Top Things to do in North Cascades National Park
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The 10 Best Hiking Trails 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. Devils Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Hiking trail that ends at Ross Lake.
2. Beaver Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This 26-mile hiking trail is considered by many to be the most beautiful and challenging trail in North Cascades Park.
3. 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.
4. McAlester Pass-Rainbow Lake Loop
5. Hidden Lake Peak Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Hidden Lake Peak Trail is 4.5 miles, steep and is a full day or overnight hike.
Reviewed By shesekmatok - Los Angeles, United States
Hi fellow travelers ☺️ Will start with a caution. The road leading to the trailhead is more suitable for high rise SUV, than a sedan, especially if u r its owner. It's a 4 miles of a narrow dirt road, with rocks, stones and small craters (huge potholes). Drove a Toyota highlander, which made it through nicely, but it wasn't easy. There's a parking spot for sedans, I think about 0.5 miles from the trailhead. But u still get to drive most of the way. Got to the trailhead, great ???????? It doesn't matter how far u can go, it's worth a visit. I'll let the pics do the talking. The trail is 4.5 miles up and 4.5 miles down. Elevation gain approximately 3000ft. Started my day at 0730 and was back by 1330. Not a competition ☺️ just giving u a time frame. 3.5 hours to the top and 2 hours downhill. More people started the hike later in the day. But all in all it's not heavily trafficked. Temp when I left, was low fifties and at the top, was cold as well. Be prepared if u r, like myself, a sun lover. Sun came out, only on the way back and for a short while. Was mostly cloudy. There are parts, that the vegetation encloses the path. My advice, wear long trousers/legging. Will not lie, it's a grueling hike, but definitely doable and worth it. Starts with a hike through a green and dense forest, with water everywhere. Then, lots of summer blossom, colorful and views of the surrounding mountains. Then come the boulders and some left over snow, wich is more icy. U even get to walk on it, which I didn't like much, since I'm clumsy. **Tip** The trail has a few false paths, that were done by hikers with backcountry permit. These lead u to a camping spot and off trail. Neat trick is to download the map of the area on Google maps for offline use (no service up there) and u can see if u r on the right path. Used it a few times. Have fun and take lots and lots of pictures ????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️ Questions? Feel free to ask ????
6. 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 ????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️
7. Hannegan Pass-Ross Lake
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.
