{"id":32277,"date":"2022-08-26T01:37:18","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T23:37:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/?p=32277"},"modified":"2022-12-06T23:32:12","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T21:32:12","slug":"north-cascades-national-park-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel guide to North Cascades National Park \u2013 Scenic Highway, hikes &#038; camping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Can you believe that the North Cascades National Park, home to <strong>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<\/strong>? If you are into hiking and enjoying solitude, you should put this PNW destination on your bucket list. All you need to know about <strong>hiking, camping, and viewpoints along the North Cascades Scenic Highway<\/strong> I\u2019ve put together in this article. Enjoy reading and plan your trip to the North Cascades National Park this summer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Inhaltsverzeichnis | Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69fb670cdf0b5\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #00a499;color:#00a499\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #00a499;color:#00a499\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69fb670cdf0b5\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#getting-to-around-north-cascades-national-park\" >Getting to &amp; around North Cascades National Park?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#top-5-things-to-do-in-north-cascades-national-park\" >Top 5 things to do in North Cascades National Park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#stops-along-north-cascades-scenic-byway-state-route-20\" >Stops along North Cascades Scenic Byway (State Route 20)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#1-marblemount\" >#1 Marblemount<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#2-north-cascades-visitor-center-newhalem\" >#2 North Cascades Visitor Center, Newhalem<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#3-gorge-creek-falls-and-overlook\" >#3 Gorge Creek Falls and Overlook<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#4-colonial-creek-campground\" >#4 Colonial Creek Campground<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#5-diablo-lake-overlook\" >#5 Diablo Lake Overlook<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#6-ross-lake-overlook\" >#6 Ross Lake Overlook<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#7-rainy-pass-picnic-area\" >#7 Rainy Pass picnic area<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#8-blue-lake\" >#8 Blue Lake<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#9-washington-pass-overlook\" >#9 Washington Pass Overlook<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#10-winthrop\" >#10 Winthrop<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#map-of-north-cascades-national-parks-highlights\" >Map of North Cascades National Park&#8217;s highlights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#best-hikes-north-cascades-national-park\" >Best hikes North Cascades National Park<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#trails-that-are-typically-snow-free-early-in-the-season\" >Trails that are typically snow-free early in the season<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#trails-typically-not-snow-free-until-july\" >Trails typically NOT snow-free until July<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#where-to-stay-in-north-cascades-np\" >Where to stay in North Cascades NP?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#north-cascades-national-park-camping\" >North Cascades National Park Camping<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#north-cascades-national-park-lodging\" >North Cascades National Park Lodging<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#glamping-around-north-cascades-national-park\" >Glamping around North Cascades National Park<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#best-time-to-visit-north-cascades-national-park\" >Best time to visit North Cascades National Park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#fun-facts-about-north-cascades-national-park\" >Fun facts about North Cascades National Park<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"getting-to-around-north-cascades-national-park\"><\/span><strong>Getting to &amp; around North Cascades National Park?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The North Cascades National Park is <strong>located in northern Washington State close to the Canadian border<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"812\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Getting to North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32183 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-9.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-9.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-9-800x601.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-9-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-9-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-9-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The National Park is divided into 3 different parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Lake Chelan National Recreation Area<\/strong>, including Stehekin<\/li><li><strong>Ross Lake National Recreation Area<\/strong>, including North Cascades Scenic Highway<\/li><li><strong>North Cascades Nationalpark<\/strong>, that\u2019s accessible via dirt roads or backpacking<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>North Cascades Scenic Byway (State Route 20)<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"720\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Washington Pass, highest point in North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32232 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-6b.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-6b.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-6b-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-6b-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-6b-560x373.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Washington Pass, the highest point in North Cascades National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog post, I\u2019ll be focusing on the heart of North Cascades National Park, stops between Skagit Valley and Winthrop along North Cascades Highway. This is the <strong>most easily accessible part<\/strong>, where <strong>visitor centers, scenic viewpoints, and campgrounds <\/strong>are located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"812\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"North Cascades National Park, Washington\"  class=\"wp-image-32213 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-24.