10 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park

North Cascades has more than 300 glaciers and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the lower 48, and it's one of the least-visited national parks. It's also free to enter. This is how I'd rank what's worth doing.

Best Time of Year to Visit, and Why

I'd go from mid-July through September. The highway is open, the snow has melted off the trails, and the wildflowers are at their best in late July and August. September has the best weather, fewer bugs, and early fall color.

Winter is a different world: Highway 20 is closed, and the park is accessible only to skiers, snowshoers, and the very determined.

How North Cascades Compares to Olympic

They're both Washington parks, so here's how I'd choose.

	North Cascades	Olympic
Headline	Jagged, glaciated peaks	Rainforest, wild coast, and alpine ridge
Access	One highway, closed in winter	A ring road around the park, open all year
Crowds	Very light	Nearly 3 million visitors a year
Hiking	Steep, remote, and rugged	More variety, more easy trails
Best for	Solitude and serious mountain hiking	Variety and accessible nature

If I had to pick one, I'd choose Olympic for the variety and the ease of access. I'd choose North Cascades if I wanted real mountains and almost no crowds.

Hiking Checklist — North Cascades National Park

Weather, snow, and the lack of services drive my kit here:

1. A waterproof shell and warm layers — weather changes fast, and it rains on the west side.
2. Sturdy boots and trekking poles — trails are steep, and snow can linger into July.
3. Insect repellent — mosquitoes and biting flies are intense in summer.
4. Food, water, and fuel — there are very few services along the highway.
5. A paper map or offline map — cell service is nonexistent.
6. A full tank of gas — the nearest stations are in Marblemount and Winthrop.

The 10 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park

1. 1. Stop at Diablo Lake Overlook

   A turquoise lake colored by glacial flour, the park's most photographed view. Roadside, 30 min.

2. 2. Hike Cascade Pass

   A steady climb to a high alpine pass with views of glaciers on every side. 7.4 mi RT, strenuous, 5–6 hrs.

3. 3. Walk Thunder Knob Trail

   An easy walk through old-growth forest to a rocky knob above Diablo Lake. 3.7 mi RT, easy–moderate, 2 hrs.

4. 4. Drive Highway 20

   One of the most scenic drives in the Northwest, which closes each winter. Check WSDOT. 2–3 hrs for the park section.

5. 5. Walk the Trail of the Cedars

   A short, easy loop through old-growth cedar near Newhalem. 30 min.

6. 6. Walk Happy Creek Forest

   A boardwalk loop through old-growth forest. 0.3 mi loop, easy, 15–20 min.

7. 7. Visit Ross Dam

   A short trail to a view of the dam and the lake behind it. 2.5 mi RT, moderate, 1.5–2 hrs.

8. 8. Hike Easy Pass

   A steep climb to an alpine pass with big views and few people. 7.4 mi RT, strenuous, 6–7 hrs.

9. 9. Stay at Ross Lake Resort

   A floating-cabin resort on a remote lake, reached by boat or a hike. Book months ahead.

10. 10. Look for Mount Shuksan

    One of the most photogenic peaks in the Cascades, best seen from Picture Lake along the Mount Baker Highway (SR 542), just outside the park's northwest corner.

Highway status, snow conditions, and road openings are accurate as of publication but change — always confirm current conditions, road status, and reservation rules at nps.gov/noca before you go.