creek Falls
Gorge Lake Overlook is a must-visit spot in North Cascades National Park. It’s a quick but unique stop, offering a view of the Gorge Dam and the Skagit Gorge.
From the overlook, you can see the jade-green Gorge Lake. It’s just a short 0.3-mile paved trail from the parking lot, making it an excellent option for wheelchairs and strollers.
For more views of the river, you can continue along a dirt trail through the woods before looping back to the parking lot.
9. Stehekin and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Stehekin, located on the northern end of Lake Chelan, is a small community that offers a unique and intimate experience within North Cascades National Park. This secluded town of fewer than 100 residents is only accessible by boat, plane, or on foot.
You can visit Stehekin on a day trip via ferry, spending a few hours exploring and learning about the region’s history.
Renting a bicycle is a great way to get around the lone main road. Don’t miss stops at Stehekin Bakery, Rainbow Falls, and the North Cascades Lodge while you’re there!
If you want to spend the night, you can stay at North Cascades Lodge, Silver Bay Inn Resort, or the Stehekin Valley Ranch. Additionally, there are campgrounds and backcountry camping trails in the area.
Read more about getting to Stehekin and things to do here.
10. Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk
Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk is a must-see for North Cascades National Park visitors. This easy 0.3-mile loop trail meanders through an enchanting old-growth forest.
As you stroll along the trail, you’ll be treated to the soothing sounds of the Skagit River, which flows alongside the path. The forest canopy is thick and lush, almost reminiscent of trails in the Olympics.
Be sure to admire the towering cedars that are hundreds of years old!
11. Thunder Knob Trail
Looking for a hike that the whole family can enjoy? Consider checking out the Thunder Knob Trail, a 3.6-mile round-trip hike that offers stunning views of Diablo Lake and the surrounding mountains.
This easy-to-moderate trail is accessible from Colonial Creek Campground at milepost 130, making it a convenient option for those staying there. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or more advanced, the beauty of Thunder Knob is not to be missed.
12. Boating and Paddling in North Cascades
Experience the beauty of North Cascades National Park from the water by boating and paddling on one of its many lakes.
Lake Chelan, Diablo Lake, and Ross Lake are among the top choices for kayaking, canoeing, and motorized boating. You can even rent a boat from Ross Lake Resort or Stehekin for a fun-filled day on the water.
If you have your own kayak or standup paddleboard, you can launch it from Colonial Creek Campground onto Diablo Lake! Don’t miss the chance to see the mesmerizingly blue Diablo Lake up close on the water.
13. Ladder Creek Falls Trail
Ladder Creek Falls is a popular destination in North Cascades National Park, particularly for history and energy buffs. Located just a stone’s throw from the Trail of the Cedars, this easy 0.4-mile hike takes you to the stunning Ladder Creek Falls.
Crossing a narrow suspension bridge next to the Gorge Powerhouse, you’ll navigate a windy path through stairs to the cascading waterfall. After the hike, you can head inside the powerhouse to learn more about the area’s history.
14. North Cascades Visitor Center
The North Cascades Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for exploring North Cascades National Park. The center is located in Newhalem and provides information on the park’s history and geology, maps, trail guides, and books.
Interactive exhibits and educational programs offer a deeper understanding of the area’s ecology and conservation efforts. The center is open year-round and staffed by knowledgeable rangers happy to answer your questions and make recommendations.
15. Desolation Peak Trail
The Desolation Peak Trail is a challenging 9.4-mile hike with stunning views of North Cascades National Park. The trailhead is accessible by crossing Ross Lake by boat or hiking 16 miles on the East Bank Trail.
The steep hike up to the peak offers a glimpse into the life of writer Jack Kerouac, who spent 63 days at the fire lookout in 1956. The views from the lookout are panoramic and picturesque, making this long hike worth it!
16. Hidden Lake Lookout Trail
Hidden Lake Lookout Trail is an epic hiking adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes in the North Cascades. At 9 miles, this strenuous trail will challenge your fitness while rewarding you with breathtaking scenery.
As you hike through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, you will be surrounded by views of Sahale, Forbidden, and Boston peaks. However, the highlight of this hike is the secluded, deep blue Hidden Lake, which is a perfect spot to take a break, relax, and soak up the beauty of the North Cascades.
17. Backpacking in the North Cascades Wilderness
North Cascades National Park is a backpacker’s paradise, offering nearly 350,000 acres of wilderness adventures via the Stephen Mather Wilderness, which makes up most of the park’s backcountry acreage.
With more than 45 designated backcountry camping areas, there are plenty of opportunities for multi-day hikes, from more leisurely overnight trips to highly challenging routes.
Permits are required for overnight wilderness stays and are available on a lottery or walk-up basis. Read more about backpacking in North Cascades for details on routes and camping guidelines.
