What Makes the North Cascades Unique?

Located just a few hours northeast of urban Seattle, the North Cascades National Park Complex showcases the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest:

• pristine mountain lakes
• wild rivers, and
• majestic snowcapped peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see

One visit to the park, and you'll see why the North Cascades are known as the American Alps.

On Shaka Guide's Tour of the North Cascades, we'll guide you through the park complex along the scenic North Cascades Highway. We'll point out the best views and trails on the way.

You'll explore:

• the historic company town of Newhalem
• hike to pristine mountain lakes
• walk on top of a dam
• learn about the impressive Skagit hydroelectric project, and
• hear inspiring stories of the people who made a home here in this rugged wilderness.

OTHER NORTH CASCADES ARTICLES:

• Know Before You Go, North Cascades National Park
• Shaka Guide's North Cascades National Park Itinerary
• Hiking In North Cascades National Park

Driving the North Cascades Highway

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The North Cascades Highway is known by several names:

• State Route 20
• Highway 20
• North Cascades Scenic Highway
• North Cascades Scenic Byway

But no matter what you call it, this scenic mountain drive offers travelers a chance to explore the natural beauty, fascinating history, and man-made marvels. These elements make the North Cascades so unforgettable.

Best Stops Along the North Cascades Highway

1. North Cascades Visitor Center 

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The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem features:

• nature exhibits
• park information
• a gift shop
• two short films, and
• an easy boardwalk offering a magnificent view of the Picket Range in the distance.

It’s the perfect place to begin your adventure through the North Cascades.

2. Historic Newhalem 

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Plan to spend a couple of hours in Newhalem. There's so much to see and do in this historic Seattle City Light company town! Visit the Skagit Information Center and pick up a self-guided tour map of the town.

With a map in hand, check out the Skagit General Store and take photos of the historic Number 6 engine and Gorge Inn. Walk the lovely Trail of Cedars across the river and savor the breathtaking views from the suspension bridge.

3. Gorge Powerhouse and Ladder Creek Falls

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From Newhalem, you can walk or drive up to the Gorge Powerhouse. Cross another suspension bridge to access the Ladder Creek Falls Trail.

The trail to the falls is lit every evening. This tradition began in the early 1900s to showcase the wonders of electric power.

4. Gorge Overlook 

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Enjoy two spectacular views in one stop. Gorge Lake Overlook features a stunning view of Gorge Dam and Gorge Lake framed by the rugged North Cascade Mountains.

A short, paved trail leads to the overlook. You can return the way you came or continue the loop on a graveled trail back to the parking area.

From the pedestrian walkway across the bridge, you can view Gorge Creek Falls. This 242-foot cascade feeds into nearby Gorge Lake.

5. Diablo Lake Overlook

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This is definitely one of the must-see stops along the North Cascades Highway!

This overlook features breathtaking views of Diablo Lake with its stunning turquoise water and the majestic North Cascades towering above.

6. Washington Pass Overlook

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Another must-see stop on the North Cascades Highway is Washington Pass Overlook.

Sitting at 5,500 feet, it's the road's highest point and the dividing line between eastern and western Washington.

A short interpretive trail offers multiple views of the majestic North Cascades peaks including:

• Liberty Bell Mountain
• Early Winters Spires, and
• Kangaroo Ridge

Although partially paved, the trail is narrow and includes rock stairs.

For a complete list of stops along the highway, check out Shaka Guide’s North Cascades National Park Itinerary. And, if you’re taking our North Cascades Tour, you’ll visit 13 stops along this scenic route. 

Conditions and Safety of North Cascades Highway 

North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) is typically open from late spring (April or May) to sometime in the fall.

A portion of the scenic mountain drive closes for the winter, usually in late November, due to hazardous road conditions and avalanche danger. Summer wildfires can also affect road accessibility.

Closures vary each year depending on the weather and wildfires in the area. It’s a good idea to check the road conditions before traveling.

Unfortunately, break-ins are common at trailheads. Remember to lock your car and take your valuables with you.

Essential Map and Information for Drivers

Top Trails for Scenic Views and Hiking 

The best way to experience the stunning beauty of the North Cascades is to get out of your car and take a hike!

From leisurely strolls on paved forest trails to overnight backpacking and mountaineering in the rugged wilderness, North Cascades National Park Complex has something for everyone!

On the Shaka Guide Tour of the North Cascades, we’ll point out these popular day hikes along the North Cascades Highway: 

1. Sterling Munro Boardwalk

Located behind the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center, this short and accessible boardwalk leads to an expansive viewpoint.

From there, you can see the distant Picket Mountain Range.

Bring binoculars to look for mountain goats and Terror Glacier. It’s the only glacier visible from Highway 20.

2. River Loop Trail

The trailhead to this easy river walk is also found behind the visitor center. The loop is less than two miles and meanders through the forest down to the Skagit River. Leashed dogs are welcome.

3. Trail of the Cedars

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This one-mile loop begins at the end of Main Street in Newhalem. Enjoy the view of the Skagit River as you cross the suspension bridge to the other side.

The trail then winds through a stand of impressively large western red cedar trees. There is an optional spur to the historic Newhalem Creek Powerhouse.

4. Thunder Knob and Thunder Creek Trails

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Colonial Creek Campground is the launching point for two popular trails--Thunder Knob and Thunder Creek.

The 3.6-mile moderate hike up to Thunder Knob features two viewpoints above Diablo Lake. You'll get glimpses of the surrounding peaks both going and coming.

The easy 4-mile hike along Thunder Creek meanders through old-growth forests to a suspension bridge. From there, you can turn around or continue on for an even longer forest hike.

