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    Washington Pass Overlook

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    0.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    0.4 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    6 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.7
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Washington Pass Overlook Hike in North Cascades National Park

    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.

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    Route Description for Washington Pass Overlook

    Everyone – even non-hikers – can enjoy the soaring Liberty Bell Mountain views from the top of Washington Pass. A paved path cuts through pine-scented forest to the overlook, where Liberty Bell and Early Winters Spires dominate the view. Peer down onto a hairpin turn on Highway 20, some 213 m below. You can return the way you came for a 5-minute round trip walk, or continue around the loop for additional views.

    To turn this walk into a short hike, take the 0.4 km circuit route. From the overlook, follow the path north. This portion of the trail is not wheelchair accessible, as it alternates between dirt and stairs. From the northern high point, Silver Star Mountain is on display, along with countless rugged ridges and spires.

    Washington Pass provides an excellent introduction to the North Cascades, showcasing their wild, jagged, sky-piercing peaks. It’s also a learning environment, telling the story of the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) through interpretive signage. Opened in 1972, the North Cascades Highway is less than 50 years old - and Washington Pass is its highest point. Take your time wandering the path. It’s not difficult to imagine a time when no road existed here, when the wilderness remained wild and free of modern technology.

    Hiking Trail Highlights

    Washington Pass

    Washington Pass stands at an elevation of 1669m, deep in the heart of the North Cascades Mountains. It marks the highest point of the North Cascades Highway and marks the dividing line between eastern and western Washington. This dramatic and iconic part of the North Cascades landscape stands just four miles away from another high mountain pass, Rainy Pass, which is a little smaller, at an elevation of 1486m.

    Washington Pass is best known as the best lookout point for Liberty Bell Mountain, as well as the striking view down onto the highway below, with its characteristic hairpin bends. This part of the North Cascades is known for its many avalanches in winter, and heavy snowfall means that it remains closed for most of the year, only opening between May and October.

    Liberty Bell Mountain

    liberty bell

    Liberty Bell Mountain

    Liberty Bell is one of Washington State’s best-known mountains, jutting up into the sky just above Washington Pass. The peak itself actually forms part of a cluster of spires including Concord Tower, Lexington Tower and the North and South Early Winters Spires. Although this mountain isn’t the tallest mountain in the North Cascades, it is a popular destination for mountaineers and climbers, who flock to the peak to take advantage of the high-quality granite and challenging climbing routes.

    The peak is named after the famous, cracked Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol that is inextricably bound up with the quest for American independence. The looming mountain closely resembles the shape of the famous bell, even down to its chiseled, cracked face. It’s easy to see why Liberty Bell Mountain is one of the most photographed peaks in the North Cascades.

    Want to find other amazing hikes in North Cascades National Park? Check out the Diablo Lake trail, Maple Pass Loop or the Cascade Pass trail.

    Insider Hints for Washington Pass Overlook

    • With easy access for all, the hike to the Washington Pass Overlook is wheelchair accessible, kid-friendly, and leashed dogs are welcome.
    • Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife may beg for food in this heavily-trafficked area. Don’t feed the wildlife!
    • For a longer hike around the back side of Liberty Bell, check out the nearby Blue Lake Trail.

    Getting to the Washington Pass Overlook Trailhead

    To get to the Washington Pass Overlook trailhead, head east from Newhalem on Highway 20 for 67.6 km to milepost 162. Turn left onto the signed overlook road.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      Spring - Fall (Highway 20 closed during winter)

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Toilets

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Circuit

    Washington Pass Overlook Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    Washington Pass Overlook Reviews

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