18. Rainy Lake Trail
The Rainy Lake Trail is a must-do hike in the North Cascades National Park that is perfect for hikers of all skill levels. The trailhead is shared with the Maple Pass Loop, and the hike to Rainy Lake is an easy two-mile flat walk on a paved trail.
Once you reach the viewpoint of the lake, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscape. This hike is an excellent way to experience the park’s natural beauty without the added difficulty of a strenuous hike.
19. Ross Lake Resort & Ross Lake Dam
Are you seeking a relaxing and unique experience at North Cascades National Park? Look no further than Ross Lake Resort. The resort offers floating cabins on the scenic Ross Lake, nestled in a tranquil lakefront setting.
Wake up to breathtaking views of the North Cascades from your cabin on the water. The resort is only accessible by foot or by boat. You can take a ferry from a detour off North Cascades Highway or hike past Ross Dam to reach it on foot.
You can rent a boat or kayak from the resort to explore the serene waters of Ross Lake.
20. A Portion of the Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail is an iconic and challenging trail that spans over 2,600 miles from the Mexican to the Canadian border. Hiking a portion of this trail through the North Cascades National Park is a must-do for any avid hiker.
The trail cuts through the narrow sliver of the park, just north of Stehekin, and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and alpine lakes. Remember that if you plan to camp overnight along the trail, you must obtain a backcountry permit.
21. Sourdough Mountain Trail
The Sourdough Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart, but I can attest that the stunning views are worth the effort. However, it’s considered a strenuous hike with an elevation gain of over 4,800 feet and a round trip of 10.4 miles.
But the payoff speaks for itself: unforgettable views of Diablo Lake, nearly one mile below.
You can also turn this into an excellent backpacking trip with two campsites available along the route: Sourdough Camp and Pierce Mountain Camp. While the Sourdough Lookout is unavailable for overnight stays, you can still hike to it and enjoy the views.
How many days should you spend in North Cascades National Park?
You’ll need at least two days in North Cascades National Park to see the highlights. While you can stop at popular viewpoints and hike in only one day, spending at least two days in the park allows you to explore North Cascades’ stunning hiking trails.
Here are a few recommendations for how to spend your time in North Cascades:
- If you only have one day: Drive North Cascades Highway, stop at Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, and Washington Pass Overlooks, and hike either the Cascade Pass Trail or the Maple Pass Loop. The Blue Lake Trail or Thunder Knob Trail are excellent modifications for less strenuous hikes.
- If you have two days: Add a day exploring more of North Cascades’ hiking trails listed above, plus visit the Newhalem area to see Trail of the Cedars, Ladder Creek Falls, and Gorge Powerhouse.
- If you have three days: Add on one of North Cascades’ more challenging trails, like the Desolation Peak Trail, Hidden Lake Lookout Trail, or Sourdough Mountain Trail. Or, if you prefer a less strenuous option, rent a kayak and paddle on Diablo Lake.
- If you have 4+ days: Consider visiting some less frequented areas, such as North Cascades National Park backcountry, or take a day trip on the ferry to Stehekin.
Where to Stay Near North Cascades National Park
There are limited lodging options inside the North Cascades National Park Complex. If you want to stay inside the park, you can choose from a limited number of lodges or several campgrounds.
This interactive map can help you search all the available hotels and rental properties near North Cascades National Park! Simply scroll and click the map below to see what is available!
There are only two lodges inside North Cascades, both of which are remote and require taking a ferry to reach:
- Ross Lake Resort inside the park on Ross Lake off Highway 20 features floating cabins in the heart of the park but requires a ferry to get to the property.
- North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin is inside the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area but requires a ferry from Chelan.
If you’re looking for a hotel close to the most popular hikes on the east side of North Cascades, consider staying at one of these places on the east side of Highway 20:
- Freestone Inn in Mazama has luxury hotel rooms with fireplaces and kitchenettes, located 25 minutes from Maple Pass and one hour from Diablo Lake.
- The Inn at Mazama in Mazama offers several updated guest rooms in the inn and pet-friendly cabins, with an on-site restaurant 30 minutes from Maple Pass and one hour from Diablo Lake.
- River’s Edge Resort in Winthrop has cabin-style chalets and cottages with updated amenities, located 45 minutes from the Maple Pass and one hour and 15 minutes from Diablo Lake.
- Mt. Gardner Inn in Winthrop offers guest rooms with modern amenities and a private patio with mountain views, located 45 minutes from Maple Pass and 1 hour 15 minutes from Diablo Lake.
- River Run Inn in Winthrop offers rustic western-style cabins with river views and an indoor pool, located 45 minutes from Maple Pass and 1 hour and 10 minutes from Diablo Lake.
- Twisp River Suites in Twisp provides guest suites with full kitchens and private balconies overlooking the river, 55 minutes from Maple Pass and 1.5 hours from Diablo Lake.
