North Cascades National Park Itinerary | Top Things to Do + Tips

From its sprawling alpine lakes to the jagged and idyllic mountain range, the North Cascades is an adventurer’s next best destination. So, it only makes sense to come up with the ultimate North Cascades National Park itinerary before you leave.

Found in northern Washington, this is a national park known for its dramatic Cascade Mountain Range, which serves as a natural border between the US and Canada. With waterfalls, lakes, and bustling wildlife to boot, hiking in North Cascades is a given. 

However, knowing where to hike during your short time in this American oasis is a whole other matter.

So get ready to dive right into the ultimate North Cascades National Park hiking itinerary.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park

Knowing when to visit North Cascades National Park is essential. If you’re looking for the best weather for hiking, then the answer is pretty straightforward. Mid-June to late September offers the warmest weather, with average highs hitting 54°F (12°C), so not too hot or too cold. 

As the snow melts, the grasses and wildflowers (particularly in the alpine zones) turn the landscape into an array of colors. That said, mid-October is another fantastic time to visit, especially thanks to the yellow larches that turn the valley into a vivid range of fall colors.

In other words, anytime from June to mid-October would be ideal to tick off the North Cascades from your Pacific Northwest road trip.

How to Get to North Cascades National Park

If you’re looking to fly, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is the nearest major airport to the North Cascades National Park Complex. It’s then a two-hour drive (106 miles) from Seattle to North Cascades, primarily along the I-5 N and WA-530.

If you’re heading in from Vancouver, Canada, it’s a slightly longer two-and-a-half-hour drive (124 miles) along I-5 S and State Rte 20 E.

If you’re planning a trip from Olympic National Park, you can expect a four-hour trip (151 miles) along State Rte 20 E. If your road trip takes you north from Mount Rainier National Park, then you can also expect a four-hour trip (195 miles) via the I-5 N.

>>>Rent A Car Here<<<

Where to Stay When Visiting North Cascades National Park

As the North Cascades are fairly remote, the region is blessed with some of the best cabins in Washington State. Say goodbye to the same old hotel room and hello to these simply breathtaking lodgings that absorb you into the wilderness beyond.

Budget | Riverfront Getaway on the Wild and Scenic 

With the North Cascades Visitor Center and park entrance being just 10 miles away, this Riverfront Getaway is super close to the park. Situated on private property and just a short walk away from the Skagit River, this is a simple yet homely stay at a great price.

It has all the bells and whistles you need during your stay, but there are also a few hidden gems you’ll love. You can watch the sunset on the raised patio, read a book in a hammock below deck, or relax in the sauna. Whatever it is you seek, you and your pets will have a fantastic stay. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range | Ross Lake Resort 

If you’re looking to stay in the park, then the Ross Lake Resort is the place to be. Each of the floating cabins in the resort has glorious views of the lake and the snow-tipped Cascade Range in the distance. 

They offer four unique lodging options, with each option catering to your specific travel needs. You can take a rowing boat out onto the open water or spend your days on the various hiking trails across the property. >>>Check Availability

Luxury | Riverside Retreat on Skagit River

It may be a 10-mile drive to the park entrance, but the Riverside Retreat is the height of luxury lodging near North Cascades. Located in Concrete, this private home is the perfect place to call it a day after some intense exploring.

From the sophisticated finishings within the house to the hot tub overlooking the river, you’ll feel right at home. With three rooms available, it’s perfect for a larger family, and if you don’t want to cook in the fully-kitted kitchen, some great local eateries are right around the corner. >>>Check Availability

Camping | Newhalem Creek Campground 

If you’re looking to rough it and prefer the rustic feeling of camping, then the Newhalem Creek Campground should be your go-to. Although it’s a non-electric campground, they do have hike-to sites.

You can also utilize the flush toilets, covered picnic spots, food storage lockers, grills, and campfire rings to your heart’s content. >>>Check Availability

The Ultimate 3-Day North Cascades Itinerary

From the magical hikes to other, more unique things to do in North Cascades National Park, this itinerary is packed to the brim with epic experiences. It’s been laid out in such a way that you can enjoy the best time to experience each activity.

Map of North Cascades National Park Itinerary Plan

Day One in North Cascades National Park

Day one is all about becoming familiar with the park and catching a glimpse of some of the most majestic viewpoints on offer. To start the day off, you’ll take on the region’s scenic drive, traveling to North Cascades National Park’s boundary on the east and west sides.

