3 Days In the North Cascades National Park: A Perfect Itinerary.
Having lived and hiked in Washington for the past 20 years, I’ve been lucky enough to explore a lot of this park. It’s my favorite of the three in Washington. (Shhh, please don’t tell the others) Here is how I would spend 3 days in the North Cascades National Park.
Located in the northern part of Washington State, North Cascades National Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the Pacific Northwest. With just over 20,000 visitors per year, it is one of the least visited National Park in the Unites States. (Say what?!?)
Did you know, there are over 300 glaciers in the NCNP? It ranks among the most glaciated area in the United States outside of Alaska.
Known for its jagged peaks most trails are characterized by their steep terrain. But don’t worry, there are a range of hikes. I can show you both easy, family-friendly strolls and the challenging backcountry routes. The best way to experience the park is by hitting the trails. Grab your backpack and lets go!
In this post I layout in detail a flexible itinerary for 3 days in the North Cascades National Park that you can customize to fit your adventure!
How to Get to the North Cascades National Park
By Car (From Seattle)
- Distance: About 2 to 2.5 hours (120–140 miles, depending on route)
- Route: The most common way to access the park is by car from Seattle. The easiest route is Highway 20, which runs through the heart of the park.
By Plane
- Closest Major Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Airport to Park: From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you can rent a car and drive to North Cascades National Park (around 2–2.5 hours).
When to Visit the North Cascades National Park
Mid-to-late summer offers great weather, accessible trails, lush greenery, and stunning wildflowers. Fall, however, with colors galore and the ever famous larch trees is my personal favorite.
In winter, most of Highway 20, which connects the park, is closed. Come Spring, a few hikes are accessible but much of the park remains snow-covered.
You might be interested in epic Larch Marches in Washington if you are visiting the NCNP in the Fall.
Where to Stay in the North Cascades National Park
Where to stay in the NCNP depends on what type of traveller you are. There are inns and resorts, campgrounds, and of course, backcountry campsites for those seeking the full outdoor experience.
Car Camping Along Highway 20
There are four campgrounds that are located along the stretch of Highway 20.
The campgrounds within the park are reservable at Recreation.gov and they include: Newhalem Creek, Goodell Creek Campground, Gorge Lake Campground and Colonial Creek Campground. (my personal favorite – it sits right on Diablo Lake)
Outlying campgrounds that are first come, first serve on the East side of the park are Klipchuck, Early Winters and Lone Fir. (Klipchuck, is a personal favorite, is the largest offering really big wooded sites and space for kids to ride bikes)
Check out the National Park’s website for more information on the campgrounds: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Hotels
I would recommend splitting your nights between Marblemount and Mazama or Winthrop. They are positioned on opposite ends of Highway 20 in the park. But if you had to choose a homebase, definitely stay in Mazama or Winthrop – way more options for food and kinda everything else.
Marblemount Accomodations
Marblemount offers limited accommodations and dining options, but its prime location for some of the best hikes along Cascade River Road. The Cascade Pass/Sahalie Arm hike is one of the best in the park – hands down.
For a comfortable stay, I recommend The North Cascades Inn.
Mazama Accommodations
Mazama is a small, laid-back, with an outdoorsy atmosphere. There are a few local businesses, including a general store and a cafe, and one of the BEST bakeries around. Grab a muffin before you hike, you wont be disappointed. After that you will be there everyday. hahaha.
The town has a distinctive style with rustic cabins and lodges that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Its a vibe.
Check out Trip Advisors top places to stay here.
Or just book one of these cool cabins on wheels. We fit our family of 4 into the tiny space and there were no complaints. But we love getting cozy with each other.
Winthrop
Winthrop’s boardwalks, wooden buildings, and Western-style storefronts give the town a nostalgic Wild West vibe. Coffee shops, check, dining, check, grocery store, check…. it ticks all the boxes. Check out East 20 pizza, the calzones are delish!
Winthrop offers a variety of accommodations, including cozy bed-and-breakfasts, cabins, and modern hotels, many with views of the valley or mountains.
Check out Trip Advisors top places to stay here.
3 Days in the North Cascades
Since accommodation preferences and locations vary for each reader, I’ve put together a flexible 3-day itinerary with activities that can be arranged in any order, depending on where you’re staying. Each day has activities that are somewhat close to one another trying to minimize driving time so you can have more time to get out and enjoy!
