23 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park in 2024

LOOKING FOR FUN THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK?

You’ve come to the right place? We have visited North Cascades National Park along with more than 30 other national parks around the country. We used our insider information from our visit to put together this guide about the best things to do in North Cascades National Park.

If you are a fellow national park enthusiast and/or love hiking, this national park is well worth visiting for a couple of days. Follow along for some amazing pointers on how to best enjoy your time in North Cascades National Park! 

Things to Do in North Cascades National Park 

1. North Cascades Visitors Center 

There’s no better way to start your journey through this park than with a visit to the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center. There are exhibits to explore here, and it’s a great place to get all the information you need about the park.  

Plus, if your kids participate in the Junior Ranger Program, this is a perfect first stop in the park. Our kids love collecting the different badges from national parks around the country. This was one of their favorite things to do in North Cascades National Park.

2. Drive the North Cascades Highway 

North Cascades Highway (also known as State Highway 20) is the main road that stretches from east to west throughout the park. This is a great route to take to enjoy the scenery of Cascades Park. Travelers will come across gorgeous overlooks, hiking trails, and lakes along this 30-mile route. 

This is a great way to catch some highlights of the park in a relatively short period of time, especially for those traveling with party members who are mobility challenged. 

3. Diablo Lake Vista Point

Diablo Lake Vista Point is one of our favorite stops along Highway 20. The view is breathtaking. It’s definitely one of the best views in the whole park. 

The mountains and trees are gorgeous from this point of few, but it’s the unique color of the lake that really sets this vista apart. The somewhat cloudy blue-green hue is a result of the “rock flour” of melting glaciers being mixed into the clear lake water. It’s such a cool sight to see. 

4. Ross Lake Overlook 

Ross Lake Overlook doesn’t offer a view as striking as Diablo Lake, but it’s still worth a stop. This vantage point offers a peek at Desolation Peak, made famous in part by Jack Kerouac. The prolific author penned his book Desolation Angels while working in that sector of the park. 

5. Visit Stehekin

Stehekin is a community located along the northern coast of Lake Chelan. This little village has less than 100 full-time residents and survives without cell service and only spotty internet. 

It’s a great place to visit if you want to unplug and truly escape everyday life, but it takes some planning to get there. With no road into the community, travelers typically make their way to Stehekin either by boat or on foot. 

There’s a rich history to be learned in this beautiful and isolated area of the park, and it’s an amazing place to camp.  If you’re interested in visiting Stehekin, make sure you have at least two days to dedicate to this excursion to justify the extended travel times. 

6. Check Out the Pacific Crest Trail 

Did you know a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail runs through North Cascades National Park? Park visitors can explore an 18-mile stretch of the storied trail while exploring the park. You can find portions of the trail near Rainy Lake in the Okanogan National Forest. 

7. Washington Pass Overlook 

Washington Pass Overlook is another highlight not to miss when making the rounds through this park. There’s a narrow paved path that runs about ¼ of a mile up to the overlook point. 

This spot offers a striking view of both Liberty Bell Mountain and Early Winter Spires, two of the most beautiful natural landmarks in North Cascades National Park. 

8. Spend a Night at Colonial Creek Campground 

North Cascades camping is such a fun way to experience the park! Colonial Creek Campground is separated into north and south sections and is located near Diablo Lake. 

The primitive campground is mainly designed for tent camping and doesn’t include extra features like showers or a camp store. 

This is a great spot to camp if you want to fish from the pier or go boating on the lake. Popular North Cascades National Park trails like Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob are located nearby too. Families love spending time together at this special spot in the park. 

This is also a great place to visit if you’re looking for access to Diablo Lake. We stopped here and while it was a little chilly for swimming, we had lots of fun exploring the beach area and admiring the beautiful views.

9. Go Kayak-Sailing 

Enjoy the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake in an unexpected yet thrilling way on this Kayak-sailing North Cascades National Park tour! 

Not many travelers know that the heat of the sun passing over the Cascade Mountains causes a change in pressure in the area, which results in increased wind from the west. This tour capitalizes on those winds, making for the perfect environment for kayak sailing. 

