Can you believe that the North Cascades National Park, home to emerald green lakes, jagged mountain peaks, alpine glaciers, black bears, and mountain goats is one of the least visited national parks in the United States? If you are into hiking and enjoying solitude, you should put this PNW destination on your bucket list. All you need to know about hiking, camping, and viewpoints along the North Cascades Scenic Highway I’ve put together in this article. Enjoy reading and plan your trip to the North Cascades National Park this summer!

Getting to & around North Cascades National Park?

The North Cascades National Park is located in northern Washington State close to the Canadian border. From Seattle, you can reach the heart of the North Cascades in only 2.5 hours. From Vancouver, in British Columbia (Canada) it takes 3 hours.

The National Park is divided into 3 different parts:

• Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, including Stehekin
• Ross Lake National Recreation Area, including North Cascades Scenic Highway
• North Cascades Nationalpark, that’s accessible via dirt roads or backpacking

The North Cascades Scenic Byway (State Route 20) is the only paved road running through the North Cascades National Park, dividing it into the North and South Units, and is closed in winter.

In this blog post, I’ll be focusing on the heart of North Cascades National Park, stops between Skagit Valley and Winthrop along North Cascades Highway. This is the most easily accessible part, where visitor centers, scenic viewpoints, and campgrounds are located.

Diving deeper into North Cascades National Park involves driving on dirt roads or backpacking. Stehekin is only accessible by boat or airplane and I haven’t visited yet.

Top 5 things to do in North Cascades National Park

• Soak in Diablo Lake’s emerald green color (from Diablo Lake Overlook or a trail)
• Hike to an alpine lake or a mountain summit
• Drive the North Cascades Scenic Byway
• Stop at Washington Pass Overlook for incredible views of the North Cascade Highway’s highest point
• Spend at least one night camping in the park

Stops along North Cascades Scenic Byway (State Route 20)

Driving the North Cascades Scenic Byway is one of the top things to do in North Cascades National Park and the easiest way to explore this underrated national park. The North Cascades Scenic Byway is part of the North Cascade Loop, a 440-mile (708 km) roundtrip winding through a large part of the state from the sea to the mountains including Whidbey Island, Skagit Valley, the North Cascades National Park as well as Lake Chelan, Wenatchee, the Bavarian town Leavenworth, as well as Stevens Pass Greenway and Seattle Northcountry.

The 140-mile (225 km) North Cascades Scenic Byway spans between Sedro-Woolley, in the Skagit Valley, and Twisp, in the Methow Valley. The scenic route runs along Skagit River and takes you across the highest point of North Cascades Highway: Washington Pass.

#1 Marblemount

Before entering the official boundaries of North Cascades National Park, the village of Marblemount is your last chance for full service and gas before Mazama and Winthrop. Also, if you need backcountry permits, you can get them at the Wilderness Information Center. If hiking Cascade Pass or Hidden Lake is on your list, you need to take the Cascade River Road on your right.

#2 North Cascades Visitor Center, Newhalem

After the mandatory picture of the North Cascades National Park sign, Newhalem Visitor Center should be your first stop to gather park and trail conditions, grab your national park’s map and newspaper and ask the rangers any questions you might have. There is no wifi, but if you ask nicely, the rangers give you the code for the Visitor Center in Newhalem itself (1 mile down the road).

Remember: Even, though it feels like summer in Skagit Valley, the trails with higher elevation can still be covered in snow in July. So it’s essential to be prepared and informed before hitting the trails.

Easy strolls in the Newhalem area

• Sterling Munro Boardwalk – 330 ft (100 m) one way
• River Loop Trail – 1.8 miles (3 km) loop
• Rock Shelter Trail – 0.18 miles / 0.3 km) one way
• Trail of Cedars Nature Walk – 0.3 miles (0.5 km) loop
• Ladder Creek Falls – 0.4 miles (0.6 km) loop

#3 Gorge Creek Falls and Overlook

This short, interpretive loop trail takes you from the parking lot at milepost 123 to views of the waterfall, into the deep gorge and Gorge dam itself.

#4 Colonial Creek Campground

You’ll not only stop at milepost 130 if you are camping at Colonial Creek Campground but also if you want to hit the trails for Thunder Knob, Thunder Creek, or Fourth of July Pass. You can also access Diablo Lake from here, enjoy the first vistas of this emerald green lake and use the boat ramp to get on the water.

#5 Diablo Lake Overlook

Diablo Lake Overlook is located in the center of the North Cascades National Park and gets really busy. The reason being: There is a big parking lot with plenty of space, toilets, and no walk needed to soak in the stunning views of Diablo Lake.

The views of Diablo Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks from this drive-in overlook are even better than from Diabolo Lake Trail and Thunder Knob Trail. Even if you don’t like car hiking, you need to stop here.