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-24.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-24-800x601.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-24-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-24-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-24-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Der North Cascades Nationalpark, also known as the American Alps &#8211; I can totally see why!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Diving deeper into North Cascades National Park involves driving on dirt roads or backpacking. <strong>Stehekin is only accessible by boat or airplane and I haven\u2019t visited yet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"top-5-things-to-do-in-north-cascades-national-park\"><\/span><strong>Top 5 things to do in North Cascades National Park<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Soak in Diablo Lake\u2019s emerald green color (from Diablo Lake Overlook or a trail)<\/li><li>Hike to an alpine lake or a mountain summit<\/li><li>Drive the North Cascades Scenic Byway<\/li><li>Stop at Washington Pass Overlook for incredible views of the North Cascade Highway\u2019s highest point<\/li><li>Spend at least one night camping in the park<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"812\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Overlooking Diablo Lake from Thunder Knob Trail\"  class=\"wp-image-32230 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-18b.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-18b.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-18b-800x601.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-18b-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-18b-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-18b-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Overlooking Diablo Lake and State Route 20 from Thunder Knob<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"stops-along-north-cascades-scenic-byway-state-route-20\"><\/span><strong>Stops along North Cascades Scenic Byway (State Route 20<\/strong>)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Driving the North Cascades Scenic Byway<\/strong> is one of the <strong>top things to do in North Cascades National Park<\/strong> and the easiest way to explore this underrated national park. The North Cascades Scenic Byway is part of the <strong>North Cascade Loop<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"653\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"North Cascades Scenic Byway\"  class=\"wp-image-32167 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-1-1160x653.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-1-1160x653.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-1-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-1-560x315.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-1.jpg 1280w\" ><figcaption>North Cascades Scenic Byway<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The 140-mile (225 km) <strong>North Cascades Scenic Byway spans between Sedro-Woolley, in the Skagit Valley, and Twisp, in the Methow Valley<\/strong>. The scenic route runs along Skagit River and takes you across the highest point of North Cascades Highway: Washington Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-marblemount\"><\/span><strong>#1 Marblemount<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before entering the official boundaries of North Cascades National Park, the village of Marblemount is your <strong>last chance for full service and gas before Mazama and Winthrop<\/strong>. Also, if you need backcountry permits, you can get them at the <strong>Wilderness Information Center<\/strong>. If <strong>hiking Cascade Pass or Hidden Lake<\/strong> is on your list, you need to take the Cascade River Road on your right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-north-cascades-visitor-center-newhalem\"><\/span><strong>#2 North Cascades Visitor Center<\/strong>, <strong>Newhalem<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After the mandatory picture of the North Cascades National Park sign, Newhalem Visitor Center should be your first stop to <strong>gather park and trail conditions, grab your national park\u2019s map and newspaper<\/strong> and ask the rangers any questions you might have. <strong>There is no wifi<\/strong>, but if you ask nicely, the rangers give you the code for the Visitor Center in Newhalem itself (1 mile down the road).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"653\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"entry to North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32191 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-13-1160x653.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-13-1160x653.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-13-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-13-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-13-560x315.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-13.jpg 1280w\" ><figcaption>Official entry to North Cascades National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Remember:<\/strong> Even, though it feels like summer in Skagit Valley, the trails with higher elevation can still be covered in snow in July. So it\u2019s essential to be prepared and informed before hitting the trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"easy-strolls-in-the-newhalem-area\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Easy strolls in the Newhalem area<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Sterling Munro Boardwalk<\/strong> \u2013 330 ft (100 m) one way<\/li><li><strong>River Loop Trail<\/strong> \u2013 1.8 miles (3 km) loop<\/li><li><strong>Rock Shelter Trail <\/strong>\u2013 0.18 miles \/ 0.3 km) one way<\/li><li><strong>Trail of Cedars Nature Walk<\/strong> \u2013 0.3 miles (0.5 km) loop<\/li><li><strong>Ladder Creek Falls<\/strong> \u2013 0.4 miles (0.6 km) loop<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-gorge-creek-falls-and-overlook\"><\/span><strong>#3 Gorge Creek Falls and Overlook<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-colonial-creek-campground\"><\/span><strong>#4 Colonial Creek Campground<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll not only stop at milepost 130 if you are camping at Colonial Creek Campground but also if you want to hit the <strong>trails for Thunder Knob, Thunder Creek, or Fourth of July Pass<\/strong>. You can also <strong>access Diablo Lake <\/strong>from here, enjoy the first vistas of this emerald green lake and use the boat ramp to get on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"653\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"View of Diablo Lake from Thunder Knob Trail\"  class=\"wp-image-32197 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-16-1160x653.