Kayak sailing is a unique sport, so don’t worry if you haven’t tried your hand at this before! Beginners will be treated to a lesson of basics on how to harness the power of the wind to propel the kayak along the lake’s surface and enjoy the ride. 

This experience is one of the best and most fun things you can do as a family while visiting North Cascades National Park. 

▶️ BOOK Kayak-Sailing North Cascades National Park 

Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park and Surrounding Areas 

Family-Friendly Hikes 

10. Sterling Munro Trail

Sterling Munro Trail is one of the simplest North Cascades National Park hikes. Your family will love the walk along the boardwalk, through the forest, and out to a beautiful view of Picket Range, complete with a comfortable overlook area with benches. We love looking at the mountains from this spot! 

The ground along the trail is pretty flat, so this is an excellent mini-hike for strollers and wheelchair users.  If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in North Cascades National Park, this is a great option.

11. Gorge Creek Falls Trail 

Gorge Creek Falls Trail is a paved  ½ mile trail leading up to an overlook featuring views of Skagit Gorge as well as Gorge Dam. For those looking for an even better view, continue on the dirt path into the forest for another ⅓ mile or so before following the loop back to the beginning. 

This is known to be an excellent location for birding as well as hiking, so bring some binoculars! 

12. Ladder Creek Falls Trail 

Ladder Creek Falls Trail is another quick and easy trail that allows families of all ages to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature in this area. Located in the Newhalem area of the park, this boardwalk-stye trail takes visitors on a gorgeous journey behind the Gorge Powerhouse. 

The path leads hikers on a beautiful walk across the suspension bridge, through the towering trees and stunning views of the raging river, and eventually to the cascading Ladder Creek waterfall. 

If you’ve only got the time or patience for a short hike or two, keep this one in mind. It doesn’t take too much effort and offers some memorable scenery! Our family really enjoyed this short hike.

13. Trail of the Cedars

Trail of the Cedars is one of our favorite North Cascades National Park trails. It’s a short and sweet gravel trail that follows the Skagit River banks. The logs and foliage here are so fun and exciting to explore. 

This trail and hiking area really reminds us of the Olympic National Park on the Washington Coast. The temperature rainforest setting makes for a fun day of learning and exploring with curious kids!

14. Rainy Pass 

Though technically outside of North Cascades National Park, Rainy Lake is a sight not to be missed! Visitors can begin this out-and-back route at the Rainy Pass Trailhead, located at milepost 158 on Highway 20. 

This is another paved and easily navigated trail for visitors of various mobility capabilities. About ½ mile into the walk, the trail will branch off on a steep route to the right. Do not follow the branch, but keep moving forward to reach the Rainy Lake viewpoint. 

The lake is spectacular, and kids will love spotting fish in the crystal-clear water! 

15. Cutthroat Lake Trail

If you haven’t noticed by now, North Cascades National Park is full of picturesque lakes. Cutthroat Lake is no exception. This is a great trail option for families that can handle a bit more distance but still appreciate an easy route. 

It’s a fairly flare route, meandering through the forest. There’s a unique log bridge toward the end of the hike that serves as a fun payoff for the walk. 

Blue Lake is often compared with Cutthroat Lake in terms of hiking experience and beauty. The Cutthroat pathway itself isn’t the most captivating trail in the park. If you happen to be debating on which lakeside hike to take, the Blue Lake trail is more entertaining and enjoyable overall. 

16. Thunder Knob Trail 

Thunder Knob Trail is a relatively short hike at 3.6 miles, for this park’s standards. That said, it packs a punch in terms of views for a limited distance. 

The trail begins along the coast of Diablo Lake. Hikers traversing this path will pick up 675 ft of elevation gain as they work toward a panoramic aerial view of Diablo Lake, the Cascade Mountains, and the breathtaking, lush landscape. 

17. Blue Lake 

If your family is equipped to take on five miles, the Blue Lake hike really is a great addition to your North Cascades National Park itinerary. The trail begins on boardwalks but eventually leads hikers away from the highway and into the forest, complete with shade and rocky terrain from time to time. 

