re: We are trying to decide between Yellowstone and North Cascades the 2nd week of July

Lived in Bellingham for 5 years and been in Spokane for a few more than that. I’ve got about 200 hiked miles in the Casades.

The only input I have about the Cascades (my 2nd favorite park behind the Hoh) would be:

1.) What will you be driving on the Mtn Hwy loop/forest roads? Some FR and a good portion of the loop will beat your arse to death with the washboard and/or potholes.

2.) Someone suggested downloading the AT app, and that’s great. But, if you’re going to be remote, get a Green Map of the area you’ll be in.

3.) If there hasn’t been a recent review on a trail that you find on AT, call the ranger station before you go and get info on conditions. There’s (most of the time) going to be a reason there’s no recent updates. Everyone and their fricking mother wants to log their shite on that app.

4.) There is real wildlife in that forest. And not the kind that you’ll see off in the distance. It’s nothing to be overly wary of, but it’s something that should be remembered. Ruby Mountain via 4th of July Pass is the only time I’ve ever been actually stalked by a cougar (the animal). I only knew about this one because my headlamp hit the eyes while I was setting out the bear can before bed.

5.) Rainy Pass (previously mentioned) is very close to Mazama. You can hike to Cutthroat Lake pretty easily from the trailhead and it’s a stunning (also very popular) hike. A few more miles to Granite Pass which is much more remote, but it would be an absolutely brutal out and back to Granite in one day. The Methow Valley is breathtaking.

6.) Get a Discover Pass. Don’t test your luck with the rangers. $30 for a year and it’s a much better deal than daily pass or a $100 ticket.

ETA:

It was a pretty low snowpack this year. The outlook for wildfires is pretty high. The Cascades may not burn that early but we often get smoke from Canada or elsewhere, depending on the wind direction.

When I’m planning a trip such as yours to backpack, I always have a backup plan in the opposite direction (in this case, Rainier/Gifford Pinchot/Peninsula) should my primary location get smoked out. It is absolutely miserable to be in even light wildfire smoke for days while you’re trying to recreate.