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-16-1160x653.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-16-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-16-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-16-560x315.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-16.jpg 1280w\" ><figcaption>View of Diablo Lake and Diablo Lake Overlook from the summit of Thunder Knob Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-diablo-lake-overlook\"><\/span><strong>#5 Diablo Lake Overlook<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Diablo Lake Overlook is located in the center of the North Cascades National<\/strong> <strong>Park and gets really busy.<\/strong> The reason being: There is a<strong> big parking lot with plenty of space, toilets, and no walk needed to soak in the stunning views of Diablo Lake<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t like car hiking, you need to stop here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"812\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Diablo Lake Overlook\"  class=\"wp-image-32185 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-10.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-10.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-10-800x601.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-10-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-10-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-10-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Emerald green Diablo Lake framed by mountain peaks and wildflowers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6-ross-lake-overlook\"><\/span><strong>#6 Ross Lake Overlook<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A little further along State Route 20 there are <strong>2 pullouts overlooking Ross Lake towards Hozomeen Mountain<\/strong>. But honestly speaking, the views aren\u2019t as spectacular. So, no worries if you miss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"720\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Ross Lake Overlook, North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32169 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-2.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-2.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-2-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-2-560x373.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>View of Ross Lake from pullouts along State Route 20<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7-rainy-pass-picnic-area\"><\/span><strong>#7 Rainy Pass picnic area<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t miss the Rainy Pass stop if you want to <strong>hike to Rainy Lake, <\/strong>Lake Ann, or consider doing the <strong>Maple Pass Loop<\/strong>. Just keep in mind these trails might not be accessible until late July due to high elevations. Rainy Lake is the most accessible trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"720\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"snow-capped mountain peaks, North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32175 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-5.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-5.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-5-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-5-560x373.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Summer in the valley, winter at the summits &#8211; This is how North Cascades National Park looks in July<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8-blue-lake\"><\/span><strong>#8 Blue Lake<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Shortly after Rainy Pass, you\u2019ll find the parking lot for Blue Lake trailhead on your right. This <strong>easy-access trailhead<\/strong> might be your <strong>best guess for a snow-free hike in the early summer season<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"812\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Sign for Blue Lake Trail, North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32207 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-21.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-21.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-21-800x601.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-21-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-21-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-21-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Trail sign leading the direction to Blue Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"720\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"half frozen Blue Lake , North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32173 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4-560x373.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Blue Lake was still 80% frozen when we visited beginning of July 2022<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"810\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Blue Lake, North Cascades National Park, Washington\"  class=\"wp-image-32246 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4b.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4b.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4b-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4b-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4b-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-4b-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>You can only guess how many shades of blue this alpine lake has to show off in summer&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"864\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"32211\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Blue Lake Trail, North Cascades\"  class=\"wp-image-32211 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-23.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-23.jpg 864w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-23-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-23-192x240.jpg 192w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-23-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-23-560x700.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Blue Lake Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"864\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"32209\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Blue Lake, North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32209 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22.jpg 864w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22-192x240.jpg 192w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22-560x700.