5. Ross Dam Trail

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The 1.5-mile round trip trail to Ross Dam offers hikers a unique opportunity to hike down to the Skagit Hydroelectric Project's largest dam. You can view this amazing engineering structure up close.

From the top of the dam, you can see the southern end of Ross Lake stretching northward. The moderate trail has an elevation gain of 500 feet.

6. Happy Creek Forest Walk

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The Happy Creek Forest Walk is an easy and accessible 0.3-mile loop through old-growth forest. Most of the trail is on a wooden boardwalk that winds through impressively tall trees along Happy Creek. 

7. Rainy Pass (Rainy Lake and Maple Pass Trails)

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Rainy Pass features a picnic area, restrooms, and two beautiful trails. The easy 2-mile round trip hike to Rainy Lake meanders through lush, mossy forests on a narrow, paved trail. It leads to a stunningly beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountains.

For a more challenging hike with breathtaking panoramic views, consider the 6.5-mile Maple Pass Trail. This loop trail gains over 2,000 feet in elevation. It's one of the best places to view the stunning golden larches in the fall. 

Note: Rainy Pass is in the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest and requires an America the Beautiful Pass or a National Forest Recreation Pass which can be purchased online here or at the trailhead.

8. Blue Lake Trail

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The Blue Lake Trail is a moderately strenuous 4.5-mile climb with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. The payoff at the end is worth the burn.

Trek through a beautiful subalpine forest to a crystal-clear mountain lake. It is surrounded by towering granite peaks and teeming with cutthroat trout.

Note: This hike is in the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest and requires an America the Beautiful Pass or a National Forest Recreation Pass which can be purchased online here or at the trailhead.

9. Cutthroat Lake Trail

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Moderately easy, this 3-mile round trip hike through a lovely forest leads to a pretty mountain lake. The lake is set in a basin with spectacular views of Cutthroat Peak and Cutthroat Ridge.

Note: This hike is in the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest and requires an America the Beautiful Pass or a National Forest Recreation Pass which can be purchased online here or at the trailhead.

Backpacking and Mountaineering

The park offers numerous wilderness trails and cross-country camping options for backpacking and mountaineering adventures. Click here for more information.

Where To Stay When You Visit North Cascades National Park

There are a number of options for lodging when visiting the North Cascades National Park Complex.

Whether you prefer rustic camping or more posh accommodations, it’s always a good idea to make reservations early.

Camping in the Park

Popular campgrounds in the park include:

• Newhalem Creek
• Gorge Lake
• Goodell Creek
• Colonial Creek (North & South)

Campgrounds are typically open from mid-May to early September and can be reserved in advance.

Some campgrounds are open year-round for first-come, first-served camping.

There are also options for boat-in camping. For more information, check the park website.

Lodging Near the Park 

You can find a few accommodations near the park in Marblemount and Rockport on the west side. There are even more options in Mazama and Winthrop on the east side.

If you’re looking to use hotel rewards points, there are a number of chain hotels in Burlington. It's about an hour west of the park entrance.

Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park 

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One of the most popular times to visit the North Cascades National Park Complex is from mid-June to late September. The weather is the nicest during this period.

That’s when the highway and most park facilities are open for the season.

If you want to explore some of the park’s higher-elevation hikes, you may want to wait until mid-July. By then, snow is off most of the mountain trails.

But if you’re hoping to see the golden larches in all their glory, you’ll definitely want to come in the fall.

The deciduous firs typically show off their flaming colors between late September to early October.

FAQs About North Cascades

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Do You Need a Park Pass, Reservations, or Permits to Visit the North Cascades?

You do not need a park pass, permit, or reservation to drive through the park complex on North Cascades Highway/Highway 20.

However, if you plan to do any hiking in the national forest outside the park boundaries, you’ll need to display either an America the Beautiful Pass or a National Forest Recreation Pass.

These can be purchased online here or at the self-pay station at the trailhead. (You will need to display this pass at the trailheads for Rainy Lake, Maple Pass Loop, Blue Lake, and Cutthroat Lake.) 

Note: Permits are required for backcountry trips and can be picked up at a ranger station. Click here for details. Advance reservations are recommended if you want to camp in the park or if you want to take a cruise on Diablo Lake. 

Where Can You Get Gas or Food in the Park?

There are no gas stations within the North Cascades National Park Complex. However, there are gas stations in the towns on either side of the park–Marblemount to the west and Mazama to the east. There are electric vehicle charging stations available in Newhalem.

Although you can get packaged snacks at the Skagit General Store in Newhalem, the best options for food are also outside the park. There are a few restaurants in Marblemount and Mazama and several excellent options in the Western-themed town of Winthrop. 

What Towns are on the North Cascades Highway?

The closest towns to North Cascades Park Complex are Rockport and Marblemount on the west side and Mazama and Winthrop on the east side. 

Marblemount was once home to a marble quarry and also served as the supply base for gold miners. Today, it is better known as “The Entrance to the American Alps.” 

On the other side of the mountains, the Western-themed town of Winthrop is a popular destination for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The historic town is a great home base for exploring the beautiful Methow Valley.  

Is the North Cascades Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! There’s a reason why this corner of the United States is called the American Alps!

Once you visit this piece of heaven on earth, you’ll understand why the majestic beauty of the North Cascades rivals that of its European namesake.

From pristine mountain lakes and enchanting old-growth forests to panoramic views of magnificent snowcapped peaks, this rugged alpine wilderness will leave you full of awe.

Final Thoughts

It sounds like you're geared up for an adventure in the North Cascades! For a detailed and immersive experience, check out Shaka Guide's North Cascades National Park audio tour. It provides insights into the park's history, geology, and must-see spots. Enjoy your exploration!

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's North Cascades National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our North Cascades National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.

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Hiking In North Cascades National Park