Depending on the time of year, meadows along this route will be rich with wildflowers. This path also offers amazing views of Early Winters Spire, Cutthroat Peak, and Whistler Mountain at different points along the way.  

Upon arrival at the secluded mountain lake, find a place to rest or take a dip in the frigid waters! The combination of the towering granite mountains, the shimmering lake waters, along with the forest and wildflower colors, this trail really offers all the best features of the park in one place. 

Advanced Hikes

18. Maple Pass Loop 

North Cascades hikes like Maple Pass Loop have so much scenic beauty to offer. This challenging trail carries hikers through old-growth forests full of wildflowers, with stunning views of gorgeous lakes and the domineering North Cascade mountains. 

Keep in mind this particular path is not technically located within the park’s boundaries, but the path runs right along the park’s border. 

19. Rainbow Loop 

Rainbow Loop is one of the busiest North Cascades National Park hikes, especially in the Stehekn Valley portion of the park. This route can be challenging in spots with a 1,000-foot elevation gain, but it’s far from the most difficult hike in the park. 

Be sure to explore this trail for stunning views of Lake Celan, Rainbow Creek, and the greater Stehekin Valley, filled with wildflowers! 

20. Thorton Lake 

Thorton Lake is just one more of the hundreds of lakes within the park’s boundaries that shouldn’t be missed! This lake is quite secluded. The out-and-back trail leads hikers through a dense forest stretch and then onto a steep and challenging ridgeline.

The serene beauty of the mountain lake at the conclusion of the hike makes the journey well worth it! 

21. Hidden Lake Trail 

Hidden Lake Peak is an excellent route for experienced hikers who are interested in traversing different landscapes throughout the park. This trail starts in the shade of dense forest but eventually progresses to gorgeous and colorful meadows. 

Before they know it, hikers will be climbing rough stone slopes to reach the mountain top, where breathtaking views of the towering cascades, dense trees, and of course, the lake await. 

This is an equally beautiful and challenging hike. Keep in mind a route like this will take a decent portion of the day to complete. 

22. Desolation Peak 

Desolation Peak is one of the most challenging hiking trails in North Cascades National Park. This particular route is known to be hot and dry. So hikers should travel with plenty of water and appreciate the lakeside views and forest temperatures during the first few miles.

After that, the trail transitions to an open meadow landscape. 

Though it can get hot and uncomfortable, this area is ripe with unique plant species you don’t often see in other areas of the park due to the dryer climate here. It’s also a fantastic vantage point for some landmarks throughout the park, including Hozomeen Mountain, the Picket Range, Jack Mountain, and Skagit Peak. 

This lengthy and difficult hike wraps up at the Desolation Lookout, famous for being the site where Jack Kerouac worked as a lookout while writing “Desolation Angels.” 

23. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail

Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail may be the last entry on our list, but it’s the most beloved hike in the entire park. If you’re planning a trip to North Cascades to be both challenged and awe-inspired, this is the hike for you. Each of the 12 miles is colored with lush natural beauty. 

The variety of evergreen forests and, of course, wildflowers keep the scenery interesting. This is also a much-loved area for wildlife, so you never know what kind of creature you may spot while making your way through a 4,000-foot elevation gain. 

You will know you’ve reached the end of this challenging route upon arrival at Sahale Glacier Camp. Granite peaks as for as the eye can see and glimmers from Doubtful Lake make the trek all worth it! 

North Cascades National Park Backcountry Permits 

Backcountry permits are required for certain activities within the park limits, including camping along the PCT or at the resort near Ross Lake. 

Permits are $20 plus a $6 transaction fee. Cash is not accepted, so a credit or debit card will be required. 

There are two ways to get a permit: 

1. Book on Recreation.gov to reserve a permit up to 2 days in advance. Even though you reserve the permit online, you will still need to pick up the physical permit at a ranger station once you arrive at the park. The soonest a permit can be picked up is one day before the reserved permit date. Permits can also be picked up on the date they become active.  