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Blue Lake, North Cascades National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9-washington-pass-overlook\"><\/span><strong>#9 Washington Pass Overlook<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Washington Pass Overlook definitely is the most impressive viewpoint along the North Cascades Scenic Byway.<\/strong> <strong>Make sure not to miss this!<\/strong> Even if you are staying around the Diablo Lake area and aren\u2019t driving the North Cascades Loop, this viewpoint is worth the extra 30 miles (48 km) drive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"812\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Sign for Washington Pass Overlook\"  class=\"wp-image-32215 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-25.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-25.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-25-800x601.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-25-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-25-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-25-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Don&#8217;t miss this turn!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Washington Pass is the <strong>highest point along State Route 20<\/strong> and from the overlook, you get <strong>panorama views of Washington Pass and the surrounding mountain peaks<\/strong> including the 7,740 ft (2,359 m) high Liberty Bell Mountain. It\u2019s a short drive off Highway 20 and a short loop walk (850 ft \/0.2 km) on a high bluff &#8211; so worth each step!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"720\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Washington Pass and Liberty Bell, North Cascades, Washington\"  class=\"wp-image-32177 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-6.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-6.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-6-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-6-560x373.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Washington Pass with Liberty Bell Mountain in the backdrop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-winthrop\"><\/span><strong>#10 Winthrop<\/strong><strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From Washington Pass, it\u2019s another 30 miles (48 km) drive to Winthrop, a <strong>Western-style city with saloons, wine, and tap rooms<\/strong>. I highly recommend a pit stop here not only to get gas as the town is really cute and authentic.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cnvs-block-slider-gallery cnvs-block-slider-gallery-1661368525978\" >\n<div\n\tclass='gallery cnvs-gallery-type-slider'\n\tcnvs-flickity=\"init\"\n\tdata-sg-page-dots=\"true\"\n\tdata-sg-page-info=\"false\"\n\tdata-sg-nav=\"true\"\n>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"gallery-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-2.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"213\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAUAAAADVAQMAAAAcgrutAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAB9JREFUaN7twQENAAAAwqD3T20PBxQAAAAAAAAAALcGIh0AAVdv2RoAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail pk-lazyload\" alt=\"Winthrop Westernstadt\" data-pk-sizes=\"auto\" data-ls-sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-2-320x213.jpg\" data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-2-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-2-560x373.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-2.jpg 1080w\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"gallery-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-3.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"213\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAUAAAADVAQMAAAAcgrutAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAB9JREFUaN7twQENAAAAwqD3T20PBxQAAAAAAAAAALcGIh0AAVdv2RoAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail pk-lazyload\" alt=\"Winthrop Weinstuben\" data-pk-sizes=\"auto\" data-ls-sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-3-320x213.jpg\" data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-3-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-3-560x373.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-3.jpg 1080w\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"gallery-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-1.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"213\" src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAUAAAADVAQMAAAAcgrutAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAB9JREFUaN7twQENAAAAwqD3T20PBxQAAAAAAAAAALcGIh0AAVdv2RoAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail pk-lazyload\" alt=\"Winthrop Westernstadt\" data-pk-sizes=\"auto\" data-ls-sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-1-320x213.jpg\" data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-1-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-1-560x373.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-1.jpg 1080w\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you like to <strong>sit by the river<\/strong> in a <strong>European-style beer garden<\/strong>, I can recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/oldschoolhousebrewery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Old Schoolhouse Brewery<\/a>. They have decent brewery-like food and great beers! We loved the Blonde Ale, which I found in the guide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beersatthebottom.com\/beerhikingpnw.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cBeer Hiking Pacific Northwest\u201d<\/a> by Brandon Fralic and Rachel Wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"864\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"32262\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Old Schoolhouse Brewery Winthrop, North Cascades\"  class=\"wp-image-32262 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-6.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-6.jpg 864w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-6-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-6-192x240.jpg 192w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-6-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-6-560x700.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Former school, a brewery with beer garden today<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"864\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"32260\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Blonde Ale, Beer Hiking PNW\"  class=\"wp-image-32260 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-5.