3 Days In the North Cascades National Park: A Perfect Itinerary.
North Cascades National Park is one of Washington’s best-kept secrets, with its towering peaks, pristine lakes, and over 300 glaciers. With only 20,000 annual visitors, and one of the least visited National Parks in the US, it’s a place where you can truly escape. Let’s dive into the perfect 3-day itinerary to make the most of this stunning park.
How to Get to the North Cascades National Park
- By Car (From Seattle): ~2-2.5 hours (120–140 miles) via Highway 20.
- By Plane: Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and rent a car.
When to Visit the North Cascades National Park
Summer (July–September): Best weather, accessible trails, and peak wildflowers.
Fall: Incredible larches and autumn colors—my personal favorite!
Winter/Spring: Highway 20 is often closed, with limited access to hikes.
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 on the periphery of the park, campgrounds inside the park, and of course, backcountry campsites for those seeking the full outdoor experience.
Car Camping Along Highway 20
If you want to camp in the park, there are several campgrounds along Highway 20, both reserved and first-come, first-served. Some offer lakeside views while others the sublime PNW wooded experience.
- Newhalem Creek: Close to Highway 20, this campground offers easy access and a peaceful setting along the creek.
- Goodell Creek: A quiet option for those who prefer to disconnect, located in a scenic wooded area.
- Gorge Lake: For lakeside views and a calm atmosphere, this campground is ideal.
- Colonial Creek Campground: Right on Diablo Lake, it’s one of the most scenic spots in the park.
Other first-come, first-served campgrounds to check out include Klipchuck, Early Winters, and Lone Fir. They’re great for those who weren’t able to make advance reservations.
For more information or to make reservations, check out Recreation.gov.
Hotels and Cabins
If you’re not into camping, there are still plenty of options for staying in comfort while visiting the park:
- Winthrop: Known for its Wild West atmosphere, this town has a variety of inns and accommodations. After a long day of hiking, grab a bite at East 20 Pizza, which serves up delicious calzones.
- Marblemount: A small town with basic accommodations. Consider staying at The North Cascades Inn for convenience.
- Mazama: A charming town with cozy cabins and a laid-back vibe. You can also check out the Rolling Huts, which offer a unique stay with beautiful views.
Check out Trip Advisors top places to stay here. The Rolling Huts were a family favorite!
Pro-tip:
If you want to explore different parts of the park, consider splitting your stay between Marblemount and Mazama or Winthrop. This gives you more flexibility to hike different areas while keeping the driving time manageable.
3 Days in the North Cascades
I’ve created a flexible 3-day itinerary with activities that can be arranged based on your accommodation. Each day groups nearby activities to minimize driving time and maximize your time outdoors!
Day 1: Visitors Center, A Hike, a View + A Sunset Paddle
Morning: North Cascades Visitor Center In Newhalem
Start at the Visitor Center in Newhalem for maps, park updates, and insights into the park’s ecology and history. It’s also a great spot to check if any special events or ranger talks are happening.
Link to their website: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
Mid Morning + Afternoon. Go for a hike.
Ready to hike? The best way to explore North Cascades National Park is on foot. In the Diablo Lake/Nehalem area, I recommend these three hikes based on your preferred intensity level.
Hike 1 – Easy: Thunder Creek Trail to the Bridge
- Description: Start at the Colonial Creek Campground and hike along the Thunder Creek. The creek’s stunning turquoise color is caused by glacial melt runoff and its gorgeous. This hike is perfect for all ages and skill levels. My 70-year-old mom and I hiked this while camping at Colonial Creek Campground. Way to go, Mom!
- Distance: 2.0 miles
- Elevation: Rolling, very mild
- Link to Alltrails
Hike 2 – Moderate: Thunder Knob
- Description: One of the most popular hikes in the area, especially if you can go on a weekday! This trail offers great views of Diablo Lake and the surrounding mountains, with a gradual incline and a well-maintained path.
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 675 ft
- Link to Alltrails
Hike 3 – Challenging: Thornton Lake Trail and Trappers Peak
- Description: This hike was on many lists and even has a sign for it on Highway 20 but I always passed it by. Once I finally made it up, I wondered why it took me so long—it’s absolutely gorgeous.
- Distance: 9.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,507 ft
- Link to Alltrails
Late Afternoon: 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 – its breathtaking.
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.
Evening: 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!
Morning: Pick up a pasty.
Before you hit the trail on 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!
You will be back tomorrow, I promise.
Mid Morning: Take a Hike
Similar to day 1, start your day with a hike near 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
- Description: On calm days, the lake’s clear waters perfectly reflect the surrounding mountain peaks, offering plenty of photo opportunities. It’s also short enough to pair with another hike. Be sure to arrive early or later in the day to avoid the crowds, especially in the Fall.
- Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,050 feet
- 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.
Afternoon: 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!
Evening: 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
- Description: This hike offers stunning panoramic views of the North Cascades. The 3.5-mile hike to the Goat Peak Lookout is perfect for those seeking incredible vistas and a breathtaking sunset.
- If the hike feels too challenging after a long day, you can stop at several spots along the forest road to sit and enjoy the sunset without the full hike.
- Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,450 feet
- 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!
Mid Morning: Hike
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
Another Great hike: Challenging – Hidden Lake Lookout. The road to this trail is no joke, so please check trip reports to see the current conditions.
Afternoon: Take a Dip in Baker Lake
Although technically outside the park, Baker Lake is a fantastic spot for a swim or paddleboarding. 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 drive to one of the nearby campgrounds to enjoy the beach.
It’s one of the locals’ favorites!
In a Nutshell.
North Cascades National Park is a true wilderness escape. Whether you hike easy trails or take on a high-elevation challenge, this 3-day itinerary lets you experience the best of the park. Now, grab your gear and hit the trails!
