Counter-clockwise or clockwise? This is an out and back trail and does not travel the whole length of the trail. Don’t miss our other guides to Washington State’s Amazing National Parks! The trail offers a small breather. Around this point is when you are inside the national park boundaries, although only briefly. Pierce Mountain Camp via Sourdough Mountain Trail, Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail, Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek Trail. It has almost a 360-degree view of the mountain ranges, and on a clear day, you can see Magic Mountain, The Triplets, Mix-up Peak, Mount Baker (10,781 feet), and Mount Shuksan (9,121 feet) in the distance. To make the most of hiking the North Cascades, another popular trail accessible off Cascade Loop Road is Hidden Lake Lookout. The Blue Lake Trail is the best short hike in North Cascades National Park. Yes, it’s a steeper uphill but the hard part of the trail is over early. North Cascades National Park encompasses some of the most remote mountains in the lower 48 states…. When heading to the trailhead on the road, users should have a good vehicle, since the road leading to the trailhead is bumpy gravel. Hiking the North Cascades: A Guide to More Than 100 Great Hiking Adventures, 3rd Edition (Regional Hiking Series) Erik Molvar. But, the variety in the forest vegetation keeps you interested.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theunendingjourney_com-leader-1-0')}; Some of the most gorgeous forest I’ve seen was along the Cascade Pass Overlook Trail. Signup to receive destination guides, travel tips, and updates direct to your inbox. Colors and butterflies galore. For the purposes of this post, we included hikes that are just outside the park, either in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on the eastern edge of the park, or on the western side near Baker Lake. Making the steep journey at the start of Maple Pass Loop. With being under five miles this hike will take you very quickly to those majestic blue mountain lakes. The . Five native salmon species and sea-going trout attract the eagles to the Skagit River. "Hiking North Cascades" is your passport to one of the most beautiful mountain areas in North America. Cascade River Road. Baker. This glorious national park is packed with lush forests, gushing waterfalls, pretty lakes and streams and beautiful mountain scenery. You’ll emerge into the open meadows, which is where the views really start to become good. Found insideWinner of the 2018 National Outdoor Book Award Handcrafted for Northwest caregivers that want to spark a love of nature, 50 Hikes with Kids highlights the most kid-friendly hikes in Oregon and Washington. This time, you have incredible views of the backside of Liberty Bell. Making your way around the lake, you disappear back into the forest. Take a breath and pause at the high point of the pass, which is four miles in and 2,000 feet higher than the trailhead, and take a break to grab a snack and some water before making the descent back down to the trailhead. Day Hiking North Cascades: Mount Baker * North Cascades Highway * Methow Valley * Mountain Loop Highway Craig Romano. The trail is an 8-mile round trip hike gaining 3,300 feet in elevation. And, there really isn’t a great place to just relax at the shore. Trees tower above you allowing only glimpses of the blue sky above. Taking a stroll in the forest on the way to Blue Lake. Half way through the hike, you emerge onto an incredible meadow. It’s not a toilet. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Sun protection: Many trails are quite exposed. This is definitely one of the easiest trails while hiking the North Cascades that has an amazing trail end destination. A field of purple lifts your tired spirits. Or, you can continue up to Doubtful Lake and Sahale Glacier. We’ve built a team of West Coast experts who write helpful, practical, and well-informed guides to the best places on the West Coast of the United States to help you plan the perfect adventure, big or small. In this video we explore some North Cascades short hikes. Then you hit a series of switchbacks that climb aggressively for about a mile before you’re dumped into a wide open meadow, which is where the views of Mt. May 12, 2019 near Diablo, WA. Alternatively, you can catch the ferry on the Diablo (west) side, taking it to the Ross (east) side and hiking back. There’s plenty of rocks offering a perfect seat to enjoy the tranquility around you. Whenever you go, it’s best to check at the North Cascades Visitor Center for up-to-date trail conditions. Hidden Lake Peak Trail. Best Easy Day Hikes North Cascades features concise descriptions and easy-to-follow maps of twenty-three easily manageable hikes through this remote mountainous land clad in glaciers, azure lakes, and sparkling waterfalls--from