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-5.jpg 864w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-5-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-5-192x240.jpg 192w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-5-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-5-560x700.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Blonde Ale, recommendation from &#8220;Beer Hiking PNW&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"653\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Old Schoolhouse Brewery Winthrop\"  class=\"wp-image-32258 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-4-1160x653.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-4-1160x653.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-4-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-4-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-4-560x315.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Winthrop-4.jpg 1280w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"map-of-north-cascades-national-parks-highlights\"><\/span>Map of North Cascades National Park&#8217;s highlights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<script>window.wanderlogEmbedKeys=window.wanderlogEmbedKeys||[];window.wanderlogEmbedKeys.push('blbdbydkpe');window.wanderlogEmbedOptions={\"alwaysShowRouteLines\":true,\"omitExternalLinks\":false,\"omitWebsitePhone\":false,\"version\":2};!function(){var c=document.querySelectorAll(\"script\"),r=!1;if(c.forEach((function(c){\"https:\/\/wanderlog.com\/embed.js\"===c.src&&(r=!0)})),!r){var t=document.createElement(\"script\");t.async=!0,t.src=\"https:\/\/wanderlog.com\/embed.js\",document.body.appendChild(t)}}();<\/script><div id=\"Wanderlog__mapEmbed_blbdbydkpe\" style=\"display: block; width: 100%\"><div style=\"font-size: smaller; margin-bottom: 8px\">Map created with <a href=\"https:\/\/wanderlog.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wanderlog<\/a>, a trip planner app on <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/wanderlog\/id1476732439\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iOS<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.wanderlog.android\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Android<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"best-hikes-north-cascades-national-park\"><\/span><strong>Best hikes North Cascades National Park<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hiking and backpacking are the top things to do in North Cascades National Park<\/strong>, if you really want to experience the alpine landscape and discover the national park off the viewpoints along State Route 20. Just consider that <strong>not all trails are accessible (without professional gear) during shoulder season due to high elevation and snowfall between October and May<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"864\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"32242\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"snow-covered Blue Lake, North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32242 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22b.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22b.jpg 864w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22b-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22b-192x240.jpg 192w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22b-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-22b-560x700.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Blue Lake in July<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"864\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"32199\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"View of Diablo Lake, North Cascades Nationalpark\"  class=\"wp-image-32199 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-17.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-17.jpg 864w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-17-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-17-192x240.jpg 192w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-17-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-17-560x700.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Viwe of Diablo Lake and State Route 20<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For that reason, <strong>I\u2019ve separated trails between those that are typically snow-free early in the season (June \/ July) and trails that aren\u2019t advisable before mid-July<\/strong>. We hiked Thunder Knob Trail and Blue Lake in early July 2022. I\u2019ll be back for Maple Pass and Hidden Lake Lookout sometime later in the season, that\u2019s for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"812\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Thunder Knob Trail , North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32195 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-15.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-15.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-15-800x601.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-15-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-15-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-15-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Thunder Knob Trail is one of the hikes that&#8217;s accessible early in the season<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"trails-that-are-typically-snow-free-early-in-the-season\"><\/span><strong>Trails that are typically snow-free early in the season<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"easy-to-moderate-hikes-1-2-hrs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Easy to moderate hikes (1-2 hrs):<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Thunder Knob Trail <\/strong>\u2013 3.6 miles (5.7 km) \/ 425 ft (130 m) elevation gain<\/li><li><strong>Ross Dam Trail <\/strong>\u2013 1.5 miles (2.4 km) \/ 500 ft (152 m) elevation gain<\/li><li><strong>Thunder Creek Trail <\/strong>\u2013 3 miles (4.8 km) \/ 1,400 ft (427 m) to the first bridge<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"half-day-hikes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Half day hikes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Pyramid Lake Trail <\/strong>\u2013 4.2 miles (6.8km) \/ 1,500 ft (457 m) elevation gain<\/li><li><strong>Diabolo Lake Trail<\/strong> \u2013 7.6 miles (12 km) \/ 1,300 ft (396 m) elevation gain<\/li><li><strong>East Bank Trail <\/strong>\u2013 5.6 miles (9 km) \/ 2,050 (625 m) elevation gain<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"full-day-hikes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Full day hikes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Thornton Lake Trail<\/strong> \u2013 10.4 miles (16.8 km) \/ 2,400 ft (732 m) elevation gain<\/li><li><strong>Fourth of July Pass <\/strong>\u2013 10 miles (16 km) \/ 2,300 ft (701 m) elevation gain<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"653\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Washington Pass Overlook, North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32244 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-8b-1160x653.