North Cascades National Park

It wasn’t until October 2, 1968, that Congress protected approximately 700,000 acres of the North Cascades range. Less than three hours from Seattle, North Cascades National Park beckons with an alpine landscape; forested valleys resplendent with cascading waters; and jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Here, four large bodies of water are joined by alpine lakes and hundreds of ponds; a wet and temperate western slope; and a drier, colder eastern slope.

The Flora and Fauna

The range’s lowland west side is forested with Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar, while higher elevations harbor mountain hemlock and Pacific silver fir, subalpine fir and Alaska yellow cedar. On the eastern side of the range, low elevations present a variety of fir. At higher elevations, aspen; ponderosa pine; whitebark pine; and subalpine larch appear. Not to be overlooked are the park’s quintessential subalpine meadows — or “mountain parks” — revealing themselves above the tree lines.

Rainier’s lakes are rich with natives, such as burbot, bull trout and cutthroat trout. By contrast, introduced fish species include rainbow and brook trout, as well as Chinook salmon. Nearly 340 species of wildlife call the park home overall, so keep your eyes trained for black bears, deer and mountain goats as well. Less frequent appearances may be made by grizzlies, mountain lions, coyotes, wolves and bobcats.

Anita flowers in North Cascades National Park

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The Weather

Mid-June through mid-September are the most popular — and pleasant — months to visit, though summer storms are common occurrences and snow can remain on high-elevation trails until July, commonly causing road and trail closures. Come late spring and fall, rains arrive westerly, blowing in from the Pacific. Follow park and road conditions on the park’s website.

The Hikes, Drives and Viewpoints

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North Cascades Highway Scenic Drive

Given it’s the only paved road in the park, you should certainly take a scenic drive on North Cascades Highway, pausing at viewpoints to glean gorgeous lakes and mountain passes along the way.

Desolation Peak

In 1956, Jack Kerouac’s “Desolation Angels” took inspiration from Desolation Peak, a challenging-toreach and harder-to-hike, 7.9-mile trek, where the summit reveals vistas of Skagit Peak, Ross Lake and Little Jackass Mountain.

Maple Pass Loop

Looking for a taste of everything? The 7.4-mile Maple Pass Loop may be for you, with its lovely alpine lake, old-growth forests, wildflowers and panoramas of the North Cascades.

A Few Memorable Hikes

Hiking is the way to truly experience the park’s best features, whether it’s the easy Trail of the Cedars nature walk; Ladder Creek Falls; remote Thornton Lake; or the stunning, family-friendly Thunder Knob Trail with its views of turquoise, glacier-fed Diablo Lake, a reservoir created by Diablo Dam.

Diablo Lake

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Rich Martello

About the Park

Location - Northwestern Washington, northeast of Seattle

Established - October 2, 1968

Area - 504,781 acres