Admire the Scenic North Cascades Highway Drive

Begin your North Cascades National Park, Washington, trip with a 30-mile drive along the park’s scenic byway. Bear in mind you’ll be driving up and down this road a fair bit throughout your visit, but it’s worth doing a full drive of the route at the start for many reasons. 

Firstly, it allows you to know where everything is, so you don’t need to whip out your North Cascades map at every turn. 

It also allows you to stop and admire some of the most scenic viewpoints in the park. From the visitor center at the park entrance and the quaint town of Newhalem to the overlooks at Ross and Diablo Lake, you’re in for a real treat.

A stop you absolutely have to make along the way includes a short interpretive hike to Gorge Creek Falls near Gorge Lake. The Happy Creek Forest Walk is another short boardwalk just off the byway that’s definitely worth stopping for.

Hike Up to Hidden Lake Lookout 

• Distance: 7.5 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 3,254 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

To get the hiking underway, there’s no better place to start than the challenging out-and-back trek to Hidden Lake. Despite its difficulty, this hike pays its dues in more ways than one. 

As you make your way up the alpine terrain, the meadows are bustling with wildflowers. The fields soon make way for forested regions filled with yellow larches. Roughly 2.5 miles into the trek, you’ll cross over the East Fork Sibley Creek. 

This is where the real difficulties lie, though, as the next section of the hike, as you may need an ice ax in some situations. If you’re skilled enough and reach the lookout, you’re in for a real treat. 

The magnetic views of Hidden Lake will be just below you, while Eldorado and Forbidden Peak swallow up the scenery beyond. If you turn around to the northwest, you’ll be able to spot Mount Baker in all its glory.

Take a Gentle Stroll Through the Trail of the Cedars

• Distance: 0.6-mile (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 26 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Hidden Lake is a challenging and tiring trek, so it’s best to take on one of the easy Washington hikes next. It’s roughly a 45-minute drive from the Hidden Lake trailhead to Trail of the Cedars, so you have a bit of time to breathe before the next expedition.

Luckily, this is a very gentle hike across the Skagit River and through a thriving forest of Western Redcedars. It’s a wheelchair-accessible trail as well, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of this tucked-away paradise.

Kayak Along Ross Lake

Roughly 14 miles east of the Trail of the Cedars, you’ll find the unmistakably jade-blue Ross Lake. Here, at the Ross Lake Resort, you can rent a kayak and enjoy a surreal experience as you wade through the jade water amongst towering alpine mountains.

You can admire the surrounding scenery from a truly inspiring vantage point. Paddle past Cougar Island, Ross Dam, and Ruby Arm as you allow the sounds of nature to envelope your senses. As you make your way along the lake, you’ll be able to gaze up at Sourdough Mountain to the west and Jack and Crater Mountain to the east.

Simply put, kayaking is an absolute must when in North Cascades, and Ross Lake is the best place for it.

Enjoy the Sunset at Diablo Lake Overlook

End your day at the prettiest sunset spot in the park, Diablo Lake Overlook. It’s a short 5-minute drive from Ross Lake, so you don’t have to go out of your way to admire the dancing colors in the sky. 

As the sun sets to the west, it’ll appear as if there are two fiery skies as Diablo Lake mirrors the sky above perfectly. 

While the vista point is undeniably breathtaking, as the sunset draws to a close, head down the road to the bridge over Thunder Arm. It’s a section of road that feels as if it’s floating atop Diablo Lake. And when the setting sun paints the river a brilliant range of colors, you’ll capture some of your best North Cascades National Park photos right at this point.

Day Two in North Cascades National Park

Day one may have been all about stunning views, but day two is a pairing of scenic opportunities and magical North Cascades National Park hikes. From a trek along Maple Pass to the flowing waterfalls at Ladder Creek, there’s loads to look forward to on day two.

Enjoy a Gentle Stroll to Ladder Creek Falls

• Distance: 0.5-mile (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 72 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

It may not be super well-known, but Ladder Creek is one of the best waterfalls in Washington State. You’ll find this easy 15-minute hike in Newhalem, and there’s not one but two magnificent bridges you’ll cross over Skagit River along the way.

As you make your way around the Gorge Powerhouse, you’ll make your way past picturesque maple trees and lush forest. Roughly 300 yards into the walk, there’s a fork in the trail that leads to the magical Ladder Creek Falls. 

