Hikes in North Cascades National Park
Famous for its jagged peaks and creaking glaciers, North Cascades National Park is a dream destination for adventurous hikers. This glorious national park is packed with lush forests, gushing waterfalls, pretty lakes and streams and beautiful mountain scenery. Hiking in North Cascades National Park is a bucket list adventure, and one that you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry.
Over 400 miles of trails wind their way through the spectacular scenery of the North Cascades National Park, providing plenty of variety for a whole range of backpacking and hiking trips. This is the ideal place to come if you want to get lost, as this national park is famously remote. With just one road traversing the park’s territory, and over 1000 square miles of wilderness to explore, this is the place to escape from the daily grind.
Hiking in North Cascades National Park will take you through lush, dense forests, and along plunging cliffs and ridgelines, offering dramatic views over the snow-capped peaks and shimmering mountain lakes. The park is particularly known for its many glaciers (over 300), which coat the high peaks and croak and groan as they slide, inch by inch, down the mountains.
To help you plan your trip to the North Cascades National Park, we’ve put together a list of our favorite hikes across the region, from family favorites to challenging day hikes. It’s time to grab your boots and head for the hills!
Types Of Hiking In North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades National Park is the perfect hiking destination, whether you’re looking for adventure, or a relaxing holiday with the whole family. The wilderness of the North Cascades provides many backcountry challenges for experienced hikers, who will find plenty of strenuous trails and challenging routes that rise to jaw-dropping summits. If you’re a keen beginner looking for the next stage in your training, you’ll also find plenty of moderate trails that will stretch your abilities and help you to build your fitness. On the other hand, if you’re travelling with young kids or looking for an easy hike, head for the serene lakes and wildflower meadows that offer remarkable views without too much exertion.
Easy Hikes In North Cascades National Park
Ladder Creek Falls Hike: This short easy hike is a wonderful, easy, post-dinner outing, and is one of the rare hikes in North Cascades National Park that is best undertaken at night! Until midnight every night, the creek and waterfalls are illuminated in beautiful colored lights. Beginning at the Skagit River, this trail is a wonderful opportunity to learn a little more about the local area.
Family Hikes In North Cascades National Park
Blue Lake Hike: Looking for a family-friendly hike with serene views? This trail passes through beautiful wildflower meadows with views of the Liberty Bell Mountain Group, before arriving at the stunning Blue Lake, the perfect spot for a family picnic! Don’t miss the blazing golden larches in the autumn.
Day Hikes In North Cascades National Park
Cutthroat Pass Hike: This gorgeous day hike passes along a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail, with incredible mountain views from the high Cutthroat Pass. The trail passes through dense forest before ascending steeply in a series of switchbacks and emerging into fabulous alpine terrain. If you’ve got the energy, extend the hike for another mile to reach Granite Pass, where you’ll enjoy yet another wonderful vista.
Challenging Hikes In North Cascades National Park
Easy Pass Hike: Don’t let the name put you off! This stunning hike is a bit of a challenge, and will take you high above the North Cascades National Park, with incredible views over craggy peaks and lush forests. Come in the autumn to see the remarkable contrast between the golden trees, black rocks, and white snow-capped peaks, for an unforgettable hiking experience.
Top Hikes In North Cascades National Park
Maple Pass Loop: The Maple Pass Loop is, quite simply, one of the best hikes in North Cascades National Park. You’ll pass through lush wildflower meadows, climb high onto a craggy ridge, and enjoy fabulous views from the highpoint of the pass. Along the way expect to catch sight of plenty of local wildlife, including marmots, which can often be found sunbathing on the rocks high above the tree line! If you only have time to do one hike in the North Cascades National Park, make it this one.
Washington Pass Overlook Hike: This easy, paved trail is a must for anyone visiting the North Cascades National Park! This is the best place to enjoy a fabulous view over Liberty Bell from the high Washington Pass. If you’re looking for a tantalizing introduction to the North Cascades region, head for the Washington Pass Overlook, where you’ll find plenty of inspiration for future hikes in the national park.
Hidden Lake Trail Hike: The hike to Hidden Lake is a bit of a challenge, but the rewards make it well worth the effort. This beautiful secluded lake is incredibly photogenic, and you’re sure to want to get a photo of the ominously perched lookout point. Along the way, expect stunning views, scented silver fir forests, and masses of summer wildflowers.
Cascade Pass Trail Hike: Looking for a classic hike in North Cascades National Park? The Cascade Pass Trail is a moderate hike that really packs a punch when it comes to remarkable views and lush scenery. You’ll ascend gently through lush forest and open meadows, before arriving at the pass, which boasts breathtaking views across the Stehekin River Valley.
Diablo Lake Trail Hike: This relatively easy trail will take you along a high path above Diablo Lake, before dropping down to the suspension bridge over the water. The route passes just below Sourdough Mountain and offers a beautiful vista, with snow-capped mountains perfectly offset by the turquoise waters of the lake. For a fun family day out, make the hike out and catch a ferry back to the trailhead.