Day 1: Visitors Center, A Hike, a View + A Sunset Paddle
Stop 1. North Cascades Visitor Center In Newhalem
Get oriented at the Visitor Center in Nehalem. Its a great place to get maps, park updates, and some quick insight into the park’s ecology and history. And see if there is anything special going on in any of the campgrounds. We love the ranger talks!
Link to their website: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
Stop 2. Go for a hike.
Let’s go for a hike… the best way to explore the North Cascades National Park. In the Diablo Lake/Nehalem area to start, I recommend one of these three hikes, depending on the level of intensity you’re looking for…
Hike 1 – Easy: Thunder Creek Trail to the Bridge
You won’t believe the turquoise color of this creek – it is beautiful. Caused by the glacial melt runoff. This one is good for any hiking level or any age. My 70 year old mom and I did this one while we camped at Colonial Creek Campground. Way to go Mom!
2.0 miles | Rolling elevation, very mild | Link to Alltrails
Hike 2 – Moderate: Thunder Knob
This might be the most popular of the three hikes. If you can swing it on a weekday, do it!
The hike is known for great views of Diablo Lake and the surrounding mountains, a well maintained trail and gradual incline.
3.4 miles | 675 ft of gain | Link to Alltrails
Hike 3 – Challenging: Thornton Lake Trail and Trappers Peak
This hike was one I saw on many lists but I always passed it by. Once I finally made it up here, I wondered why it took so long, its GORGEOUS.
Depending on time and energy, you have a few options: (1) stop at the viewpoint (shown here), (2) hike down to the lake, (3) continue up to Trappers Peak, or (4) do all of the above!
Distance 9.7 mi | 3,507 ft of elevation gain | Link to Alltrails
Stop 3: Diablo Lake Overlook
After your hike, check out the iconic view of Diablo Lake’s turquoise waters. This overlook is just a short walk from the parking lot and a must-see photo spot. From this vantage spot you really get a sense of how incredible (and almost fake looking) the color of the water is.
If you haven’t had lunch yet, the Diablo Lake Overlook is a great place to sit for a picnic. (this depends heavily on which hike you do. If you opt for Thornton Lake its probably more like dinner.
Stop 4: Paddle on Diablo Lake
Finish the day with a Paddle on Diablo lake. You can put in your paddle board or canoe from colonial Creek campground. Explore the inlet to the South or venture out to the West for even bigger views. The lake can be choppy during the day but typically calms down every evening and again in the morning.
Day 2: Baked Goods, A hike, An Overlook + Sunset View!
Stop 1: Pick up a pasty.
Before you hit the trail by Washington Pass, I cant recommend it enough to head to Mazama Bakery for your morning coffee + delicious baked goods. Its simply so good. Try to get there early as they often sell out!
Stop 2: Take a Hike
Similar to day 1, start your day with a hike and around Washington Pass. There are SO many to choose from depending on what you are up for and some of these could be combined if you are up for a bit more mileage. (And obsessive like me)
Hike 1 – Easy: Rainy Lake
This is an easy stroll with a big payoff. If you are looking to just stretch your legs and see something beautiful, then this if for you.
Hike 2 – Easy: Blue Lake
The hike to Blue Lake is a favorite among North Cascades trails. Definitely plan to arrive early to this hike or show up later in the day. It gets crowded especially in the Fall.
When Blue Lake is calm, its clear l waters reflect the surrounding mountain peaks – so MANY photo opportunities. This one is short enough, you could combine it with another.
Distance: 4.6 miles round trip | 1,050 feet of elevation gain | Alltrails Link
Hike 3 – Moderate: Maple Pass Loop
This is probably the most famous hike in all of the North Cascades National Park. And with the views it offers, you will see why. They go for miles.
Its a crazy busy one in the Fall. I would only recommend it in the summer for that reason. If its Fall, check out Lewis Lake and if you can keep going, Wing Lake. The larches up there are some of the best.
Distance: 6.5 miles round trip | 2,162 feet of elevation gain | Alltrails Link
Hike 4 – Moderate: Cutthroat Pass
This is a gem of trail in the North Cascades National Park. It’s especially stunning in mid to late fall when the larches are in full color. Unlike the popular Maple Pass Loop Trail nearby, this hike is waaaay less crowded, offering a bit more solitude.
