North Cascades National Park
Turquoise Diablo Lake shimmering beneath jagged North Cascades peaks.
🌲 Park Overview
Welcome to North Cascades National Park, Washington’s rugged wilderness often dubbed the “American Alps.” Here, more than 300 glaciers cloak craggy summits, sapphire lakes fill glacier-carved valleys, and moss-draped forests echo with cascading waterfalls. Despite its jaw‑dropping alpine scenery, North Cascades remains one of the least‑visited U.S. national parks, offering solitude for backpackers, paddlers, and road‑trippers hungry for glacier‑fed grandeur just three hours from Seattle.
🌟 Fun Facts
Contains more glaciers than Glacier National Park and Yosemite combined—about 312! 🧊🏔️
The park anchors the larger North Cascades National Park Complex with Ross Lake & Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas.
Diablo Lake’s electric‑turquoise hue comes from “glacial flour” suspended in meltwater.
Parts of Twin Peaks TV series were filmed in the nearby gateway town of Snoqualmie.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Summer (Jul–Sep): Snow‑free high trails, wildflower meadows, busiest (yet still mellow) season.
Fall (Oct): Golden larches flame in subalpine basins, crisp air—high passes may see early snow.
Winter (Nov–Apr): SR‑20 closed by avalanche; lower trailheads snowshoe heaven, extreme avalanche terrain.
Spring (May–Jun): Waterfalls roar, lower forests bloom; high country still snowbound.
🎯 Things to Do
Families: Diablo Lake Overlook picnic, Sterling Munro boardwalk at VC, junior ranger booklet.
Adventure‑Seekers: Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm day‑hike, backpack Copper Ridge Loop, climb Forbidden Peak.
Photographers: Sunrise at Washington Pass Overlook, sunset at Diablo Lake Vista, Milky Way over Colonial Peak.
Chill‑Travelers: Scenic North Cascades Highway (SR‑20), Ross Lake Resort water‑taxi cruise, ranger boat tour on Lake Chelan.
🥾 Top Hikes & Photo Spots
Cascade Pass (7.4 mi RT): Iconic switchbacks to glacier views & marmot whistles.
Sahale Arm (12 mi RT): Extend from Cascade Pass to alpine ridge, wildflowers & close‑up glaciers.
Blue Lake Trail (4.4 mi RT): Family‑friendly larch mecca, turquoise lake basin.
Thunder Knob Trail (3.6 mi RT): Moderate climb to Diablo Lake panoramas.
👨👩👧 Kid‑Friendly Activities
Junior Ranger Program at Newhalem VC.
Happy Creek Forest Walk: 0.8‑mi accessible boardwalk through old‑growth cedars.
Gorge Powerhouse tour (seasonal) lights up hydro history with hands‑on exhibits.
♿ Accessibility Notes
Newhalem & Diablo Lake overlooks, Sterling Munro boardwalk, and visitor centers are wheelchair‑friendly.
ADA campsite loops at Newhalem Creek CG; restroom & potable water.
Boat tours on Lake Chelan offer limited wheelchair accommodation—reserve ahead.
🗓️ Itinerary Ideas
1‑Day Glacier Glimpse: Morning SR‑20 drive to Washington Pass → Mid‑day Blue Lake hike → Sunset Diablo Lake Overlook.
3‑Day Alpine Escape: Day 1 Cascade Pass + camp at Sahale Glacier camp; Day 2 hike down & explore Newhalem; Day 3 Ross Lake kayak or Lake Chelan boat ride.
Family Version: Morning Newhalem VC & Trail of Cedars loop, picnic Diablo Overlook, easy Thunder Knob hike, evening ranger program.
🧳 Planning Tips
Lodging: No in‑park lodges; Ross Lake Resort (boat‑in) & lodge at Stehekin (Lake Chelan). Campgrounds (reservation & FCFS) along SR‑20.
Food: Limited services in Marblemount & Stehekin; bring groceries/cooler.
Permits: Free backcountry permit required for overnight camping (first‑come day prior); climbing permits self‑register.
Transportation: Sea‑Tac Airport 2.5 hr. SR‑20 closed Nov–Apr from milepost 134‑171; check WSDOT.
🚧 Permits & Rules
Bear canisters required many zones (no permanent food storage infrastructure).
Leave No Trace crucial—fragile alpine heather & talus.
Pets allowed only on Lake Chelan NRA & PCT; not in national park proper.
🌄 Compare This Park With
Glacier NP: Comparable ice & peaks, but far fewer visitors & services.
Mount Rainier NP: Similar alpine flowers & glaciers; Rainier has iconic single volcano vs. complex range.
Banff NP (Canada): International cousin across border—turquoise lakes & massive icefields.
🔗 Internal Links
Blog: “Chasing Larches—Minimalist Fall Road Trip on SR‑20.”
Printable: “North Cascades Larch‑Hunt Bingo & Glacier Safety Tips.” (placeholder)
📥 Printable Downloads (placeholder)
Cascade Pass Switchback Map
Backcountry Permit Planner Spreadsheet
🔍 SEO Keywords
Best time to visit North Cascades National Park
North Cascades hikes with kids
North Cascades itinerary 3 days
North Cascades photography spots
Family activities North Cascades
North Cascades camping tips
Accessible trails North Cascades
Cascade Pass hike guide
Diablo Lake overlook sunset
Things to do North Cascades National Park