Thunder Creek Trail Hike: This lovely route is a good flexible option for a hike in the North Cascades National Park. The Thunder Creek Trail stretches for over 40km into the backcountry, offering excellent scope for hikes and backpacking trips of different lengths. The route itself is a joy for hiking, passing through old growth forest alongside the beautiful creek.
When Is The Best Time To Hike In North Cascades National Park?
The best time to hike in the North Cascades National Park is between mid-June and mid-September, when the trails will be free of snow, and the weather is at its best. Lower elevation trails may be accessible from April, but the snows tend to linger for much longer on higher ground, meaning that many of the popular hiking routes are inaccessible. Aim for the shoulder season, at the beginning and end of the main hiking season, to avoid the crowds, and take advantage of the beautiful colors in the autumn. Once the snows hit, the park opens up for winter sports, including sledding, snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding, although bear in mind that many roads are closed during the winter due to heavy snow and avalanches.
Other Outdoor Activities In North Cascades National Park
Although hiking is a popular option, there are many other outdoor activities in the North Cascades National Park. From day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, this is a wonderful place to get out on the trail, and it’s also possible to enjoy some excellent mountain biking routes here too. Go boating on one of the many lakes, or try your hand at rafting or kayaking. This is also a wonderful place to get closer to wildlife in its natural habitat, and local rangers run a variety of animal and bird-watching tours.
How To Plan A Trip To North Cascades National Park
If this has got you excited about your next hiking adventure, why not start planning a trip to North Cascades National Park? We’ve put together all the information you’ll need to get started, from recommendations on where to go and stay, to route guides for all of our favorite hikes. This glorious region is just waiting to be discovered, and we think you’re going to love it just as much as we do!
Frequently-Asked-Questions About North Cascades National Park
How many days in North Cascades National Park?
The length of your stay in the North Cascades National Park depends entirely on how much time you have available – after all, there plenty of things to do here that could keep you occupied for weeks! However, to make the most of your trip, we’d recommend that you stay for at least 3-4 days, allowing you to squeeze in a couple of decent hikes and some time for relaxation in this beautiful natural spot.
Can you drive through North Cascades National Park?
Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, spans the width of Washington State, and passes through the North Cascades National Park. It’s an incredibly scenic route, and a good way to appreciate the park if you haven’t got much time for long hikes.
How far is North Cascades National Park from Seattle?
The North Cascades National Park is 97 miles from Seattle.
How many glaciers are in North Cascades National Park?
North Cascades National Park boasts around 300 glaciers, making it one of the most heavily glaciated places in the United States outside of Alaska.
Are there grizzly bears in North Cascades National Park?
Grizzly bear numbers in the park are currently very low, with fewer than 10 now remaining. The National Park Service is currently engaged in a restoration project that aims to restore a healthy grizzly bear population to the North Cascades National Park.
Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park
Cascade Pass Trail
Cascade Pass Trail is one of the classic North Cascades hikes. We love Cascade Pass for a relatively easy climb to subalpine grandeur. Mountains, valleys, glaciers, waterfalls, and more make a hike to Cascade Pass pretty much unbeatable for the effort.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Maple Pass Loop
Hiking the Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades is a gem. This is one of the finest trails in the North Cascades, and Maple Pass Loop is a stunner during its short season. Climbing high above alpine lakes, it skirts the North Cascades National Park boundary for views deep into the rugged and remote North Cascades. If you have time for just one North Cascades trail, this is the one.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Diablo Lake Trail
The hike along the Diablo Lake Trail rises 213 m above Diablo Lake, delivering hikers to a view of Ross Dam before dropping to a suspension bridge over Lake Diablo. During summer, the Diablo Lake Trail can be done as a one-way hike with a ride back to the trailhead via the Diablo Lake Ferry.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Washington Pass Overlook
The Washington Pass Overlook hike is a must-do for anybody visiting the North Cascades. This hike takes you along a short, paved path leading to incredible Liberty Bell views from the 1,707 m heights of Washington Pass. This little leg stretch is an excellent way to break up the drive between eastern and western Washington State.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Cutthroat Pass
The Cutthroat Pass hike is said to be one of the most scenic stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington State. This moderate, 16.4 km hike offers outstanding mountain views from the 2,073 m Cutthroat Pass. We Love it!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Blue Lake Trail
The family-friendly Blue Lake trail is another North Cascades gem. The whole family will enjoy a leisurely hike out to the pretty Blue Lake flanked by the dramatic Liberty Bell Mountain spires. Hiking to Blue Lake is especially excellent during fall when the larches turn gold.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Hidden Lake Trail
The Hidden Lake trail is one of our favorite hikes, offering magnificent views over some classic North Cascades scenery. Expect wildflower-strewn paths, fragrant silver fir forests, a serene alpine lake, and epic mountain views. It’s a challenging hike, but the vista from the Hidden Lake lookout is worth every bit of effort.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek
Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek is a moderate hike used by both day hikers and backpackers. It’s lightly trafficked and 15.0 km in length, making for a nice, quiet mid-distance trek. Some hikers don’t feel the views from the pass are necessarily worth the effort and some love them, but all love the super-quiet backcountry spots and the chance to get away from the crowds. Come try it for yourself and see.