2. Obtain a walk-up permit at a ranger station on the day of arrival at the park. 

Map of Things to Do in North Cascades National Park

Hotels Near North Cascades National Park 

Hotel Rio Vista

⭐️ Rating  9/10 | 📍Location: 285 Riverside Ave in Winthrop | 🏩 View on Expedia.com 

Lodging near North Cascades National Park Complex is hard to come by. For travelers hoping to stay near the park, Winthrop is the closest town to consider. 

Hotel Rio Vista is a two-star beach hotel with lodge-inspired accommodations. The staying rooms offer free wifi, river views, and either king or queen beds. The private patios and hot tub make this one of the most relaxing places to stay near North Cascades. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Hotel Rio Vista 

Methow River Lodge & Cabins

⭐️ Rating  9.2/10 | 📍Location: 110 White Ave in Winthrop | 🏩 View on Expedia.com 

Methow River Lodge & Cabins is one of the best places to stay near North Cascades National Park. This property has a very rustic and outdoorsy atmosphere. If you’re traveling on a budget, its suites are loaded with all the needed amenities and comforts, like a comfortable bed, flat-screen TV, and coffee maker. 

For a more luxurious stay, consider booking one of Methow River’s family cabins. Nearly triple the size of the hotel rooms, this set-up features a full kitchen and plenty of room for the family to stretch!

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Methow River Lodge & Cabins 

River Run Inn

⭐️ Rating  9.4/10 | 📍Location: 27 Rader Rd in Winthrop | 🏩 View on Expedia.com 

River Run Inn has a similar vibe and setup to the Methhow River property. The space here is very green and secluded. This property also features staying rooms at affordable rates, all with river views and some with convenient kitchenettes. 

Rollaway beds and cribs are available here. The Inn also provides free bicycle rentals for those who would like to take a cycling adventure in the area. With such stunning mountain and river views, this is a picture-perfect place to stay. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at River Run Inn

North Cascades National Park Cabins 

Ross Lake Resort

The Ross Lake Resort offers an experience truly unique to North Cascades National Park. This resort is only open a few months every year (mid-June – October) and consists of fifteen floating cabins. 

Yes, you read that right. This is a floating resort. There are four different cabin styles with varying capacity limits. All cabins are fully furnished and are equipped with comforts like electricity, running water, as well as fully functioning bathrooms and kitchens. 

Due to the limited window of availability and the small number of units, these cabins fill up years in advance. If you want to stay here, you have to have a plan. Keep in mind there are also boat-in camping options available at this resort, but campers will need to obtain a backcountry permit in order to camp here. 

North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin

The North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin is an elaborate operation. In the heart of the national park action, near Lake Chelan, this property boasts typical guestrooms, a lake house, and of course, cabins. 

The private cabins at North Cascades Lodge are more primitive than some of the others in the area. The cabins here are historic and only recently renovated with modern comforts. The cabins feature a single queen bed, a living space, a patio area, a coffee maker, and some bathroom essentials. 

North Cascades National Park Camping 

There are six main campgrounds to consider when visiting North Cascades National Park. 

• Newhalem Creek Campground
• Gorge Lake Campground
• Goodell Creek Campground
• Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground 
• Colonial Creek North Campground 
• Colonial Creek South Campground 

Boat-In camping is also an option along the shores of Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Diablo Lake, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. 

Getting to North Cascades National Park     

Where is North Cascades National Park? 

North Cascades National Park is located along the northernmost border of Washington state, near the Canadian border. 

Seattle to North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is about 2 hours to the northeast of Seattle. I-5 North and WA-530 E will carry visitors 107 miles from the city to the vast mountain vistas of the North Cascades.

Entrance Fee: No fee, admission is free. 

Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park 

The best time to visit North Cascades National Park varies based on the purpose of each family’s trip. Overall, summer (mid-June through September) offers the most comfortable weather, conducive to hiking, which is a big part of this park’s experience. 

Wildflowers are plentiful and gorgeous in the spring and fall, making these seasons wonderful times to visit for travelers who are more focused on savoring the beauty of the park.   

This is also a great time to go on a road trip through the Pacific Northwest. Summer is our favorite time to travel along the West Coast, and especially the Pacific Northwest, because the weather is so cool with little rain.