the broad, ... The hike actually starts on US Forest Service land, not inside the national park, so you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass to avoid getting a parking ticket. Here’s the information you need to know to plan a hiking trip to North Cascades National Park. 4.8 out of 5 stars 54. The North Cascades comprise a vast wilderness of pine-, spruce-, and fir-laden mountains, creeping glaciers and pristine lakes. As soon as you step foot on it, it’s all uphill for the next 3.5 miles. The road is closed at the Ross Dam trailhead, milepost 134, east to the Early Winters Information Center, milepost 178. Unfortunately, you won’t be seeing Lake Ann for quite some time. Though the park lies only three hours east of Seattle, it feels like a boundless expanse of all that is natural and good in the world once you are within its borders. Finally, grass reappears flanked with pasqueflowers. Sadly, you’re back into the forest too quickly. Next time, we’ll bring a higher clearance vehicle. Found insideWith an emphasis on easy access to the outdoors and fitness, features of Urban Trails Eastside include: Trailhead directions, including public transit options "Know Before You Go" tips for park hours, events, and more Trail distances and ... We'll explore the area from the west and the east, from the narrow Skagit River Valley and the expansive Methow Valley, and from the adjoining national forests to the high alpine meadows in the central peaks. The views were stunning, as we looked out at the lake below. Spend some time up there, and find a good spot for a snack before descending back the way you came. What to Bring: When hiking in the North Cascades, there are several things that you should definitely include in your pack: Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other bugs are to be expected on all trails. Wondering what to wear on a hike? It’s still a climb up. We’ve noted where you need that pass in the detailed hike sections below. The first mile is a steady uphill hike through patches of forests and flowering meadows under . I went on my first international journey when I was 19 and I haven't looked back since. The remainder of the trail is through forest as you work your way down to the trail head. There’s so many that I lost count. 5a and 6a are easier/moderate; 5b and 6b are adventurous for days 5 and 6. Since the book is organized in the way that people travel -- by major roads and highways -- it's easy to find trails without having to cross-reference three or four different guides. Here is my itinerary for 2 days in the North Cascades for spring, summer or fall. Hi, I'm April! It’s less than a mile to the lake with little elevation change. Or, a rare sighting of grouse. Due to the amount of snowfall received in the area, Route 20 is closed during winter. Going clockwise means you initially follow the paved trail to Rainy Lake. That being said, there was a Prius in the parking lot, so if you have a regular passenger vehicle and you take it slow, you should be fine. North Cascades National Park is a high alpine wilderness among the most difficult places to access in the lower 48 states. The reward for committing to big hikes in North Cascades National Park: lonely alpine lakes, colossal peaks frosted with glaciers, far-flung valleys hiding bears and wolverines, and some of the best views. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! The views of Baker are nothing short of spectacular basically the entire way through. Found insideHere, authors Tabor and Haugerud reveal that the spectacular scenery of these mountains is matched by equally spectacular geology. This weather makes it the perfect time to go on a hike and then take a dip in one of the alpine lakes. We’ve been twice, not including the time we tried to go one June and realized none of the hiking trails in the North Cascades open until later in the summer, and have plans to head back this summer to do some more exploring. From Cascade Loop, take the marked turn off onto FS 1540. You’ll be above the lake you passed on the way up, with the various peaks of the Cascades in nearly every direction. Posted by. You’ve arrived at the saddle where incredible views of Fisher Peak and Mount Logan await. It offers stunning scenery without requiring a massive workout. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. But, don’t let looks deceive you. And, I knew I was too close for comfort, especially when I saw the baby goat emerge at the top of the trail. The hike to Easy Pass is NOT easy. Now updated and redesigned with full-color photography, the Day Hike! series was written for people who want to spend their days in the mountains and their nights at home. Close encounter with a deer on Cascade Pass. The trailhead is on the western side of the park, 11 miles east of Marblemount, which is west of Newhalem. However, the views of the peaks really opens up as you hike in the shadow of the Liberty Bell. Found insideDay Hiking: Bend & Central Oregon features 100 day hikes, including the Bend and Sisters areas, Crooked River National Grassland, Mount Jefferson Wilderness, Metolius, North and South Cascades Lakes areas, West Ochocos, Newberry Crater and ... There are several locations where you can pick up a backcountry permit, including the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount, North Cascades Park Headquarters in Sedro-Woolley. If you want to go to the lake, it’s a steep 0.5 miles downhill. See more hiking trails in North Cascades National Park on Tripadvisor. You’ll climb through a meadow, blanketed with lupine and other wildflowers during the summer, before the terrain turns rocky. The rest of the way, you can say goodbye to shade. It’s brutal. From a lofty start beneath the icy face of 8200-foot Johannesburg Mountain, follow a route once used by Native Americans, explorers, prospectors, and surveyors to reach Lake Chelan. * More than 700 color illustrations for easy identification * Expanded with new sections on mushrooms, insects, and rock identification * Handy color tabs for easy access, and quick reference index on back cover Don't just call it a ... Well, I read that going the opposite direction, it’s a gentler uphill with an extremely steep downhill at the end.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theunendingjourney_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; Unfortunately, I have some knee issues. If you’re planning on hiking the Cascade Overlook trail early in the season, check at the visitor center before heading out on the trail and road conditions. Provides a brief introduction to North Cascades National Park and the surrounding region. Describes a visit to the park by highway and ferry. Includes concise travel and reference information. As you start working your way up, peaks from the across the way become visible through the forest growth. No, no, no. It’s a difficult hike that climbs 2,800 feet over three and a half miles to reach the pass. We always recommend trekking poles and waterproof hiking boots for hiking in the Pacific Northwest, but they’re particularly useful here, where the water will likely reach mid-shin, if not higher. You’ll start in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which means you need your Northwest Forest Pass for the trailhead (or pay $5 cash in the envelopes provided…sometimes). What should you see if you only have a half day or just a quick day through North Cascades National. This moderate to strenuous trail is either 7.5 miles or 12 miles round trip, depending on how far you go, but it's highly recommended to take the longer route all . After your boating or hiking adventure, you'll return back west the way you came to complete your North Cascades National Park day trip! This guide to the best hikes in North Cascades National Park has nine amazing hikes to add to your North Cascades National Park itinerary, along with all the information you need to plan an amazing hiking adventure, like what to expect, what passes you need, and when to go hiking in the North Cascades. Photos of North Cascades National Park - 145. Is spite of this, the mountain remained beautiful and the new normal of 'the burn' set. Going through the meadow, the trail’s ascent seems to abate a bit. Paddle a canoe on glacier-fed Diablo Lake. Then continue along the trail, climbing above Lake Ann until you’re looking east, with Lake Ann in the foreground and the snowy peaks of the Cascades in the background. North Cascades National Park is a rugged, wilderness of conifer trees. Found insideNew hikes in this edition include: 2 in the Bay Area, including the Coastal Trail in San Francisco 5 in the Redwoods and along the coast north of the Bay Area 4 in the Sierra Nevada, including two summits: Ellis Peak and Sierra Buttes 2 in ... Except for the first few hours on the approach, and on the last day's exit, this is a serious alpine traverse, which crosses 5 glaciers, traverses cliffs, and involves at times complex route finding. The park is located less than 3 hours from Seattle in northern Washington just below the Canadian border. This guide also covers all trails in Crater Lake National Park. Complete with maps, elevation profiles, and clear, informative hike narratives, this book is bound to be the standard against which all other guides for the area are judged. Or, you can skip the hike up to the peak and head down to the lake instead, which is a peaceful lunch spot. The relaunch of this popular series now includes full-color photographs of every hike in addition to topographical maps, trail descriptions, and more. Gorgeous photos as always, April! No matter how many times I venture into Kings Cany, Hello Kings Canyon! And, it’s a killer view that keeps getting better and better as you progress. A marmot on (literally) the trail towards Sahale Glacier. Alpine trees dotting the mountain tops. The crystal clear water reveals the rock laden bottom. Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise? You can spend days hiking in the North Cascades and feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. Here's the information you need to know to plan a hiking trip to North Cascades National Park. As that fall color starts to fade, usually in the second or third week of October, the weather transitions to winter, when it’s cold, rainy, and sometimes even snowy. Here's what our Big North Cascades Loop Hike looked like. When you’re done at Blue Lake, return the way you came. Always be trail aware as you never know who you’ll run into. State Route 20 eventually travels into the heart of the neighboring North Cascades National Park. Take caution when crossing. The views might be worth the climb, which includes a few sections of full-on scrambling to reach the peak. Views as you near the crest of the trail in the meadow. Missing. This winter, many people are looking to the great outdoors for a safe getaway, where they can social distance in the fresh mountain air. Plan on arriving at the trailhead by 9am at the very latest to get a spot and hit the trail before the crowds arrive. All of them are off of Highway 20, the scenic drive that runs through the Cascades from Sedro-Woolley to Winthrop, so they are easily accessible to anyone that’s visiting the park, even if they’re not inside the boundaries of the park itself. Scenic drives along the North Cascades Highway, boating on Ross Lake, climbing at Cascade Pass, Mount Shuksan, Mount Triumph, and Eldorado Peak, visiting the Stehekin Valley at the northern tip of Lake Chelan, and access to viewing wildlife such as grizzly bears, beaver, gray wolves, and over than 200 bird species are just some of your options. Or, a bear. For most of the trail, you're in the middle of a dense forest. Whether seeking a short jaunt, day hike, or overnight backpack trip, you are sure to find everything you need to know in this updated guide. From the top, the view is worth the effort to get there, especially when the larches go golden. However, the price for such serene meadows is bugs. Our hike didn't finish until 10:30 and then we ate mac and cheese in the parking lot. Take the trail on the left side of the fork towards the Sahale Arm, which immediately starts a steep, rocky climb that lasts about a mile before leveling out a little. Wish I saw that! Day Hikes in late May. Found insideBest Wildflower Hikes Western Washington combines the best aspects of hiking and wildflowers into one guide. Cascade Pass Trail Located at the end of the Cascade River Road 3.7 miles (6 km) one way / 1700 ft (550 m) elevation gain A popular day hike with spectacular views of peaks and glaciers. Hiking the North Cascades offers some of the most exciting backpacking and day trips near Seattle. Some of the best hikes in Washington State can be found in the North Cascades, and it’s an underrated hiking destination that is often overshadowed by the two more famous national parks in Washington, Olympic and Mt. The trailhead for Blue Lake is near the Maple Pass trailhead, in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. 7 Day Hiking Itinerary for North Cascades National Park Complex Map of the hiking destinations for the 7 day itinerary. The trail starts at a small parking lot at the end of a dirt road that is a little bit bumpy and narrow. Let’s get that out of the way first. It contains 685,000 acres of Glaciated Mountains, Rivers,and lakes. The Cascade Pass Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in North Cascades National Park. Found insideCompact in size, this is the most up-to-date guide for the area, organized along highways and other travel corridors, and with an emphasis on trails that are 12 miles or less, round-trip, each of them hiked by the author. **Mountaineers ... The trail narrows, and the flowers come waist high. This hike is a 10 mile out & back on the Pacific Crest Trail starting at Rainy Pass and heading north. 1.4k. Cascade Pass. Meander through unrivalled surroundings that provide abundant diversity -- savor the wildflowers in Tucquala Meadows, watch climbers on Peshastin Pinnacles, experience the Big Four Ice Caves on the Mountain Loop Highway -- whatever strikes ... North Cascades National Park is the least-visited of the three spectacular national parks in Washington State. Matt grew up in Seattle, and lived in San Francisco for just shy of a decade before he and Alysha quit their jobs to travel the world untethered. It's an unending journey of discovery about one's self and the world we live in. There is such a wide selection of hiking trails available in this beautiful and vast park, that it can be challenging to decide which one to tackle. While the relative low grade attracts plenty of interest, as well as the scenic Cascade River Road that leads to the trailhead, it's the stunning views waiting at the pass that give this trail its notoriety. This is the most popular trail in the national park and can be pretty crowded on weekends. I was happy with my decision. Looking at the scenery rather than keeping my eye on the trail, I ran into a mountain goat! It may be better to wait until you’re back at the parking lot and use the toilets there.