#6 Ross Lake Overlook

A little further along State Route 20 there are 2 pullouts overlooking Ross Lake towards Hozomeen Mountain. But honestly speaking, the views aren’t as spectacular. So, no worries if you miss it.

#7 Rainy Pass picnic area

Don’t miss the Rainy Pass stop if you want to hike to Rainy Lake, Lake Ann, or consider doing the Maple Pass Loop. Just keep in mind these trails might not be accessible until late July due to high elevations. Rainy Lake is the most accessible trail.

#8 Blue Lake

Shortly after Rainy Pass, you’ll find the parking lot for Blue Lake trailhead on your right. This easy-access trailhead might be your best guess for a snow-free hike in the early summer season. The 4.6 miles (7.4 km) long moderate trail takes you through subalpine forest to Blue Lake, a crystal clear alpine lake infamous for its color, surrounded by mountain peaks.

We hiked this trail in early July and the very beginning as well as the last half mile of the trail were still covered in snow. We didn’t use our microspikes, but some others did. Just come prepared to make you feel comfortable on the way. The Lake itself was still 80% frozen, so we didn’t see all the blue color that the lake is named for, but the views and reflections we enjoyed sitting at on top of the boulders were stunning and unique.

#9 Washington Pass Overlook

Washington Pass Overlook definitely is the most impressive viewpoint along the North Cascades Scenic Byway. Make sure not to miss this! Even if you are staying around the Diablo Lake area and aren’t driving the North Cascades Loop, this viewpoint is worth the extra 30 miles (48 km) drive!

Washington Pass is the highest point along State Route 20 and from the overlook, you get panorama views of Washington Pass and the surrounding mountain peaks including the 7,740 ft (2,359 m) high Liberty Bell Mountain. It’s a short drive off Highway 20 and a short loop walk (850 ft /0.2 km) on a high bluff – so worth each step!

#10 Winthrop

From Washington Pass, it’s another 30 miles (48 km) drive to Winthrop, a Western-style city with saloons, wine, and tap rooms. I highly recommend a pit stop here not only to get gas as the town is really cute and authentic.

If you like to sit by the river in a European-style beer garden, I can recommend Old Schoolhouse Brewery. They have decent brewery-like food and great beers! We loved the Blonde Ale, which I found in the guide “Beer Hiking Pacific Northwest” by Brandon Fralic and Rachel Wood.

Map of North Cascades National Park’s highlights

Best hikes North Cascades National Park

Hiking and backpacking are the top things to do in North Cascades National Park, if you really want to experience the alpine landscape and discover the national park off the viewpoints along State Route 20. Just consider that not all trails are accessible (without professional gear) during shoulder season due to high elevation and snowfall between October and May.

For that reason, I’ve separated trails between those that are typically snow-free early in the season (June / July) and trails that aren’t advisable before mid-July. We hiked Thunder Knob Trail and Blue Lake in early July 2022. I’ll be back for Maple Pass and Hidden Lake Lookout sometime later in the season, that’s for sure.

Trails that are typically snow-free early in the season

Easy to moderate hikes (1-2 hrs):

• Thunder Knob Trail – 3.6 miles (5.7 km) / 425 ft (130 m) elevation gain
• Ross Dam Trail – 1.5 miles (2.4 km) / 500 ft (152 m) elevation gain
• Thunder Creek Trail – 3 miles (4.8 km) / 1,400 ft (427 m) to the first bridge

Half day hikes

• Pyramid Lake Trail – 4.2 miles (6.8km) / 1,500 ft (457 m) elevation gain
• Diabolo Lake Trail – 7.6 miles (12 km) / 1,300 ft (396 m) elevation gain
• East Bank Trail – 5.6 miles (9 km) / 2,050 (625 m) elevation gain

Full day hikes

• Thornton Lake Trail – 10.4 miles (16.8 km) / 2,400 ft (732 m) elevation gain
• Fourth of July Pass – 10 miles (16 km) / 2,300 ft (701 m) elevation gain

Trails typically NOT snow-free until July

Easy to moderate hikes (1-2 hrs):

• Rainy Lake – 2 miles (3.2 km) / 131 ft (40 m) elevation gain

Half day hikes

• Blue Lake Trail – 4.6 miles (7.4 km) / 921 ft (281 m) elevation gain

Full day hikes

• Sourdough Mountain Trail – 10.4 miles (16.8 km) / 5,100 ft (1.555 m) elevation gain
• Maple Pass Loop – 7.4 miles (11,9 km) / 2,191 ft (686 m) elevation gain
• Hidden Lake Lookout – 7.5 miles (12 km) / 3,254 ft (992 m) elevation gain
• Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm – 12.1 miles (19,5 km) / 5,029 ft (1.533 m) elevation gain
• Cutthroat Lake and Cutthroat Pass – 11.4 miles (18,3 km) / 2,473 ft (754 m) elevation gain

Where to stay in North Cascades NP?