If you are looking for some other fun places to visit in Washington as part of a road trip going through North Cascades National Park, we highly recommend visiting the San Juan Islands or nearby Anacortes to see the orca whales and visiting the beautiful beaches in Ocean Shores.

Important Tips for Visiting

1. Get fuel before going into the park. There are no gas stations within the national park. 

2. Your cell coverage will be very limited in the park. Download the maps before heading into the park if you can. 

3. North Cascades National Park sits at a high elevation, so you will want to make sure you bring lots of sunscreen.

4. There is no entrance fee to the park!

5. There are not a lot of places to buy food in the park, so it is a good idea to pack a lunch. We recommend bringing along a Yeti cooler to keep your lunch and drinks cold.

6. There are winter road closures in the park. If you are visiting during the winter months, check for road closures before planning your itinerary, as there might be closures from Seattle in winter as well.

Interesting Facts and History About North Cascades National Park 

• North Cascades is one of the most overlooked national parks in the country. For such a striking and active landscape, it has very low visitorship. 
• Save for Alaska, this park has the largest glacial system in the United States, with over 300 glaciers and 300 lakes. 
• In the northern sector of the park is a group of enormous mountains (most over 8,000 ft tall) referred to as the Picket Range. Each mountain in this collection has a funny nickname, including Mount Terror, Phantom Peak, Poltergeist Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and Ghost Peak.
• World travelers sometimes refer to North Cascades National Park as the American Alps. The stunning North Cascades Mountain Range has a similar appearance to the rough and rocky mountain peaks along with lush greenery that famously depicts The Alps.
• Wildlife abounds here. Kids could practically play wildlife bingo with the likes of elk, mountain goats, sheep, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, and so many others! 

FAQ: Things to Do in North Cascades National Park 

Is North Cascades National Park Worth Visiting? 

North Cascades National Park in Washington is definitely worth visiting. The park is often overlooked, but it has some of the most striking landscapes around! 

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit North Cascades National Park?

The summer season offers the most optimal conditions for exploring North Cascades National Park. If you plan a visit from mid-June through late September, you’ll be in the window for the best weather. 

Which is Better – North Cascades National Park or Olympic National Park? 

North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park offer very different experiences when it comes to hiking in particular so it’s difficult to put one over the other. 

For those traveling with young children who appreciate shorter trails and easy access back to the car, Olympic National Park is the right choice. It’s also one of our favorite places to explore when visiting Forks, Washington. Plus, you can visit the beach on the Olympic Peninsula.  

North Cascades National Park is a more fitting option for travelers who are looking for lengthier and more challenging hikes. 

Are There Grizzly Bears in North Cascades National Park? 

Yes, there are grizzly bears in North Cascades National Park. In fact, the park’s ecosystem provides one of the best habitats in the United States for these bears to thrive. 

Why is North Cascades National Park Famous? 

The varied and striking landscapes are what make North Cascades National Park so special. The rugged mountain tops, lush forests, and awe-inspiring waterfalls are staggering sights to behold. 

How Many Days Should You Spend in North Cascades National Park? 

The amount of time you spend in the park will vary based on your specific interests and exactly what you want to see or do within the park. It is possible to see the highlights of the park in one day, but travelers who want to take their time may want to spend another day. 

What Can You Do in North Cascades National Park in One Day? 

A drive down North Cascades Highway is a great way to spend one day in North Cascades National Park. This route will lead visitors to multiple overlook areas as well as places to detour for hikes and nature walks. 

How Long Does it Take to Drive the Cascade Loop? 

The Cascade Loop is 440 miles long. This trip is best enjoyed over a week or so. Again, travelers with different interest levels and itineraries may take less or more time while traveling the Cascade Loop. 

Conclusion: Things to Do in North Cascades National Park 

North Cascades National Park is a gorgeous and rugged landscape that many travelers miss out on. Sure, this park is full of strenuous and challenging trails, which makes it a great spot for athletic adventurers, but it’s a great choice for non-hikers as well. 

Short hikes, unique camping opportunities, and scenic Highway 20 make this park a great option for families as well. Have a wonderful time making memories and enjoying the fun things to do in North Cascades National Park!