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-8b-1160x653.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-8b-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-8b-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-8b-560x315.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-8b.jpg 1280w\" ><figcaption>Washington Pass Overlook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"trails-typically-not-snow-free-until-july\"><\/span><strong>Trails typically NOT snow-free until July<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"easy-to-moderate-hikes-1-2-hrs-2\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Easy to moderate hikes (1-2 hrs):<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Rainy Lake<\/strong> \u2013 2 miles (3.2 km) \/ 131 ft (40 m) elevation gain<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"half-day-hikes-2\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Half day hikes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Blue Lake Trail<\/strong> \u2013 4.6 miles (7.4 km) \/ 921 ft (281 m) elevation gain<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"full-day-hikes-2\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Full day hikes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Sourdough Mountain Trail<\/strong> \u2013 10.4 miles (16.8 km) \/ 5,100 ft (1.555 m) elevation gain<\/li><li><strong>Maple Pass Loop<\/strong> \u2013 7.4 miles (11,9 km) \/ 2,191 ft (686 m) elevation gain<\/li><li><strong>Hidden Lake Lookout<\/strong> \u2013 7.5 miles (12 km) \/ 3,254 ft (992 m) elevation gain<\/li><li><strong>Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm<\/strong> \u2013 12.1 miles (19,5 km) \/ 5,029 ft (1.533 m) elevation gain<\/li><li><strong>Cutthroat Lake and Cutthroat Pass<\/strong> \u2013 11.4 miles (18,3 km) \/ 2,473 ft (754 m) elevation gain<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"where-to-stay-in-north-cascades-np\"><\/span><strong>Where to stay in North Cascades NP?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"north-cascades-national-park-camping\"><\/span><strong>North Cascades National Park Camping<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>North Cascades National Park offers 6 drive-in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/noca\/planyourvisit\/camping.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">campgrounds along State Route 20<\/a> that can be reserved during the operational season (late May-September) in advance via recreation.gov. <strong>The most popular campgrounds are Newhalem and Colonial Creek Campground<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"newhalem-campground\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Newhalem Campground<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When entering North Cascades National Park from the West (Skagit Valley), Newhalem Campground is the second campground you\u2019ll pass. It\u2019s <strong>located across North Cascades National Park Visitor Center<\/strong>. The campground offers <strong>access to easier, shorter trails along Skagit River that are snow-free early in the season<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"812\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Newhalem Campground, North Cascades national Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32187 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-11.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-11.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-11-800x601.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-11-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-11-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-11-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Making breakfast at Newhalem Campground<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"colonial-creek-campground-north-south\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Colonial Creek Campground (North &amp; South)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Colonial Creek Campground is <strong>located on Diablo Lake and is close t<\/strong>o many trails. If you score a spot, you are in the perfect spot to explore the heart of North Cascades National Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"812\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Colonial Creek Campground, North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32203 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-19.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-19.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-19-800x601.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-19-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-19-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-19-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Got our rooftop tent parked at Colonial Creek Campground<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"829\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"32193\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Colonial Creek Campground: Ausgangspunkt f\u00fcr den Thunder Knob Trail\"  class=\"wp-image-32193 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 829px) 100vw, 829px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-14.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-14.jpg 829w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-14-800x1042.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-14-184x240.jpg 184w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-14-320x417.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-14-560x730.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Thunder Knob Trailhead<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"864\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"32205\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Colonial Creek Campground North Cascades Nationalpark\"  class=\"wp-image-32205 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-20.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-20.jpg 864w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-20-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-20-192x240.jpg 192w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-20-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-20-560x700.