However, this is a great to add on to your North Cascades to-do list.
Like the Washington Pass Overlook, the Blue Lake is located just outside of the park boundary. From this overlook, you have an outstanding view of Highway 20 and Liberty Bell Mountain. This is technically located outside of the North Cascades National Park Complex but it is still well worth the visit. There are no roads to Stehekin so the only way to get here is by boat, plane, or on foot. Once here, you can explore Stehekin Valley on foot, go camping, and discover the cultural history of the people who live here. Stehekin is a small community located on the far northern end of Lake Chelan. Once at the summit, you are treated to views of Skagit Peak, Little Jackass Mountain, and Ross Lake.
To get here, it is a challenging, steep hike. In 1956, Jack Kerouac (author of On the Road) spent part of the summer on top of this peak, serving as a watchman in the fire tower. Once at the Sahale Glacier Camp, you get to enjoy spectacular views over Doubtful Lake and layers of jagged, snow-capped peaks.įollow the Footsteps of Jack Kerouac and Hike to Desolation Peak. You will hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. From this overlook, you get a view of the Skagit Gorge and the Gorge Dam, a hydroelectric dam. This is a flat, easy to walk paved trail that ends with gorgeous views of Rainy Lake and the mountains of North Cascades National Park. The Maple Pass Loop offers a little bit of everything…wildflowers, old growth forests, a visit to a lovely alpine lake, and (the best part) panoramic views of the North Cascades. The view of Diablo Lake, with its brilliant emerald water, is one of the most stunning views in the park. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit.ĭiablo Lake Vista Point. It travels east-west along the Skagit River. North Cascades Highway is the only paved road in the park.
Go for a Scenic Drive on North Cascades Highway. 400 miles of hiking trails criss-cross their way through this mountainous landscape. Somebody had fun naming these mountains: Mount Terror, Phantom Peak, Poltergeist Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and Ghost Peak.Īnd for hikers, this place is paradise. In the northern area of the park is the Picket Range, a collection of mountains, most rising over 8,000 feet. In fact, there are an estimated 300+ glaciers here. The North Cascades Range, which runs through the park, is the largest glacial system in the United States outside of Alaska. This is one of the most wild, rugged, and remote areas in the lower 48 states. With jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks stretching as far as the eye can see, North Cascades is also called “The American Alps.” At times, it really does look like you are standing in Switzerland.
It is just a short drive from Seattle, Washington but North Cascades only gets a handful of the visitors that flock to nearby Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks. North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, but for those who venture here, it is a serene, beautiful experience.
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