If you’re looking for a place closer to Seattle and the Newhalem and Diablo Lake areas of North Cascades, consider these hotels on the west side of Highway 20:
- North Cascades Inn in Marblemount provides 15 cabin-themed accommodations in the heart of town, 20 minutes from Newhalem and 35 minutes from Diablo Lake.
- Glacier Peak Resort in Marblemount offers budget-friendly cabins and RV campsites with an on-site winery 25 minutes from Newhalem and 40 minutes from Diablo Lake.
- Mt. Baker Hotel in Concrete has budget-friendly hotel rooms with basic amenities and private bathrooms, located 45 minutes from Newhalem and one hour from Diablo Lake.
In addition to these lodges, several campgrounds provide options for tent and RV campers. However, there are no RV hookups inside the park. These are the best campgrounds located off Highway 20:
- Newhalem Creek Campground is a reservable campground with 107 tent and campervan sites located just outside Newhalem, about 20 minutes from Diablo Lake.
- Goodell Creek Campground is a reservable campground with 19 tents and small RV campsites just outside Newhalem, about 20 minutes from Diablo Lake.
- Gorge Lake Campground is a small, reservable campground with only eight tent campsites about 10 minutes from Diablo Lake and Newhalem.
- Colonial Creek North Campground is a reservable campground with 41 tents and small RV campsites, located on Diablo Lake 15 minutes from Newhalem and 35 minutes from Maple Pass.
- Colonial Creek South Campground is a reservable campground with 96 tents and small RV campsites, located on Diablo Lake 15 minutes from Newhalem and 35 minutes from Maple Pass.
For more on campgrounds in other parts of the park, read about Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Stehekin campgrounds.
I rented a campervan through Noma Vans on Outdoorsy when I visited North Cascades. Their vans have showers and modern amenities and fit into any standard parking space.
I recommend renting a campervan if you plan to stay at multiple campgrounds. You’ll avoid setting up and breaking down camp every day – it’s genuinely a great way to see the park!
Essential Tips for Visiting North Cascades National Park
- Get the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. While North Cascades does not charge an entry fee, you’ll need a pass to hike in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The America the Beautiful Pass covers your fee here. In addition, the America the Beautiful pass also gets you entry to all 400+ national parks and forest sites for 12 months. It’s an excellent way to save money on a national park trip. Get the America the Beautiful Pass for only $80.
- If you don’t have a national park pass, you must purchase a Northwest Forest Pass. All trails in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest require you to have this pass. You can buy the pass for $5 per day or $30 per year. The pass is valid at all national forests in Washington and Oregon. Get your Northwest Forest Pass ahead of time here.
- Fill up on gas before heading into the park. There are no gas stations between Marblemount and Mazama, about a 75-mile stretch.
- Download maps and trip details offline. Much of North Cascades National Park does not have cell phone service. Download Google Maps for the region offline ahead of time. Offline maps will ensure you can navigate even without cell phone service.
- Check trail conditions ahead of time. Many trails in North Cascades have seasonal closures and may be subject to changing conditions. Always check the North Cascades website before visiting for any travel alerts.
- Pack bug spray and sunscreen. In the heat of summer, many trails are unshaded and buggy. Protect yourself against the mosquitos and the sun with sunscreen and bug spray.
Looking for more tips on what to pack for your trip? Check out my guides on the best hiking gear, what to pack for a road trip, and essential camping gear for all my favorite gear picks and tips to make packing for your trip a breeze!
Frequently Asked Questions About North Cascades
Is North Cascades worth it?
Absolutely, North Cascades is worth it! North Cascades National Park is an underrated, hidden gem with stunning mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. With over 300 glaciers and miles of hiking trails, North Cascades is a must-see for hikers and nature lovers exploring the Pacific Northwest.
What makes North Cascades National Park famous?
North Cascades National Park is famous for its rugged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and stunning views. It is often called the “American Alps” and offers some of the best hiking and camping in the Pacific Northwest. The park is also known for its remote wilderness and over 300 glaciers!
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park
While North Cascades National Park is filled with stunning landscapes, you can use this guide to prioritize your limited time in the park.
If you only have one or two days, I recommend focusing on these top things to do in North Cascades National Park:
- North Cascades Highway
- Diablo Lake Vista Point
- Washington Pass Overlook
- Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail
- Maple Pass Loop
- Blue Lake Trail
- Ross Lake Overlook
- Gorge Lake Overlook and Gorge Lake Falls
- Newhalem, including Trail of the Cedars and Ladder Creek Falls
If you’re looking for more ideas for your trip to North Cascades, don’t miss this post on the best hikes in North Cascades National Park!
Are you planning a national park trip but don’t know where to start? Get my free 28-page national park ebook where I break down everything you need to know to visit all 63 USA national parks.
Download your free ebook here.
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