Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk - .3 miles. The vast expanses of sand dunes, the towering rock formations, and the clear night skies all contribute to the captivating allure of the desert. The park has 300 glaciers, jagged peaks, and forested valleys that showcase the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Visit the scenic overlooks, yes . As an active national park, the area is beautifully maintained and ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. This is technically located outside of the North Cascades National Park Complex but it is still well worth the visit. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. North Cascades National Park forms part of the Cascade Range in northwestern Washington state and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle. Im excited to do some of the hikes as we travel this weekend. From Winthrop, it takes one hour to drive to Ross Lake and 40 minutes to drive to Rainy Lake Picnic area. However, you will need to access them by trail or boat. All very beautiful. Another good day hike that could be a perfect short backpacking trip is. We also havedetailed trail guides for Mt. From North Cascades National Park, we drove north to the Mount Baker area. The park peak operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. This area is quite remote. If you go climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering, make sure you have the knowledge and equipment to make it safe, or go with someone who does. backcountry permit from the ranger station in Marblemount before heading into the backcountry. If you are not sure of the requirements for the area you are hiking in, talk to a ranger. If you like to get off the beaten path, hit the trail, or scramble to a summit, the North Cascades will blow your mind. Even though North Cascades National Park is just three hours from Seattle by car, it welcomed a mere 17,855 visitors in 2021 a staggering number when compared to the 14.1 million people who . In terms of the times when visitors are common, the months of April to June and late September to late October are some of the least busy times. The Best Months to Visit the North Cascades are August and September. Road access is weather dependent, typically accessible spring through late fall. From this overlook, you get a view of the Skagit Gorge and the Gorge Dam, a hydroelectric dam. North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is a peaceful, beautiful experience. Glaciers cap the mountains and snow blankets trails well into the summer. with a guide, hitting the trail by yourself, or just driving through to see the sights, make sure to add the North Cascades to your summer road trip schedule or make it a point to check it out next time youre in Washington. To the west is the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest and the Mount Baker Wilderness. If you plan a spring trip to North Cascades National Park, be ready to explore trails at lower elevations and prepare for any sort of weather! guided trips that allow you to get out there without the stress of planning the trip yourself! The park was established in 1968 to preserve majestic mountain scenery, snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, cascading waterfalls, and other unique natural features in the North Cascade Range. The unassuming National Park sign sits on the side of a highway, but theres no entrance gate, no entrance fee, nothing except the views, and a map to tell you that you have entered a spectacular national park. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. Washington, North Cascades Highway From Washington Pass Overlook Along Hwy, 20. From the Washington Pass Overlook, you have an outstanding view of Highway 20 and Liberty Bell Mountain. Forks, Sol Duc falls, Hurricane Ridge. North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. The North Cascades Range, for which this park is named, has the largest glacial system in the United States, other than Alaska. It is smaller than Winthrop but it is located closer to the east entrance of the park so you will have a shorter drive. . All meals are prepared by your guide and we provide nearly all the gear. Areas around Washington Pass or Heather/Maple pass often become crowded with hikers and photographers when Larch Madness descends in September or October. For families or travelers who dont want to spend multiple days in the backcountry, youll have plenty of options for easy hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and exploring this beautiful area. To see Diablo Lake at its peak, the color are most vibrant on sunny days in July, August, and September when seasonal glacial melt occurs. Cutthroat Lake: 4 miles, easy. These bears do not generally bother humans as long as they store food properly and engage in other safe practices. Located on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 94 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. If you decide to venture out in this weather, you must bring plenty of warm clothing and water-safe gear. Still, the drive is gorgeous, and you'll see flashes of yellow and orange lighting up the landscape around you. Thunder Knob: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate. A ranger can direct you to the safest trails during this time. A little farther down the road from Winthrop is Twisp. Rainbow Loop: 4.4 to 6.8 miles, moderate. Always bring some survival tools with you when you hike in the winter. But if you hit it on a weekday or early in the morning, it can still be possible to have a popular trail all to yourself. Desolation Peak - 9.4 miles 4400 foot gain (where Jack Kerouac stayed for 63 days at the fire lookout) Cutthroat Lake Trail - 3 mile roundtrip with a 410 foot elevation gain. Summary of Position North Cascades Institute is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic individual to join our retail team. And then we tried to go in September, and there were forest fires. Make sure you either find a guide, a friend with experience, or have the knowledge and gear yourself to do this climb. Glacier-covered granite peaks hide in the North Cascades, with cloudy blue lakes and alpine meadows sitting below. Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the National Park service website. Whitewater enthusiasts also could check out the Stehekin and Skagit rivers for kayaking or rafting during the warmer months. Maple Pass Loop: 7.2 miles, moderate to difficult. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. Julie Last updated: November 7, 2022 United States 25 Comments. North Cascades National Park. 17 awesome hikes in Olympic National Park. Even though Mount Baker is not tucked away with the national park complex, it still makes a great place to add onto your visit to the North Cascades, as it is a gorgeous place to go hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. If you want to camp in the campground, you can use one of the options near the park. Winter & Spring in North Cascades The snow banks were still 3 feet tall in May! It lasts until mid- to late April and necessitates the regular closure of Wash. State Rte. On the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, you may need to deal with more weather concerns and, as a result, more specialty gear. Day 2: Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake, Washington Pass Overlook, afternoon in Winthrop; sleep in Twisp. This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. We hiked Hurricane Ridge and I think we saw flowers there too. Few visit the North Cascades area in the winter, which begins creeping up in October in the upper elevations and mid-November in the lower elevations. This tiny town isnt as scenic as Winthrop and doesnt have nearly as many restaurants, but we stayed here and loved it. ENCHANTMENTS: The Enchantments is an epic hike in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State. If you have any questions about things to do in North Cascades National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Thunder Knob Trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot elevation gain. Happy travels! This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. All of these sites are usually open in the summer, with a few staying open in the winter. Learn how to stay safe while enjoying the park complex. Summer is an amazing time to visit North Cascades National Park, as once the snow melts out, you can find wildflowers blooming in high elevation meadows. Camp Meir. If you know anything about the Pacific Northwest and the Cascades, you may imagine big snowy volcanoes, which there are plenty of in the area. is remote lodging only accessible by ferry or by foot. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains as you hike to a peaceful (blue) lake. Once the road is safe to clear from snow, Highway 20 typically opens in April or May. If you have multiple days, the backcountry experience is where it gets good, whether you go by foot or by boat. September 20, 1999 Fifty hair snags were set up over the course of the summer: 27 in the early season (May 24 - July 15) and 23 in the late season (July 15 - September 20). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after . You need a bare minimum of one full day for North Cascades National Park. There are ways to camp inside the park. From hiking to kayaking to spending days in the backcountry, the real adventure begins when you get out of the car. North Cascades is 108 miles away from Seattle. 5. Even though outdoor activities are most popular in the North Cascades, consider adding a scenic drive to your trip can be fun. Rent either an entire house or cabin or a room at the lodge, where you can gaze out at the beautiful Lake Chelan and the mountains of the North Cascades. As a result, you can enjoy your time in the North Cascades without too many people around. North Cascades is one of three national parks in the state of Washington, the others being Olympic and Mount Rainier. Annual Events Skagit Eagle Festival (December and January) Developed campgrounds, like. Or, if youd prefer to DIY, find more backpacking trip ideas on the. North Cascades National Park, WA Average high temperature in September: 61F The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (70F). There are also mudslides that close . Some of the best options are often busy, with Seattle locals driving up on the weekends throughout the summer and fall. The North Cascades National Park Day Tourpromises to "Re-Wild" Your Spirit! Blue Lake Trail 42 Hiking Trails By camox The reason behind this reduced interest is a result of the rougher weather during the shoulder seasons. It looks like something out of the wild west and it is worth the drive out this way just to see it. If you want to see the world, go see it! In order to do this, you will need to obtain a backcountry permit if you plan to camp overnight along the trail. North Cascades National Park is nicknamed the American Alps, getting its name from the jagged, rocky mountain peaks and emerald green slopes. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. It was an awesome way to end the day and worth the extra drive time into the park (1 hour 15 minutes to Ross Lake). While the higher elevation keeps this very popular North Cascades trail from being a year-round fungal destination, it can be a mushroom paradise. The image was draped over terrain data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). It travels east-west along the Skagit River. On day 2, you can hike more of the trails along North Cascades Highway or hike to Cascade Pass and/or Sahale Arm. Located at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, this 300-foot boardwalk trail takes you to a viewpoint of the Picket Range. 12 Great Hikes in North Cascades National Park, Washington National Parks: Travel Guide & Itinerary, Complete Guide to the Maple Pass Loop | North Cascades National Park, Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Hike: North Cascades National Park. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable For detailed information about these hikes, take a look at our Guide to Hiking North Cascades National Park. North Cascades is the largest of the three National Park Service units which comprise the North Cascades . OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK: Take your pick from 17 awesome hikes in Olympic National Park. North Cascades National Park Highway: One of the World's Best. Some good options for entry-level scrambles and summits are: With beautiful mountainous lakes right off the highway, there are countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, motor boating, and other water activities in North Cascades National Park. The Maple Pass Loop offers a little bit of everythingwildflowers, old growth forests, a visit to a lovely alpine lake, and (the best part) panoramic views of the North Cascades. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. North Cascades National Park Travel time from Seattle: 2.5 hours National park since: 1968 Area: 504,781 acres Major peaks: Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains Visit for: Ample wildlife, hiking trails, and alpine lakes For more: nps.gov/noca * Visit Seattle partner Blue Lake: 5 miles, easy to moderate. The scenic drives and overlooks give you a glimpse of the beauty of this place, but to truly discover the majesty of the North Cascades, youll have to hit the hiking trails. But the North Cascades developed geologically separately from the volcanoes, so they look different from what most people think of when considering the PNW. Once here, you can explore Stehekin Valley on foot, go camping, and discover the cultural history of the people who live here. In some seasons, you may need more gear, making those seasons more expensive. Visitors enjoy a large amount of biodiversity and beautiful waterways. : This 10 mile round trip trail leads you to a lake surrounded by rocky peaks. If you want a beautiful adventure deep in nature, take a visit to North Cascades National Park. Whether you end up booking a trip with a guide, hitting the trail by yourself, or just driving through to see the sights, make sure to add the North Cascades to your summer road trip schedule or make it a point to check it out next time youre in Washington. As a result, several thousand different plants, animals, and fungi call the North Cascades National Park home. All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern, Unlike many national parks, the North Cascades is not one that you can simply drive through to see the iconic features. The snow has melted by August, and the park has transformed into a huge, lush, green jewel. In the northern area of the park is the Picket Range, a collection of mountains, most rising over 8,000 feet. This valley nestled at the base of the North Cascades has a magic unlike many places I have visited. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. The park encompasses over a half-million acres, including the noteworthy Lake Chelan and Ross Lake National Recreation Areas. Location: Located south of State Route 20 at milepost 119. Some options are perfect for inexperienced hikers, while others are best only for advanced hikers. Thanks Daniel Y, that's good to know! So be sure to pack lots of water, good walking shoes, and sun . Over millions of years, these glaciers created some of the steepest mountain ranges in the USA, some mountains rising 4,000 to 6,000 feet above their bases. Add on the scramble to Trapper Peak above the lake for an additional challenge and great views. This very short trail (.25 miles) takes you to a cascading waterfall. These small towns are lovely places to fill up on gas and any supplies you forgot. This 4.5-mile hike right off of Washington Pass also might not be entirely in the National Park boundaries, but this is the perfect short hike to take a leg stretcher while driving the North Cascades highway. Unlike some National Parks, you cant truly experience the spectacle of the park without putting in some real effort. To get to these regions, you can either drive on one of the dirt roads or go backpacking. North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is a peaceful, beautiful experience. There are lots of mushrooms to be seen, and if the views afield are good, so much the better. For something more challenging that will offer spectacular views of the North Cascades Range, the Maple Pass Loop is amazing. This hike shares the same trailhead as the Maple Pass Loop. North Cascades National Park is a group of federally protected lands including wilderness areas as well as Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the Ross Lake Recreation Area, collectively known and managed as the North Cascades National Park Complex. This town is made up of a handful of hotels and restaurants. North Cascades National Park consists of a northern and southern section, bisected by the Skagit River that flows through the reservoirs of Ross Lake National . To get to Rainy Lake, it is a flat walk on a paved trail to a viewpoint of the lake. From June to September, you will find gorgeous weather, safer conditions, and the opportunity for plenty of activities. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. The park is full of plenty of great places to camp, and there are several more nearby. The key to any trip is knowing the best time to schedule your visit. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. It's a dreamy setting of vibrant blue lakes, stark white snow on rocky peaks, flowering meadows, lush greenery and wooded slopes. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. There are several viewpoints located around the large parking lot as well as bathrooms. The Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park in 2023, Why You Should Visit North Cascades National Park, Overall Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park, Cheapest Time to Visit North Cascades National Park, Least Busy Time to Visit North Cascades National Park, Worst Time to Visit North Cascades National Park. Since the loop is so big, it encompasses many different environments. To get here, it is a mostly flat walk through a forest. Have your camera ready! To the east is the Okanogan National Forest, where you will find beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and the Washington Pass Overlook. We only had one full day here and unfortunately, storms moved in, so we could not do any hiking. Storm King, the hike to the peak of Mount Angeles, and the underrated Staircase Rapids Loop. Make sure to get a (usually free!) Cascade Pass 55 Hiking Trails By mistyschulz Lots of wild blueberries and we saw a bear and mountain goats. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! Learn more in our Guide to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. The Cascade loop is a 440-mile loop in Washington that includes the North Cascades National Park. Other seasons can be inhospitable to safe travel throughout the park for anyone but the most experienced backpackers. This hike is also 9 miles in length with 1,350 feet of elevation gain. It is not overly difficult and from the trail, you get to see wonderful views of Stehekin Valley, Lake Chelan, Rainbow Creek, wildflowers, and the surrounding mountains. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park? Diablo Lake gets its unusual color from the melting glaciers. There are several small towns to the east of the national park. Otherwise, there are lodges and Airbnbs nearby for you to stay at. Since the park is isolated and filled with very few artificial structures, it is a great place to escape the rigors of everyday life. Learn about the different camping options within the park complex. 20. Stehekin is a small community located on the far northern end of Lake Chelan. However, this option is accessible only by a ferry ride from Chelan or a 23-mile hike from Highway 20 and a shuttle bus from High Bridge. These steep and rocky mountains tower above the surrounding area. Just 2 hours from the urban bustle of Seattle, WA, North Cascades National Park is an underrated gem waiting to be explored. It also travels through the Okanogan National Forest, near Rainy Lake. Even once the highway is open, trails and dirt roads might still be covered with snow until deep into the summer. Be prepared for snowfall and cold temperatures beginning in September. If you want to stay in the national park along Highway 20, Ross Lake Resort is the only lodge in this area of the park. These small towns have many lodging options, but a few small hotels and inns mixed in with Airbnbs and other vacation rentals make for a great lodging option if you dont want to camp. To. Olympic National Park Vs. North Cascades: Overviews. Rainy Lake: 2 miles, easy. By participating, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or a Scotts Miracle-Gro gift pack. The Best Time to Visit Denali National Park in 2023, The Best Time to Visit Gatlinburg in 2023. Too late for flowers, but the bugs will be gone, there will be few people, weather is still generally good, and there will be blueberries/huckleberries and a little fall color. If you only saw the North Cascades from the viewpoints along Highway 20, you would be missing out on a lot. Snow begins appearing in the park in late October and can continue into April. With two days in North Cascades National Park, do what I list above on day 1. Where to stay: See here. However, there are a few man-made structures that remind you civilization exists. This makes a great place to stay if you plan to hike Cascade Pass or Hidden Lake, since Cascade River Road starts in this town. As such, the color is most vibrant on sunny days July through September when seasonal glacial melts occur. This hike is 9 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. The water washes this silt (also called rock flour) into the lake, giving it this milky green-blue color. Desolation Peak: 9.4 miles, hard. The desert may seem like a barren and inhospitable place, but it is actually home to a unique and stunning beauty. There are generally around 11 rainy days. Listed below are 12 great hikes to do in North Cascades National Park. The position is mostly based out of the Newhalem North Cascades National Park Visitor Center . . Ilana is a writer, photographer, and lifelong learner. In fact, you could easily drive through the park on Highway 20 and barely know youre in a national park (except for the Diablo Lake Overlook). Gem waiting to be seen, and other outdoor activities are most popular the! Town isnt as scenic as Winthrop and doesnt have nearly as many restaurants, but we here! 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