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Camp fire at Colonianl Creek Campground<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails start from here, so does Fourth of July Trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"north-cascades-national-park-lodging\"><\/span><strong>North Cascades National Park Lodging<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>North Cascades National Park offers two lodges within the park boundaries: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rosslakeresort.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ross Lake Resort<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lodgeatstehekin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Cascades Lodge<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"812\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Sun Mountain Lodge, North Cascades\"  class=\"wp-image-32217 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Sun-Mountain-Lodge.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Sun-Mountain-Lodge.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Sun-Mountain-Lodge-800x601.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Sun-Mountain-Lodge-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Sun-Mountain-Lodge-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Sun-Mountain-Lodge-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Lobby at Sun Mountain Lodge, near Winthrop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Close to Winthrop<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sunmountainlodge.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sun Mountain Lodge<\/a> <strong>overlooking the Methow Valley and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest<\/strong>. This is a great alternative if you want to stay close to the North Cascades while enjoying luxury. Looking for a <strong>more affordable option?<\/strong> The towns of <strong>Winthrop, Mazama, and Twisp<\/strong> also offer accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"glamping-around-north-cascades-national-park\"><\/span><strong>Glamping around North Cascades National Park<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for something in between camping and lodging? <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/imp.i142493.net\/AoADGj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Getaway House Skagit Valley<\/a><\/strong> is a great stop entering North Cascades National Park from the West. While staying in one of these tiny cabins you will <strong>wake up to the sound of nature<\/strong> + views into the woods, b<strong>e off the grid with little cellphone reception + no wifi<\/strong>, and enjoy sitting around the<strong> campfire<\/strong>, making s&#8217;mores + gazing at the stars without having to sacrifice the comfort of a <strong>cozy bed, hot shower, and private bathroom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"824\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Getaway House Skagit Valley, Washington\"  class=\"wp-image-32270 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-2.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-2.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-2-800x610.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-2-315x240.jpg 315w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-2-320x244.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-2-560x427.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Camping and luxury&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"720\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Getaway House Skagit Valley, Washington\"  class=\"wp-image-32267 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-1.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-1.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-1-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-Getaway-Skagit-Valley-1-560x373.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption>Getaway House Skagit Valley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eeeeee\">Sounds good? Then use my <strong>promo<\/strong> <strong>code SMILE4TRAVEL and save $25<\/strong> on your next booking. <a href=\"https:\/\/imp.i142493.net\/AoADGj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(Click here to book)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another cute place to stay on the other side of the North Cascades Highway is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rollinghuts.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rolling Huts<\/a><\/strong>, located 10 minutes outside of Winthrop. I haven\u2019t stayed here personally but heard about it and the tiny cabins look very cute. They also have camping options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"best-time-to-visit-north-cascades-national-park\"><\/span><strong>Best time to visit North Cascades National Park<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>summer months from July to September are the best time to visit North Cascades National Park<\/strong>. <strong>August and September are the busiest months<\/strong> as all trails are snow free. In fall the larch trees turn the forest into a yellow fairy tale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though the <strong>lower elevations are typically fine to visit in June \/ July<\/strong> (depending on the rainfall in spring), the <strong>snow in higher elevations typically only starts melting in July<\/strong>. So it can easily happen that everything feels like summer in Skagit Valley and around Diablo Lake, but many popular trails aren\u2019t even accessible without professional snow gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"720\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"best time to visit North Cascades National Park\"  class=\"wp-image-32179 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-7.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-7.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-7-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-7-560x373.jpg 560w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, consider that North Cascades Scenic Byway (State Highway 20) is typically closed between October\/November and April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"fun-facts-about-north-cascades-national-park\"><\/span><strong>Fun facts about North Cascades National Park<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#1 <\/strong>With <strong>over 300 glaciers<\/strong> and countless snowfields North Cascades National Park is the <a href=\"https:\/\/parksandtrips.com\/where-to-find-all-the-glaciers-in-the-us-national-parks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">most heavily glaciated area in the United States<\/a> outside of Alaska.