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theunendingjourney_com-leader-2-0')}; Trail head: From Marblemount, WA on Route 20, turn onto the Cascade Loop road to road’s end. Meander through unrivalled surroundings that provide abundant diversity -- savor the wildflowers in Tucquala Meadows, watch climbers on Peshastin Pinnacles, experience the Big Four Ice Caves on the Mountain Loop Highway -- whatever strikes ... Yet, it’s fragile. But, the views are incredible here. So, clockwise would be better for my knee. There is a suspension bridge at around 2 miles (3.2 km) and continues onward for 38 more miles. We would like to see the best scenery we can during that time of year. #6 - Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp, #7 - Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier, #9 - Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail, #10 - Fourth of July Pass via Thunder Creek Trail. Stopping, all I could see was layers upon layers of mountains. Talk about one great road trip. Check out our guide to what to wear hiking for our exact hiking wardrobe, and recommendations on what to wear in each season. The park features hiking trails along tree covered mountains that seem to stretch on forever, alpine meadows, impressive glaciers, the Skagit River, and stunning views of alpine lakes like Lake Ann or Diablo Lake. u/california_king. And, if you want a little more to the hike, once back at the trail head (or once you hit the paved trail to Rainy Lake if you’re coming from the other direction), take the small jaunt to see Rainy Lake. It’s a steep, nonstop uphill hike from the word go (ok, that’s a slight lie).if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theunendingjourney_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0')}; Hiking along the beginning part of Easy Pass. Have another question? The payoff for this hike depends on the route you choose. When the sun hits the lake, it shimmers and turns a bright blue-green color, which is pretty spectacular. Rainier. It’s on the easier side of moderate, climbing 900 feet over two and a half miles to reach a gorgeous alpine lake. 'A Year in the National Parks, The Greatest American Road Trip' is a gorgeous visual journey through our cherished public lands, detailing a rich tapestry of what makes each park special, as seen along an epic journey to visit them all ... What should you see if you only have a half day or just a quick day through North Cascades National. This trail is open but must be accessed from the National Park side of the Skagit River. The best time to take a North Cascades National Park day trip from Seattle is in the summer or fall. He loves paying too much for coffee, walking in the woods, and lives for the thrill of discovering something new. And, you can view the continuation of the Maple Pass Trail on the other side. This trail is a loop and it can be hiked in either direction. It is a 23 mile (37 km) hike from the Cascade Pass parking lot to High Bridge, where shuttle service is available to Stehekin. It’s 23 miles to the parking lot. The road is doable for regular vehicles, but you’ll have to take it slow and it will take a looooong time. Best Time to Visit: For the hikes in this post, the best time to visit is late July to the end September. To help you find the perfect trail, here is a list of the best hikes in North Cascades National Park. This is a good turnaround point if a 12 mile round trip hike seems aggressive for you, but the trail only gets better from here (at a steep cost). Day after day, the smoky shroud clung to the summit of the mountain. But, the road typically is closed from November to late April/early May. photo: Andy Porter. And, it allows for fish watching. Required fields are marked *. You can also search trails via the following methods: Day hikes (by area) Looking for an easy hike in North Cascades National Park? We know because we tried to go to the park in mid-June one year, and had to basically reschedule our trip despite already having flown to Seattle from the Bay Area. Fall seemed to take forever to arrive in the city. At the end of this hike, there’s a perched lake waiting for you. After doing research, I decided to do the hike going clockwise. You’ll need a backcountry