Things to do in North Cascades National Park
A rugged Washington wilderness park of jagged peaks, glaciers, turquoise reservoirs, old-growth forest, and remote Stehekin country.
Best months: July, August, September, October
What is worth your time in North Cascades National Park
Sahale Arm TrailDo not miss
The continuation above Cascade Pass climbs into one of the most spectacular alpine panoramas in Washington.
Hike · 8.5 hr5
Diablo Lake OverlookDo not miss
This roadside overlook delivers the classic turquoise-lake-and-peaks view that defines the Highway 20 corridor.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.9
North Cascades Visitor CenterDo not miss
The visitor center gives the clearest indoor orientation to glaciers, wildlife, road status, and safe route choices.
Ranger Program · 1.1 hr4.7
Cascade Pass TrailDo not miss
Cascade Pass is the park signature alpine hike, opening into glacier views and broad mountain basins.
Hike · 6 hr4
North Cascades HighwayDo not miss
The drive crosses the heart of the range with cliffy road cuts, lake views, waterfalls, and high mountain scenery.
Scenic Drive · 3 hr
Blue Lake Trail
Blue Lake offers high-value alpine lake scenery from the east side of the North Cascades Highway.
Hike · 4 hr4.9
Maple Pass Loop
The nearby loop is a classic North Cascades Highway alpine hike with lake views and brilliant fall color.
Hike · 5 hr4.9
Rainbow Falls
This powerful waterfall is the most accessible signature stop in the Stehekin Valley.
Viewpoint · 1.1 hr4.8
Gorge Creek Falls Overlook
A quick roadside stop pairs a deep gorge, waterfall, and mountain-road drama with minimal effort.
Viewpoint · 23 min4.7
Ladder Creek Falls
A short walk from Newhalem reaches a lush waterfall and historic hydroelectric landscape.
Hike · 45 min4.7
Ross Dam Trail
This short descent reaches views of the dam, Ross Lake, and the steep forested valley beyond.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.7
Desolation Peak Trail
This remote Ross Lake climb is a serious fire-lookout objective with enormous wilderness views.
Hike · 8.5 hr4.6
Thornton Lakes Trail
This demanding forest and alpine route reaches a wild lake basin away from the busiest corridor stops.
Hike · 6 hr4.6
Thunder Knob Trail
This moderate forest climb rewards families and first-timers with excellent Diablo Lake views.
Hike · 2 hr4.6
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- North Cascades is famous for glacier-carved mountains, Diablo Lake, Cascade Pass, the North Cascades Highway, and some of the wildest alpine scenery in the lower 48.