north cascades national park

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use the WTA site

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dude thanks for that
exactly what i needed

I stayed in marble mount a couple summers ago at some little hole in the wall hotel in town. We enjoyed white water rafting on the Sauk river with Triad tours. You should look into it. It can be as intense or as chill as you want depending on which you choose. Cascades is beautiful and criminally underrated. Lake Diablo is awesome.

i'm pretty excited to see this area. from what i've seen and read it's spectacular

I did North Cascades a few years ago.

My favorite hike was the Maple Pass Loop, followed by Cascade Pass. Also plenty of good spots along the road for easy pullouts - Diablo Lake overlook, Washington Pass, etc. Some nice state parks too.

I think my favorite area was Artist Point up on Mt. Baker. There are just stunning views everywhere you look up there and plenty of easy trails to explore after the car does all of the hard work getting you up there. It can be a bit out of the way if you aren't staying in Bellingham or nearby but worth the detour imo.

Lived on Whidbey Island for 3 years, been in Spokane for 4. North Cascades is the best. Artist Point road just opened up last week.

If you go to Rainy Pass, the north parking lot leads to Cutthroat Pass and further is Granite Pass. Absolutely beautiful. Granite Pass, out and back, would be tough in one day. Doable but difficult.

Thunder Creek leads up to Ruby Mountain, but I was stalked by a cougar (the feline kind) at 4th of July Pass a few years ago.

All of the above are great suggestions depending on your experience/endurance. Hidden Lake, Lookout Mountain, Goat Lake (not in Cascades), Easy Pass…all good option. Can’t go wrong in that park, just know your capabilities.

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Check out the Enchantments if you have the time. Aasgard Pass is a BIG hike but well worth it

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I think you need special pass for this one, and they are limited.

north cascades travelogue review

stayed in an incredible Airbnb on sutter creek a few miles out of Marblemount. A frame cabin in the middle of a mossy forest. Just awesome

2 meals in Marblemount
upcreek tap room was pretty good, some good beers and surprisingly good food. The place next door though, mondo, was exceptional. Korean BBQ and burgers…insanely good

definitely consider this area if you are into hiking. It’s the main summer draw in addition to the river and the hiking is world class

we only had the one day so maple pass loop (about 8 miles) plus 2 miles to Rainy Lake is all we had time for. Definitely do that one. Cascade Pass was the other one we considered

get a trails book there are dozens of good options inside the park and just outside on USFS land. It’ll make you cry it’s so beautiful

Just got back last night from 4 days in the Cascades. Simply put, this place is amazing.

Recap:
- Stayed on a weed farm in Rockport that had no running water or electricity. Very peaceful, really cool layout, creek for swimming, and the cabin was awesome. Local legend known as the Peace Wizard who recently passed lived on the farm. Owner had a ton of stories

- Hikes were:
Day 1- Thornton Knob Trail. Really easy trail and not too long. Great view of Diablo Lake at the top. Good family trail
Day 2 - Hidden Lake trail. Some tough inclines but stunning views from the top. Actually have a lookout that is open for backpackers to stay. Easily done in a day, but would be a great overnight backpack trip to camp on the lake.
Day 3 - Cascade pass and Sahale Arm. 11 miles and it had it all. Death by switchback in the forest the leads to an awesome view of the pass. Tons of wildlife, mainly mountain goats (saw 15+) on the sahale arm portion. The last 400m or so is extremely steep up to the glacier, but the views are incredible of the pass, Doubtful Lake, and the Cascades Range. Another I would recommend as backpacking trip. Doing in a day was rough especially after getting rained/hailed on for the last 1.5 miles
Day 4 - Maple Loop and Blue Lake trails. cgrand suggestion for Maple did not disappoint. Has a little bit of everything as far as views go. Forest, mountain lake, maple pass views and plenty peaks. Panorama at the trail's summit was incredible. Could be a little long for a family but relatively easy. Blue lake hike was easier and the end was well worth it. The lake is beautiful and reminded me of Switzerland. Took a swim here and those alpine lakes are no joke, but damn it's refreshing.

Rockport and Marblemount were both cool towns with some great locals. Spent every night at the pub chatting it up with them.

I can't say enough good things about this Park. Hiking was the best I've ever experienced, and the park was easy to maneuver. While all campsites were full, it never felt crowded and never had to wait in traffic at trailheads. Highly recommend to anyone.