North Cascades

Overview

North Cascades National Park contains more glaciers than any other park in the lower 48 states — over 300 glaciers and permanent snowfields clinging to jagged peaks that have earned the range the nickname "American Alps." Despite sitting just three hours from Seattle, the park receives fewer visitors annually than Yellowstone gets in a single summer week. Dense old-growth forest, turquoise glacier-fed lakes, and peaks exceeding 9,000 feet create a wilderness experience within striking distance of a major city. Highway 20, the North Cascades Highway, bisects the park complex and provides the most accessible views of the dramatic terrain. Diablo Lake overlook reveals water of an impossible turquoise color, caused by glacial flour — rock particles ground to powder by glaciers that scatter light. Short trails from the highway lead to old-growth groves and waterfalls, while longer routes plunge into backcountry valleys where you can hike for days without seeing another person. The park's inaccessible terrain is both its challenge and its appeal. Most of the backcountry requires serious route-finding through steep, brushy valleys with no maintained trails. The established trails that do exist — Cascade Pass, Thornton Lakes, Sourdough Mountain — are uniformly excellent, delivering alpine scenery that rivals anything in the continental United States.

Things to Do

• Hike Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm for alpine panoramas
• Photograph Diablo Lake's turquoise waters from the overlook
• Backpack to Thornton Lakes beneath glaciated peaks
• Paddle Ross Lake or Diablo Lake by kayak
• Hike the Sourdough Mountain lookout trail
• Drive the North Cascades Highway (Route 20)
• Visit the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Heavy precipitation on the west side with drier conditions east. Summer highs reach 70-80°F in valleys but much cooler at elevation. Snow closes Highway 20 in winter.