North Cascades National Park Camping

North Cascades National Park offers 6 drive-in campgrounds along State Route 20 that can be reserved during the operational season (late May-September) in advance via recreation.gov. The most popular campgrounds are Newhalem and Colonial Creek Campground.

Newhalem Campground

When entering North Cascades National Park from the West (Skagit Valley), Newhalem Campground is the second campground you’ll pass. It’s located across North Cascades National Park Visitor Center. The campground offers access to easier, shorter trails along Skagit River that are snow-free early in the season.

Colonial Creek Campground (North & South)

Colonial Creek Campground is located on Diablo Lake and is close to many trails. If you score a spot, you are in the perfect spot to explore the heart of North Cascades National Park.

Colonial Creek North Campground offers 41 campsites surrounded by old-growth forest. Ten walk-in, tent-only sites are available at Colonial Creek South Campground (first-come, first-served in the winter /reservations required from late May to September).

Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails start from here, so does Fourth of July Trail.

North Cascades National Park Lodging

North Cascades National Park offers two lodges within the park boundaries: Ross Lake Resort and North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin. Keep in mind that the latter can only be reached by boat, plane, or foot. Ross Lake Lodge is only open seasonally from mid-June through October.

Close to Winthrop, you’ll find Sun Mountain Lodge overlooking the Methow Valley and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This is a great alternative if you want to stay close to the North Cascades while enjoying luxury. Looking for a more affordable option? The towns of Winthrop, Mazama, and Twisp also offer accommodation.

Glamping around North Cascades National Park

Looking for something in between camping and lodging? Getaway House Skagit Valley is a great stop entering North Cascades National Park from the West. While staying in one of these tiny cabins you will wake up to the sound of nature + views into the woods, be off the grid with little cellphone reception + no wifi, and enjoy sitting around the campfire, making s’mores + gazing at the stars without having to sacrifice the comfort of a cozy bed, hot shower, and private bathroom.

Sounds good? Then use my promo code SMILE4TRAVEL and save $25 on your next booking. (Click here to book)

Another cute place to stay on the other side of the North Cascades Highway is Rolling Huts, located 10 minutes outside of Winthrop. I haven’t stayed here personally but heard about it and the tiny cabins look very cute. They also have camping options.

Best time to visit North Cascades National Park

The summer months from July to September are the best time to visit North Cascades National Park. August and September are the busiest months as all trails are snow free. In fall the larch trees turn the forest into a yellow fairy tale.

Even though the lower elevations are typically fine to visit in June / July (depending on the rainfall in spring), the snow in higher elevations typically only starts melting in July. So it can easily happen that everything feels like summer in Skagit Valley and around Diablo Lake, but many popular trails aren’t even accessible without professional snow gear.

Also, consider that North Cascades Scenic Byway (State Highway 20) is typically closed between October/November and April.

Fun facts about North Cascades National Park

#1 With over 300 glaciers and countless snowfields North Cascades National Park is the most heavily glaciated area in the United States outside of Alaska.

#2 Thanks to this fact as well as jagged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and lush forests, North Cascades National Park is often nicknamed the “American Alps“.

#3 North Cascades is one of 3 national parks located in Washington State and is the most underrated one. North Cascades National Park even ranks among the 5 least visited National Parks in the United States.

#4 According to National Park Service North Cascades only saw 17,855 visitors in 2021 and 30,885 in 2020.

Just to compare these numbers with the other 2 national parks located in Washington State:

• Mt. Rainier National Park welcomed 1,160,754 visitors in 2020 and 1,670,063 visitors in 2021.
• Olympic National Park even saw 2,499,177 visitors in 2020 and 2,718,925 in 2021.
  Can you believe this?

#5 There is no entrance fee at North Cascades National Park and no need to get an America the Beautiful Pass. However, some trailheads require an NW Forest Park pass to park.

***

QUESTIONS & COMMENTS?

Have you ever traveled through Washington State and visited one of the 3 National Parks? What are your highlights? Do you like the article, and have suggestions, feedback, or recommendations? Leave me a comment and please feel free to share this article with your friends!

***

LIKE IT? PIN IT & SAVE IT FOR LATER!

***

 – SMILE4TRAVEL COMMUNITY –

Become part of the Smile4Travel Community – Follow my Facebook Page & Instagram and register for my Newsletter, so you don´t miss any Smile4Travel adventures!

Please leave this field empty

CHECKLIST: OREGON HIKES

Sign up to my email list and get access to the free Oregon hiking checklist as well all items in the Smile4Travel RESOURCE LIBRARY!

Name

e-Mail *

It’s free to sign-up, I’ll never send you spam, and you might unsubscribe at any time. More info in my Privacy Policy.

Thanks you for joining the Smile4Travel community! Please check your mailbox and spam folder to confirm your subscription You will also and receive the password for the resource library via email where you can download the checklist.