In my opinion, it’s just as beautiful—if not more so—and a great place to escape the crowds for you solitude seekers.
Distance: 9.8 miles round trip | 2,007 feet of elevation gain | Alltrails Link
Hike 5 – Challenging: Wing Lake
Probably my favorite hike in the North Cascades. Simply put, its has it all. And you get two lakes in one hike, both which are beautiful. Full disclosure, I have never done this as a day hike, I have always spent the night, its too good not to stay. Its definitely doable. And you dont need to go all the way up Black Peak but the best view is from the end of the lake looking back over the lake.
Distance: 10.4 miles round trip | 3,100 feet of elevation gain | Alltrails Link
If this one interests you, you might my article on BEST BACKPACKING TRIPS IN WASHINGTON interesting.
Stop 3: Washington Pass Overlook
Drive to Washington Pass Overlook for stunning views of Liberty Bell Mountain and the surrounding peaks. This is a quick, short, paved path to a seriously grand overlook. Its perfect for a photo and its very accessible for everyone to enjoy grand sweeping views
Stop 4: Watch the Sunset over the Cascades
If you are visiting in the summer when the sun sets late, you might have some time after dinner to go and watch the sunset. These are two lookouts that offer amazing views.
Sunset Hike: Goat Peak Lookout
Goat Peak Lookout, located just outside of the NCNP offers stunning panoramic views OF THE North Cascades. The 3.5 mile hike to the lookout is a great spot for those looking for seriously stunning vistas and a truly incredible sunset.
If the hike feels too challenging after a long day, along the forest road there are a few spots where you pull off, sit and enjoy the sunset without the hike.
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip | 1,450 feet of elevation gain | Alltrails Link
Sunset Drive: Slate Peak Lookout
Another incredible option – drive up to Harts Pass and catch the sunset at Slate Peak Lookout. The road is bumpy, but the view is worth it. If you prefer not to hike up to the lookout, the views from the parking lot just below are still amazing.
You can access so many amazing hikes from here… Grasshopper Pass and Windy Pass to name a few. The best part about starting your hikes up here is you are already up!
Link to directions to Slate Peak
Day 3: One Last hike on Cascade River Road + a quick Swim.
For the last day on your way back to Seattle, I would plan to visit the North Cascades outside of Marblemount. There are several INCREDIBLE hikes off of Cascade River Road that are definitely worth a visit but if you only have time for one, make it Cascade Pass!
Stop 1: Hike to Cascade Pass/ Sahale Arm
Hike 1: Moderate – Cascade Pass (add Sahale Arm – challenging)
This trail offers some of the best views in the park – they really represent what the North Cascades is all about. Cascade Pass is a beautiful starting point with views of Forbidden Peak and Mount Torment, and from there, the Sahale Arm trail takes you higher.
If getting up to the glacier is too much for you, Cascade Pass alone will make the switchbacks worth it.
Distance to Cascade Pass: 6.9 miles round trip | 1,781 feet of gain | Alltrails Link
Distance to Sahale Arm: 11.6 miles | 3,963 ft of gain | Link to Alltrails
Alternate 1: Challenging – Hidden Lake Lookout. The road to this trail is no joke, so please check trip reports to see the current conditions.
Alternate 2: Challenging – Lookout Mountain. EPIC views but its straight up!
Stop 2 – Take a Dip in Baker Lake
Although not technically within the park, Baker Lake is a fantastic spot for a swim or a paddleboard session. The lake’s stunning teal color is framed by the surrounding mountains, including Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. You can either hike 2 miles along the Baker Lake Trail to Anderson Point or simply drive to one of the nearby campgrounds to enjoy their beach.
Its one of this locals favorite!
In a Nutshell.
My favorite hikes in the NCNP are Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm, Wing Lake, Cutthroat Pass and Blue Lake.
For a short, easy hike, top picks are Blue Lake, Rainy Lake, and Goat Peak (technically not in the park).
If you want to leave the crowds behind, check out Lewis and Wing Lake or the Cutthroat Pass.
For high alpine views, hike Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm, Hidden Lake, Thornton Lake, or the Maple Pass Loop.