It’s a hidden haven of moss-covered rocks and a cascading waterfall that you won’t forget anytime soon.

Hike the Thunder Knob Trail

• Distance: 3.4 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 675 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Just ten miles down the road, you’ll find the next hike. Thunder Knob is an hour and 40-minute North Cascades National Park trail that doesn’t disappoint. Starting at Colonial Creek Campground, this trek winds its way along the broad ridge wedged between Thunder Arm and the North Cascades Highway. 

Roughly 0.8 miles in, the surrounding trees part way, offering unforgettable views of Ruby Mountain to the west and Thunder Lake to the east. As you continue along the path, many of the landscape vistas are dappled between sections of intense foliage.

However, the best scenic overlook is at the end of the trail, where panoramas of Thunder Point and Hidden Cove await.

Admire the Views From Ross Lake Overlook

Diablo Lake’s overlook may be the ultimate sunset spot, but there’s no denying the spectacular vistas you can admire at Ross Lake Overlook. It’s roughly five miles east of Thunder Knob and super easy to reach, as it’s alongside the North Cascades Highway. 

From the viewpoint, you’ll see where Ross Lake and Ruby Arm converge, as the two jade-colored lakes create a sight to behold. To your right lie Jack and Crater Mountain, while Sourdough Mountain sits to your left. 

You don’t need to spend loads of time here, but it’s definitely worth the stop and opportunity to snap some epic photos.

Take on Maple Pass Loop

• Distance: 7.4 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 2,191 ft.
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Back to the hikes, and you’ll have a spectacular yet challenging trek on the four-hour Maple Pass Loop. It’s a trail that wraps around the rim surrounding Lake Ann, and its views in summer and fall are simply out of this world.

Around 0.8 miles in, you’ll come across a sprawling meadow of wild grasses and flowers just below Crooked Bum Peak. Roughly 1.1 miles into the trek, there’s a fork. Going left will lead you to Lake Ann while the right path continues along the loop.

As you continue along the hike, sublime views of Lake Ann and the surrounding mountainside are at every turn. However, the true star of the show is roughly 3.7 miles in as you reach Maple Pass. This is where unforgettable perspectives of both Lake Ann and Rainy Lake await.

Stargaze at Rainy Pass  

If you enjoyed that breathtaking hike, then why not stick around for a little while? The park may be known for its daytime exploits, but don’t overlook the night sky in the North Cascades.

Rainy Pass Trailhead and Picnic Site offers the best stargazing in the North Cascades imaginable without needing to go out of your way. While heading up to one of the fire lookouts would be the best of the best, Rainy Pass is a fairly remote area near the park that’s still close to the main road. 

Day Three in North Cascades National Park

The final day of your North Cascades National Park trip has a bit of everything. From breathtaking overlooks and picturesque hikes to exploring the local town, there’s still loads for you to enjoy.

Spend Some Time Exploring Newhalem

Why not start your day with a gentle stroll through the picturesque town of Newhalem? You can admire the simplicity of this quaint little community, with its perfectly cut lawns and homely feel. 

Look out for the Thunderbird Totem and Seattle City Light train, two iconic monuments showing the history of this tiny town. It’s a lovely opportunity to slow down and enjoy the sleepy nature of Newhalem’s atmosphere.

Soak Up the Thrills of Whitewater Rafting 

You can’t ignore the adrenaline-pumping opportunities of the Skagit River. Whitewater rafting is a fantastic way to cruise through the magnificent North Cascades, and it’s definitely an activity you won’t forget anytime soon.

Alpine Adventures is one of the top tour operators in the region and is highly recommended. During the half-day trip, you’ll travel all the way through the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

The tour starts at the Goodell Picnic Creek Area and travels all the way to the North Cascades National Park West Entrance.

Enjoy the Blue Lake Trail

• Distance: 4.7 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 925 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

For a pleasant hike through alpine forests, this two-hour and 20-minute trek definitely won’t disappoint. It’s a meandering trek along the base of Liberty Bell Mountain and Early Winters Spires. 

There’s plenty of tree cover throughout the hike, so it almost feels like you’re walking through an enchanted forest. To make it even more magical, as you reach the end of the trail, the canopy opens to reveal the almost turquoise waters of Blue Lake.

