Top Things to do in North Cascades National Park
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in North Cascades National Park, North Cascades National Park
The least visited national park in Washington, it has a great deal to offer including a spectacular rain forest.
1. Washington Pass Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
Scenic overlook from which you can see famous natural sights including the Liberty Bell Peak and Early Winter Spires.
Reviewed By charless503 - Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
On our trip from Seattle to Winthrop, my wife and I stopped first at the beautiful Diablo overlook and then at the Washington Pass both stops to enjoy the scenery and to break the 4 hour drive on the Hwy 20. The view of the mountains is absolutely stunning.
2. Maple Pass Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
A scenic trail passing by lakes and meadows.
Reviewed By 718kristens - Tennessee, United States
Best hike! I couldn’t stop taking pictures because the views were amazing. Hiking sticks were very helpful. We went counter clockwise. It was a gradual incline to the top and not too steep back down. Most hikers were wearing masks or put them on when we passed. We started around 8am. Took us about 6 hours total with lunch at the top and lots of breaks for my 12 year old. Take plenty of water. I never felt unsafe. Well marked path once you’re on it. Weather was much cooler and easier in the early morning hours. Bugs were not a problem (october). Parking was available. Don’t forget to pay your $5 fee at the box or display your pass.
3. Blue Lake Trai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By shesekmatok - Los Angeles, United States
Come early, u will have the lake for yourself, come late, u will share... A lot. There's a pit toilet at the trailhead ???? And one picnic table ????????♀️ 5$ fee at a self service station, if u don't hold an annual park pass. Started at 0640 am and it was cold ???? in the 40's. Took me 15 minutes to get warmer and and an hour to reach the lake. Just a time frame... The trail isn't steep, elevation gain is about 1000 ft. Beautiful scenery all the way, pics say it all. The lake is much more than I have expected. Stayed around it for about an hour and was amazed by the views, from many angles ???? A bit further there's a small loop that leads to a small pond. The way back was a treat. I could jog down hill parts of it. Just watch ur footing. On the way down, met 20 fellow hikers. Most of the trail was shaded. When the sun came through, so did the bugs. Questions? Feel free to ask ☺️ Have fun ????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️
4. Diablo Lake Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By 273triciaa - Louisville, United States
picnic tables and a great view...great stopping spot on your drive through NCNP...but it can get busy.
5. North Cascades National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 38sallyj - Chelmsford, United Kingdom
.The scenery here was amazing, forests, mountains and lakes, Lake Diablo was incredible, the blue water was fantastic. Definately worth visiting this National Park. We visited America for a month, so we bought the Annual Park Pass, at $80, it saves a lot of money, you can access as many parks as you wish, and only pay the once.
6. Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Peaceful area great for picnicking and hiking.
Reviewed By 261geraldd - Bellingham, United States
The boat tour was very pleasant. The scenery was great and the tour guides were interesting and informative. Just as the Gorge Dam tour, the guide´s presentations were very professional. I did not go into the dam because I had a sore foot and could not walk very far. People who went into the dam seemed to like that part of the tour also.
7. North Cascades Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 318 reviews
A scenic highway measuring 132 miles.
Reviewed By juliancS1656AG - Kent, United States
Beautiful views. Lots of picture taking sites. Be warned, No Cell Service available. There are a lot of people. Rest Areas & out look stops are packed. Winter is not an option(closed). There is a slight detour between Rockport & Lake Diablo.
8. Colonial Creek Campground - Stehekin Valley Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
This moderate-to-strenuous hiking trail climbs up to an elevation of 6,040 feet, which weaves through old growth forest in the first ten miles.
9. Cascade Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
This moderate hiking trail climbs up to 5,384 feet elevation.
Reviewed By JerseyGirl5781 - Hoboken, United States
This review is really about the hike before the hike. We were at the park in mid-June so the Cascade Pass trail was still snow-covered. Park staff recommended we drive up Cascade River Rd to where the road was gated and then hike the road to the trailhead. We hit deep snow right before the trailhead but were able to walk over three miles each way. The road up to the gate was a little dicey in a sedan but doable. After the gate, I was glad we were walking and NOT driving. The view is awesome as you’re traversing along one hillside while gazing up at mountains, waterfalls and a valley across from you. We saw a mama black bear w two tiny cubs in the distance, eagles and osprey and only a couple of humans. The walk was moderate and you’re on wide gravel, asphalt or dirt the whole time. Definitely a great option if you are in the park early in the season before you can get to much high elevation hiking.
10. Rainy Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By GoAlong2 - Seattle, United States
A little over a mile long, and paved, this easy trail through the forest with occasional interpretive signs leads to a pretty alpine lake. The clear water and views of the surrounding mountains as well as a tall thin waterfall enhance the feeling of being a world away. There are other, longer and more strenuous trails in the area, so the parking lot can be rather busy. Restrooms and picnic tables are available at the trailhead.
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