Top Things to do in North Cascades National Park
Top 10 Things to do Good for Couples in North Cascades National Park, North Cascades National Park
The least visited national park in Washington, it has a great deal to offer including a spectacular rain forest.
1. Washington Pass Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
Scenic overlook from which you can see famous natural sights including the Liberty Bell Peak and Early Winter Spires.
Reviewed By charless503 - Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
On our trip from Seattle to Winthrop, my wife and I stopped first at the beautiful Diablo overlook and then at the Washington Pass both stops to enjoy the scenery and to break the 4 hour drive on the Hwy 20. The view of the mountains is absolutely stunning.
2. Maple Pass Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
A scenic trail passing by lakes and meadows.
Reviewed By 718kristens - Tennessee, United States
Best hike! I couldn’t stop taking pictures because the views were amazing. Hiking sticks were very helpful. We went counter clockwise. It was a gradual incline to the top and not too steep back down. Most hikers were wearing masks or put them on when we passed. We started around 8am. Took us about 6 hours total with lunch at the top and lots of breaks for my 12 year old. Take plenty of water. I never felt unsafe. Well marked path once you’re on it. Weather was much cooler and easier in the early morning hours. Bugs were not a problem (october). Parking was available. Don’t forget to pay your $5 fee at the box or display your pass.
3. Blue Lake Trai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By shesekmatok - Los Angeles, United States
Come early, u will have the lake for yourself, come late, u will share... A lot. There's a pit toilet at the trailhead ???? And one picnic table ????????♀️ 5$ fee at a self service station, if u don't hold an annual park pass. Started at 0640 am and it was cold ???? in the 40's. Took me 15 minutes to get warmer and and an hour to reach the lake. Just a time frame... The trail isn't steep, elevation gain is about 1000 ft. Beautiful scenery all the way, pics say it all. The lake is much more than I have expected. Stayed around it for about an hour and was amazed by the views, from many angles ???? A bit further there's a small loop that leads to a small pond. The way back was a treat. I could jog down hill parts of it. Just watch ur footing. On the way down, met 20 fellow hikers. Most of the trail was shaded. When the sun came through, so did the bugs. Questions? Feel free to ask ☺️ Have fun ????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️
4. Diablo Lake Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By 273triciaa - Louisville, United States
picnic tables and a great view...great stopping spot on your drive through NCNP...but it can get busy.
5. North Cascades National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 38sallyj - Chelmsford, United Kingdom
.The scenery here was amazing, forests, mountains and lakes, Lake Diablo was incredible, the blue water was fantastic. Definately worth visiting this National Park. We visited America for a month, so we bought the Annual Park Pass, at $80, it saves a lot of money, you can access as many parks as you wish, and only pay the once.
6. Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Peaceful area great for picnicking and hiking.
Reviewed By 261geraldd - Bellingham, United States
The boat tour was very pleasant. The scenery was great and the tour guides were interesting and informative. Just as the Gorge Dam tour, the guide´s presentations were very professional. I did not go into the dam because I had a sore foot and could not walk very far. People who went into the dam seemed to like that part of the tour also.
7. Ross Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
A two-mile trail stretches across Ross Dam to Ross Lake.
Reviewed By 2ByoungAgain - Seattle, United States
Growing up in the Land of Lincoln, it just doesn't seem like Christmas, if there isn't snow around. I packed up the Subaru Outback and did just that; headed to the outback of the North Cascades National Park. The drive on this day was the best ever; virtually No traffic (I left at 9am). There was just a touch of snow on the road as I neared the end of the highway (20 closed for the winter at Ross Dam parking area). Arrived about 11:30am, to find only one other vehicle. Snow was abundant though not as much as some years, but still plenty (as photo will show). I used snowshoes on the way to the dam view, but chose to use only my Yaktrax on the way back. Snow was not too soft , where snow shoes would've been more of a bonus. The PEACE & SERENITY of the area is hard to match, especially at this time of the year (low attendance season). I left about 3 hours later, and there were about dozen cars parked now. Still, I only ran across 3 other people the whole time there. If you don't like snow adventures, then come back in the late spring-early fall; it's incredible if you love the Wilderness. Don't forget to pack out your trash, Please! Or even pick up some you might find and pack out. It's up to ALL of US, to keep it beautiful. PS - there are other attractions along the way, and plenty of viewpoints with incredible natural beauty! There are also campsites throughout the park. One could easily spend days up here, or even weeks. The North Cascades National Park is huge! Ross Dam is just a piece of it.
8. North Cascades Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 318 reviews
A scenic highway measuring 132 miles.
Reviewed By juliancS1656AG - Kent, United States
Beautiful views. Lots of picture taking sites. Be warned, No Cell Service available. There are a lot of people. Rest Areas & out look stops are packed. Winter is not an option(closed). There is a slight detour between Rockport & Lake Diablo.
9. Colonial Creek Campground - Stehekin Valley Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
This moderate-to-strenuous hiking trail climbs up to an elevation of 6,040 feet, which weaves through old growth forest in the first ten miles.
10. Rainy Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By GoAlong2 - Seattle, United States
A little over a mile long, and paved, this easy trail through the forest with occasional interpretive signs leads to a pretty alpine lake. The clear water and views of the surrounding mountains as well as a tall thin waterfall enhance the feeling of being a world away. There are other, longer and more strenuous trails in the area, so the parking lot can be rather busy. Restrooms and picnic tables are available at the trailhead.
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