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-parks-amp-trips wp-block-embed-parks-amp-trips\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"cs-embed cs-embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9\"><blockquote hcb-fetch-image-from=\"https:\/\/parksandtrips.com\/where-to-find-all-the-glaciers-in-the-us-national-parks\/\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"kRbHyHiFze\"><a href=\"https:\/\/parksandtrips.com\/where-to-find-all-the-glaciers-in-the-us-national-parks\/\">Where to Find All the Glaciers in the US National Parks<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Where to Find All the Glaciers in the US National Parks&#8221; &#8212; Parks &amp; Trips\" src=\"https:\/\/parksandtrips.com\/where-to-find-all-the-glaciers-in-the-us-national-parks\/embed\/#?secret=c3Pu050h73#?secret=kRbHyHiFze\" data-secret=\"kRbHyHiFze\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#2 <\/strong>Thanks to this fact as well as jagged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and lush forests, <strong>North Cascades National Park is often nicknamed the \u201cAmerican Alps<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#3 North Cascades is one of 3 national parks located in Washington State and is the most underrated one.<\/strong> North Cascades National Park even ranks among the <a href=\"http:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/travel\/article\/least-visited-us-national-parks-2021\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 least visited National Parks in the United States<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#4<\/strong> According to <a href=\"https:\/\/irma.nps.gov\/STATS\/SSRSReports\/Park%20Specific%20Reports\/Annual%20Park%20Recreation%20Visitation%20(1904%20-%20Last%20Calendar%20Year)?Park=NOCA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Park Service<\/a> <strong>North Cascades only saw 17,855 visitors in 2021<\/strong> and 30,885 in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Just to compare these numbers with the other 2 national parks located in Washington State:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Mt. Rainier National Park<\/strong> welcomed 1,160,754 visitors in 2020 and 1,670,063 visitors in 2021.<\/li><li><strong>Olympic National Park<\/strong> even saw 2,499,177 visitors in 2020 and 2,718,925 in 2021.<br>Can you believe this?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#5<\/strong> There is <strong>no entrance fee at North Cascades National Park<\/strong> and no need to get an America the Beautiful Pass. However, some trailheads require an NW Forest Park pass to park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">***<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>QUESTIONS &amp; COMMENTS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Have you ever traveled through <a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/category\/america\/usa\/washington\/\">Washington State<\/a> and visited one of the 3 National Parks? What are your highlights? Do you like the article, and have suggestions, feedback, or recommendations? <strong>Leave me a comment<\/strong> and please feel free to <strong>share this article<\/strong> with your friends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">***<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>LIKE IT? PIN IT &amp; SAVE IT FOR LATER!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"block-0fc66569-7954-4840-b6f6-da94a0f8fcf4\">***<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"block-2d03ae9e-ff12-46d6-975f-947af675288f\"><strong>&nbsp;&#8211; SMILE4TRAVEL COMMUNITY &#8211;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"block-662bf305-a335-45a0-baad-b0421dcdfd1f\">Become part of the Smile4Travel Community &#8211; Follow my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/smile4travel\">Facebook Page<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/smile4travel\">Instagram<\/a> and register for my Newsletter, so you don\u00b4t miss any Smile4Travel adventures!<\/p>\n\n\n<p><code><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"http:\/\/classic.avantlink.com\/affiliate_app_confirm.php?mode=js&amp;authResponse=3c276a58f6fbc40f30efac958f298fac9baf97ed\"><\/script><\/code><\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"post-excerpt\">Dreaming of emerald green lakes, jagged mountain peaks, alpine glaciers, and solitude while hiking? Then put one of the least visited national parks in the United States on your list: North Cascades National Park<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/\" class=\"button button-primary button-effect\"><span>View Post<\/span><span><i class=\"cs-icon cs-icon-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":32171,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[611,542,612,617],"tags":[573,667,679],"powerkit_post_featured":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-32277","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-america","8":"category-nature-outdoors","9":"category-usa","10":"category-washington","11":"tag-hiking","12":"tag-national-park","13":"tag-summer"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Beginner&#039;s guide to North Cascades National Park<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Best hikes \u2713 camping \u2713 stops along North Cascades Scenic Highway \u271a map of North Cascades National Park, Washington\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Beginner&#039;s guide to North Cascades National Park\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Best hikes \u2713 camping \u2713 stops along North Cascades Scenic Highway \u271a map of North Cascades National Park, Washington\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Smile4Travel | Reiseblog aus den USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/smile4travel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/smile4travel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-08-25T23:37:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-12-06T21:32:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/USA-Washington-North-Cascades-National-Park-3.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Stefanie\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@smile4travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@smile4travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Stefanie\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"23 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/north-cascades-national-park-guide\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Stefanie\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/17bbcaf2d0a60442f844d81ae02cddfe\"},\"headline\":\"Travel guide to North Cascades National Park \u2013 Scenic Highway, hikes &#038; 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