permit, and there are two ways to get one. It’s one final push up a small hill covered in heather before you reach the pass. Tour Group Size: 7 people or fewer. The most popular hike in North Cascades National Park, the Cascade Pass Trail is actually the only trailhead in the national park that's accessible by car. If you have bad knees, consider doing it the other direction, but know that the switchbacks climbing up that direction are absolutely brutal. Want to do an overnight trip? Instead of heading up over the tallest part surrounding the lake, the trail makes it way behind the towering monolith overlooking Lake Ann. Many people come to the North Cascades to enjoy its rugged beauty and remote wildness. Colonial Creek Campground - Stehekin Valley Trail. Jul 15, 2016 near Hope, BC. North Cascades National Park is located 115 miles northeast of Seattle. Note that 4a is easier, 4b is more moderate, and 4c is adventurous for day 4. Since the trail covers some diverse terrain, users recommend wearing very good hiking footwear, and even bringing poles to make the higher areas easier. I've put together this list of all the best hikes to help you plan your hiking trail wish list when visiting North Cascades National Park. Blue Lake Trail. Shasta - July2021 (77)b (Custom) Posted by bubbasuess on August 1, 2021. With the potential to be as "epic" of a hike as you want it to be, the Chelan Lakeshore Trail is one of the most traveled trails in the Lake Chelan Area of North Cascades National Park. A trail heads to the Pelton Basin where campsites are available. There’s a toilet at the trail head.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theunendingjourney_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; Rock Climbing: From this trail, there’s access to a climber’s route for those attempting to climb up the Liberty Bell grouping. It’s akin to the same grueling physical need as the White Mountains in New Hampshire or hiking Yosemite Falls. Sticking to the main loop, we clocked in just under 8 miles with a +2200 foot elevation gain in around 4 hours of hiking. 400 miles of hiking trails criss-cross their way through this mountainous landscape. So, stop often and do a 360 of the area. It becomes narrow and steep at the end. Whether the trails you do are short or long, the scenery is epic.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theunendingjourney_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0')}; A great resource to have with you should you have more time for hiking the North Cascades is this great trail guide. Entering back into a forested area, it’s more steep switchbacks before emerging onto another meadow. Descending, there’s an amazing vista of several mountain peaks right in front of you. Found insideThe result is Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington, a fresh and wholly new guide for families looking for quality time together away from their distracting devices. Trail head: Parking is directly off Route 20 between mile markers 151 and 152. The North Cascades is one of those inviting places that you want to endlessly explore more of and never want to leave. The switchbacks end at the crest of the meadow overlooking Lake Ann as you briefly navigate along a ridge line. And, it’s a very gradual downhill. Heading onto the Sahale Arm, the trail becomes a stair master. Insider Hints. On my first trip, I instantly fell in love. And, for a glorious bit, you’re walking straight to them. The surrounding mountains are perfectly mirrored in the still waters of Blue Lake. Read our Guide! From there, the only thing standing between you and the pass are a series of long but relatively doable switchbacks. Plan on spending a good 4-5 hours to do this trail. Hiking gear is available at Mazama and Winthrop. Turn when you see signs indicating Rainy Pass. More than twenty conservation and recreation organizations working in the North Cascades lent their perspective to this book. Though it’s a short crossing, it’s a bit difficult. If so, be sure to pin it to refer to later! Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. And, once inside the park, only the General Store in Newhalem has snacks. North Cascades doesn't get the love it should, it's a bit of an . It’s easier to use if you have someone to keep guard so no one comes up with your pants down! Sourdough Mountain Trail is pretty tough. Here is everything you need to know about the hike, from parking, time, length, and what . More than 2 million acres of federally designated wilderness, makes North Cascades one of the largest National Parks in the lower 48 states. The hike starts with a steady uphill climb through the dense forest. From the east, this highway starts at Burlington, WA and intersects in the east with State Route 153 in Twisp, WA. 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