How to Visit: North Cascades National Park

This budget-friendly guide will walk you through visiting one of my favorite places, North Cascades National Park. Total trip time: 3-4 days Nearest major city: Vancouver (Canada) or Seattle (Washington)

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North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park

@anitheadventurer

This national park is known for its rugged mountain landscapes, glaciers, and abundant wilderness. It encompasses a portion of the North Cascades mountain range, featuring jagged peaks and deep valleys. The park is characterized by its diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and pristine lakes.

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Trails

Easy/Moderate

Trail of the Cedars

@anitheadventurer

Trail of the Cedars: 0.6 miles (easy) Part of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, this interpretive trail must be accessed via the National Park side of the Skagit River.

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Blue Lake Trailhead

@anitheadventurer

Blue Lake Trail: 4.6 miles (moderate) Part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this out-and-back hike grants you stunning views of Blue Lake.

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Hard

Maple Pass Trailhead

@anitheadventurer

Maple Pass Trail: 6.5 miles (hard) This iconic trail is part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and cannot be missed while visiting North Cascades. Widely known for its stunning fall colors, the Heather Pass to Maple Pass Loop is a challenging route offering incredible views of the Northern Cascades. This loop is very popular. You start at Rainy Lake Trailhead. There are vault toilets here, and a Northwest Forest Pass is required. Although this loop can be done in either direction, most hikers choose to go counter-clockwise. This direction makes for a more gradual ascent, and better views of Black Peak as you approach the pass.

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Cutthroat Pass

@anitheadventurer

Cutthroat Pass via the PCT: 10.0 miles (hard) Part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this segment of the PCT leads to gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Depending on the time of year, you may meet PCT thru-hikers heading to/from the Canadian border. The trailhead parking lot is also a popular spot for trail magic.

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Cascade Pass

@anitheadventurer

Cascade Pass Trail: 7.0 miles (hard) and Sahale Arm Trail: 11.6 miles (hard) to Sahale Mountain: 12.6 miles (hard) To reach the trailhead, follow the Cascade River Road from Marblemount for 23 miles. The road is paved initially and then becomes gravel. It becomes narrow and steep at the end, with drop-offs - please drive carefully. The first several miles of this Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail includes some relatively easy switchbacks that develop into some challenging inclines close to the summit. This is an absolutely amazing hike for nature, animal sightings, and views alike. The wildlife is beautiful and hikers may see marmots, mountain goats, a black bear, pica, mule deer, and grouse.

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Hidden Lake Lookout Trailhead

@anitheadventurer

Hidden Lake Lookout: 8.8 miles (hard) Hidden Lake Lookout is of the most beautiful hikes in Mt. Baker National Forest. Sprawling meadows dotted with wildflowers and expansive mountain views await. Please note before heading out: the road leading up to the trailhead may not accommodate all vehicles. Additionally, treacherous snow may exist early in the season (or all summer) that requires an ice axe and proper skills, so please be cautious and understand your limitations.

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Things to Do

Ross Lake National Recreation Area

@anitheadventurer

Ross Lake National Recreation Area offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking along the lakeshore and surrounding mountains. There is an overlook and short trail off the main road through North Cascades National Park, which is worth a stop along your drive.

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North Cascades Highway

@anitheadventurer

Drive along the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) for breathtaking views of the mountain scenery. Stop at designated viewpoints and enjoy the diverse landscapes.

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Places to Stay

Hotel Options

Budget

Cascade Mountain Suites - Mt. Baker Hotel

@anitheadventurer

Mt Baker Hotel is offering accommodations in Concrete. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. The hotel has both free WiFi and free private parking. All rooms is equipped with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms include a private bathroom, while selected rooms also feature a kitchen with a stovetop.

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AbbyCreek Inn

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Located on the Methow River, this hotel offers free WiFi, a seasonal outdoor pool and free daily breakfast. Shopping and dining in Winthrop is 0.9 mi away. A satellite TV is included in each air-conditioned guest room at AbbyCreek Inn. An private bathroom with hairdryer and free toiletries is also provided. Other facilities offered at the property include a vending machine. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including lazy river tubing, BBQ pits, skiing, cycling and fishing. The property offers free parking and free bike rentals.

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Comfort

Sun Mountain Lodge

@anitheadventurer

Sun Mountain Lodge is an iconic PNW lodge located in Winthrop, WA. Featuring two restaurants, a Spa, miles of hiking, skiing, and biking trails, an activities center that features seasonal activities like mountain bikes, fly fishing trips, and horse riding, among others. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders can spend time on the slopes at this lodge offering cross-country skiing, ski equipment rentals, and ski lessons. Treat yourself to spa services, such as aromatherapy, a body treatment, or a facial. Stay connected with complimentary WiFi. Sun Mountain Lodge charges a $23/night resort fee. You'll also enjoy perks such as: A seasonal outdoor pool, Giftshop, Free self-parking, Bike rentals (charge), two outdoor tennis courts, An electric car charging station, In-room safe, and A 24-hour front desk.

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Campgrounds

Camping - North Cascades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

Note to van-lifers and car-dwellers: the part is dotted with National Forest land, so it is relatively easy to find legal, overnight parking. For example (in September 2022), it was legal to park overnight at the Rainy Lake Trailhead.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ani Danelz | National Park Guide

Available for hire

Welcome to my (and hopefully our) adventures! I have lived all over the United States, and I have a passion for the outdoors and budget-travel. My style of travel is easy-going, yet filled with adventure and excitement. I focus on connecting with people and community, as well as immersing myself in the outdoors as much as possible. Finding a balance between these two have led to some amazing memories, and I cannot wait to share them with you. Most recently, I lived in my car for over seven months, while I visited every National Park in the lower 48. I hiked, camped, met amazing people, and hiked some more. I got to experience the parks like a local, because I had no timetable, no flights to catch, no rental car to return, etc. Some parks I stayed only for a few hours, and others for over a week. I chatted with park rangers, stayed with people that lived nearby, and camped with others at some amazing campsites. The travel guides I share give you an "insider" look at the national park, with tips for the best hikes, tricks for finding campsites (but I always include hotel options too), as well as information about the various aspects of the parks. I hope that you will use these guides as tools to fuel your next national park adventure!

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