This trail offers lots of tree coverage, making it a good choice for hot days.
User Ratings
Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp
Cascade Pass is one of the most awe-inspiring spots in North Cascades National Park. With towering peaks framing a saddle of meadow with incredible sightlines, this is one of the best destinations you can reach by foot in the area. It’s a big hike, with this stretch of trail to Cottonwood Camp clocking in at just over 25.0 km with over 1,400 m of elevation gain. This trail is moderately trafficked by both hikers and backpackers and should be at the top of your list in the park.
Come prepared with poles, good boots, and lots of water for this hike.
User Ratings
Easy Pass
We love the hike to Easy Pass. This stunning North Cascade hike has peaks aplenty and rewards hikers at the top of this not-so-easy pass. Gaze across Fisher Basin to Fisher Peak, and check out Mount Logan’s glaciated goods from afar. Hiking to Easy Pass is excellent during fall when the subalpine larches turn golden-yellow. Snow-dusted peaks are icing on the cake.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Ladder Creek Falls
Hiking to ladder Creek Falls is a great family-friendly hike for those in Newhalem. Take a short hike over the Skagit River and through the woods to Ladder Creek Falls. In the evenings, a colored light show provides entertainment from dusk till midnight year-round.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Thunder Creek Trail
Hiking along the Thunder Creek Trail can be as short or long as you want. The Thunder Creek Trail stretches over 48.3 km into the North Cascades backcountry, providing hikers with great daytrips and multi-day backpacks.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail
Cascade Pass is one of the most jaw-dropping locations you can reach on foot in North Cascades National Park. With towering peaks framing a meadow-clad saddle and glaciers and summits in the distance, it’s a world-class view. While many hikers come to the pass and then depart, this variation goes up Sahale Arm Trail to reach the summit of Sahale Mountain. It’s a difficult hike with heavy traffic.
Come prepared with poles, good boots, and lots of water for this trail.
User Ratings
Pierce Mountain Camp via Sourdough Mountain Trail
Pierce Mountain Camp via Sourdough Mountain Trail is a beautiful, hard trail. This hike is over 16km long and gains an exhausting 1,700 m of elevation, making it a real leg-burner. It’ll be worth it, though! Whether you’re camping at one of the two backcountry sites on the trail or coming out for a day trip, this hike will deliver as much as it demands.
Poles are recommended for this hike.
User Ratings
Desolation Peak Trail
Desolation Peak Trail is a hard hike that is accessed by boat rental or water taxi across Ross Lake. This hike packs in the elevation gain, but the views from the top will make it feel worthwhile. There is also a campsite just past the halfway mark of the ascent that you can use to stretch this adventure into a multi-day experience.
Poles are helpful for this hike.
User Ratings
Thunder Knob Trail
The Thunder Knob Trail is a pleasant moderate hike, switchbacking gently to a knob above Diablo Lake with views of nearby mountains. It’s just over 5.0 km in length with around 200 m of elevation gain, making it suitable for families and beginners. The trail is very well maintained and easy to follow.
Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash.
User Ratings
Sourdough Mountain Camp via Sourdough Lookout Trail
Sourdough Mountain Camp via Sourdough Lookout Trail is a hard trail in North Cascades National Park. Sourdough Camp is used as both a day trip destination and a backpacking stop. This trail is considered to be hard both for the steepness and for the trail becoming rugged in certain parts.
Look for beautiful wildflowers in the spring.
User Ratings
Stetattle Trail
Stetattle Trail is a mouthful, but it’s also a beautiful moderate hike. This trail is straightforward (literally) and quite scenic. There is a scramble section over some washout that is fun for adventurous kids to climb and not too challenging for most adventurers.
The trailhead for this hike is hard to find, so we recommend following the GPS track closely as you track it down.
User Ratings
Old Wagon Trail
The Old Wagon Trail is a moderate trail that runs the Pacific Crest Trail. A hike on Old Wagon takes you through a gorgeous forest complete with old-growth cedars and plenty of huckleberries. With over 550 m of elevation gain, it’s enough of a challenge without being too difficult.
The trailhead for this hike is only accessible by foot.
User Ratings
Howard Lake via PCT
Howard Lake via PCT is a pretty hike through the woods. It’s consistently uphill for its short ascent, but you’ll get to relax at Howard Lake after this moderate effort. Beginners and small children might find the steady ascent on this hike to be quite tiring, but it doesn’t last too long.
This trail sees lots of horse traffic, which can make the footing uneven.