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
Stiletto Lake via Twisp Pass Trail
Stiletto Lake via Twisp Pass Trail is a long, difficult hike that feels quite remote. If you’re seeking a real adventure, this 28.3 km lightly trafficked hike could be the one. The trail is rugged and not well-maintained, and you’ll need to keep an eye on your GPS as you go. If you make it to Stiletto Lake, you could enjoy having the whole place to yourself.
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McGregor Mountain Trail
McGregor Mountain is a physically demanding trail with over 1,300 m of elevation gain in North Cascades National Park. This trail is very difficult and only recommended for experienced, confident hikers. You likely won’t be able to reach the true summit without specialized equipment, but well-prepared day hikers can get quite close.
Come with lots of water, poles, and a GPS route.
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Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July Pass and Thunder Creek
Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July Pass and Thunder Creek is a hard hike used by both day hikers and backpackers. It’s lightly trafficked and almost 30.0 km in length. Hikers seeking a major challenge push themselves to complete this hike in a day, and it can be done. Most other adventurers choose to spend a couple of days heading to the summit of Ruby Mountain and back.
Come prepared to do this in a day, bringing plenty of water, food, poles, and good boots.
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Gorge Creek Falls Trail
The Gorge Creek Falls Trail is a quick, easy loop trail with a waterfall view. It’s only 0.8km long with 12m of elevation gain, making it suitable for all levels and ages. Part of this trail is paved, making it stroller-friendly. It’s a nice way to stretch your legs before or after a day in the park.
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Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier
Hike through one of the most jaw-dropping locations you can reach on foot in North Cascades National Park on the Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier hike. This is a difficult hike with heavy traffic, but it’s so worth it. The views of towering summits framing meadows filled with wildlife and the accomplishment of summiting Sahale will make this a hike you won’t forget.
Come prepared with poles, good boots, sun protection, and lots of water for this trail.
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Trail of the Cedars Hike
The Trail of the Cedars is a 2.7 km easy hike in North Cascades National Park. This hike is suitable for all ages and skill levels and presents no challenges to consider. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. The hike features a pretty rainforest with old cedars and the Skagit River beside you. It’s also an easy outing if you’re staying at the Newhalem Creek Campground nearby.
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Skagit River Loop Trail
The Skagit River Loop Trail is an easy hike in North Cascades National Park. This hike is suitable for all ages and skill levels and presents no challenges to consider. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. The hike features a pretty rainforest and the Skagit River beside you. It’s also an easy outing if you’re staying at the Newhalem Creek Campground next door.
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Rock Shelter Trail
Rock Shelter Trail is a relatively short and easy hike near Newhalem. This trail crosses the Skagit River and takes you to a rock shelter in the forest. It’s a pleasant trip with no real challenges to consider, requiring only a small elevation gain. All skill levels and ages should be able to do this trail.
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Bridge Creek Trail
Bridge Creek Trail is a 22.4 km route in North Cascades National Park that is considered hard. This is a point-to-point route that serves to link other trails in the area, including Stehekin Valley Road, North Fork Bridge Creek, Twisp Pass, McAlester Pass, and more. It’s not commonly done as a day trip but you could easily make a portion of this trail an out and back adventure without needing to backpack.