Capture Scenic Sunset Photos at Washington Pass Overlook

End your day with a wonderful sunset at Washington Pass Overlook. As the sun sets to the west, Cutthroat Peak and Hinkhouse Peak are lit up with soft hues of pink and purple.

The overlook also has an interpretive explanation of how this vista was carved by thousands of years of ice erosion. Simply put, this is the perfect way to end your final day in the most eastern part of the park.

What To Pack When Hiking North Cascades National Park

1. Sunscreen: Super important and it is part of the ten essentials!  >Buy Sunscreen
2. Chapstick: This one has SPF so your lips won’t get burned! >Check Out This Chapstick
3. Hiking Boots/Shoes: If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me, I have done it so many times before). >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
4. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. >Buy Hiking Socks
5. Water Reservoir: Water reservoirs help prevent dehydration while hiking. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have a plastic taste. >Here Is My Water Reservoir
6. Water: Stay nice and hydrated.
7. Sunglasses: It can get sunny even in the fall, so make sure to pack some sunglasses. >Check Out These Sunglasses
8. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, and energy bars. >>>Check Out These Snacks
9. Camera: The Sony A6000 was one of the first cameras I started traveling with. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
11. Day Pack to carry all your things: To carry all your gear, water, and food, you need a good backpack. Osprey is known to have some of the best backpacks in the market. >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
12. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get stranded in the dark! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight. >Buy A Headlamp Now
13. Leggings or Hiking Pants: I always wear leggings while hiking because it is what I feel most comfortable with! >Click For My Favorite Hiking Leggings
14. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts: Cotton shirts soak up your sweat when hiking, so make sure to wear something breathable. >Check out this awesome breathable shirt here.
15. Mid Base Layer: If you are hiking in the winter, this might be a great idea. I usually still bring them in the summer because I do a lot of sunset hikes, and it is chilly at night. >Check Out My Sweater Here
16. Sports Bra: For women. >Check This One Here
17. Jacket: I always have a jacket in my backpack, even if it is hot. I do it just in case of an emergency.  >Buy My Favorite Jacket
18. Rain Jacket: The worst feeling in the world is being wet and cold while hiking. You can get hypothermia, so always carry a poncho or a rain jacket when you hike Washington. >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here
19. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
20. Knife: I always carry a knife in my backpack just in case. >Check Out My Knife Here
21. National Park Pass: If you are an avid hiker like me, it’s worth getting the year-long America The Beautiful Pass. >Get It Here
22. National Park Map: Get a printed map here!

FAQs About Visiting North Cascades National Park

Now, that is one jampacked itinerary. However, you may still have some questions in mind. Here’s the quick answers you’ll need. 

How Many Days in North Cascades National Park Is Enough?

Like most national parks, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to see everything in a day. So it’s best to aim for a two to three-day itinerary. While you can cover a lot on a 2-day itinerary in North Cascades National Park, three days is still optimal as you won’t be rushed.

Do You Need a Park Pass to Enter North Cascades National Park?

You don’t need a pass to enter and enjoy North Cascades National Park. However, USFS trails do require you to have a Northwest Forest Pass. You can purchase your pass on the Forest Service website.

How Long Does It Take to Drive Through North Cascades National Park?

Are you planning a Washington road trip and don’t intend on staying in the park for too long? You can easily cover the 30-mile trip in roughly 40 minutes. However, you’ll want to stop and see some of the highlights along the way, like the Diablo Lake Overlook, Newhalem, and the Happy Creek Forest.

Are There Grizzly Bears in North Cascades National Park?

There are very few grizzly bears found in North Cascades, largely due to hunting and habitat loss. That said, they are still around, but you’re more likely to encounter black bears, coyotes, and cougars. 

As such, it’s a good idea to carry around some bear spray during the summer months, as this is when these animals are most active.

Are Dogs Allowed in North Cascades National Park?

Yes, but unfortunately, you can’t take them with you on hikes. Dogs and other pets are only allowed in the park on leashes along the Pacific Crest Trail and in the Lake Chelan and Ross Lake Recreational Areas. 

Planning a Visit to North Cascades National Park Wrapped Up

So there you have it, an extensive list of the best North Cascades National Park things to do in three days. While you can obviously mix up the travel plan a bit, this itinerary is laid out to make the most of your time in the park.

After all, with many magnificent things to see and do in the North Cascades, you won’t want to miss a beat.

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