10 Reasons to Visit the Astonishing North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park in Washington is one of the most underrated national parks in the U.S. Discover 10 compelling reasons to add it to your bucket list, including epic hikes, turquoise lakes, scenic stops on Highway 20, camping, and travel tips.
10 Reasons Why North Cascades National Park Should Be on Your Bucket List
If you’re craving wild, uncrowded landscapes, endless hiking trails, and jaw-dropping scenery without entry fees or long lines, then North Cascades National Park in Washington is calling your name. Nestled in the rugged Cascade Range, this overlooked gem is often dubbed the “American Alps” and offers a truly immersive outdoor experience.
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With over 400 miles of hiking trails, towering jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and lush forests, it’s hard to believe this place sees fewer than 50,000 visitors a year. Here’s why you should plan a trip now before everyone else finds out.
1. It’s Completely Free to Enter
That’s right, there is no entry fee to enter North Cascades National Park! It’s one of the few U.S. national parks with free access year-round. There’s not even an entrance booth for that matter. Some trailheads do require a day use parking fee, however, the America The Beautiful Pass is accepted.
Travel Tip: Save money on multiple national parks with an America The Beautiful Annual Pass
2. No Lines = More Time in Nature
You’d think that there would be a line to enter a National Park with no entry fee, but nope! Unlike more popular parks like Glacier or Yellowstone, you won’t be waiting in traffic or waiting at entry gates, because there is none! Because there’s no centralized entry point, you can start your adventure the moment your tires hit Scenic Highway 20. With just over 40,000 visitors per year (in 2023), North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited National Parks in the U.S. While this may not be appealing to most, that is one of the reasons we were so drawn to the park.
3. No Crowds!
During our 3-day visit,we saw maybe 10 people. I’m not sure if we just got super lucky, but North Cascades National Park is still off the radar, so we had a rare sense of solitude and serenity, something that’s nearly impossible to find in many other national parks. It feels way more remote than other national parks we’ve visited, which is another reason why it’s our favorite one so far!
4. Affordable (and free!) Camping
Camping in and around the North Cascades National Park in Washington is super affordable and in some spots, completely free. We camped for free in a campervan rental, but designated campgrounds like Colonial Creek or Newhalem charge just $15–$25 per night.
Travel Tip: Want to save even more? Try free dispersed camping in the nearby Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
If you’re camping, shop our recommended camping gear in our RockPorch locker!
5. BIG Views With Little Effort
You don’t have to hike for miles to be rewarded. With towering snow-capped mountains and jagged peaks in every direction, you’re never waiting for a view. There are countless pull-offs, stunning overlooks, and easy, short scenic hikes along Highway 20. Perfect for quick stops with incredible payoffs!
Must-see viewpoints:
- Diablo Lake Overlook for iconic turquoise lake views
- Washington Pass Overlook for a jaw-dropping mountain pass
- Thunder Knob Trail a quick and easy 3.5-mile round trip hike with epic lake views
6. Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails!
Many national parks don’t allow dogs on hiking trails, which can make it difficult for us when visiting them. Since much of the trail system runs through North Cascades National Recreation Area and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, leashed dogs are welcome on most trails.
Travel Tip: Always double-check if your hike is within national park boundaries or national forest land. Certain sections do not allow dogs. Also, remember that dogs must be kept on leash and to properly dispose of their waste.
7. Glaciers and Jagged Peaks
Home to over 300 glaciers and 300 lakes, the North Cascades Range has the largest glacial system in the United States (outside of Alaska). Ross Lake spans 23 miles from the heart of North Cascades National Park’s mountains to the Canadian border. You’re pulled in every direction by nature’s finest. Add in rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and deep valleys, and this place easily competes with any other mountainous park in the U.S. It’s one of those places that takes you back in time.
8. Lush Green Forests
Similar to its neighbor, one of Washington’s most-visited National Parks, Olympic National Park, North Cascades is made of lush forest floors. Lower elevations of the park are filled with mossy trails and towering evergreens, creating a dreamscape for nature lovers and photographers alike.
9. Turquoise Lakes and Rivers
The star of the show? Diablo Lake! Diablo Lake gets its unique blue-green color from the melting glaciers. Thunder Creek, which flows into Diablo Lake, carries a powdery silt (also called “rock flour”) formed by the grinding of glaciers against the rocks. When the water washes the tiny particles into the lake, it gives it this turquoise blue-green color.
You’ll see the same color in Ross Lake, making North Cascades National Park a haven for water lovers like me! The turquoise blue water is similar to Havasu Falls in Arizona, which gets its color from a mineral called calcium carbonate.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss paddleboarding or kayaking Diablo Lake if you visit during the summer. Rent through Ross Lake Resort Rentals.
👉🏻 Take in the views of the North Cascades with an adventurous whitewater rafting trip on the Skagit River!
10. Hiking, hiking, and more hiking!
Although there are jaw-dropping views in every direction on your drive along Highway 20, we think the park is best explored by immersing yourself in nature! Whether you want short hikes or multi-day treks, North Cascades delivers. With over 400 miles of trails, you’ll find everything from family-friendly loops to strenuous backcountry treks.
Explore this national park on foot with our recommended hikes:
Blue Lake Trail
Length: 4.6 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Type: out and back
Highlights: alpine lake views
*Dogs allowed on leash
Maple Pass Loop
Length: 7.2 miles
Difficulty: moderate/hard
Type: loop
Highlights: one of the most scenic hikes in the state with views of Lake Ann (and our personal favorite!)
*Dogs allowed on leash
Tip: begin hiking counter-clockwise
Rainy Lake Trail (same parking lot as Maple Pass Loop)
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: easy
Type: out and back
Highlights: wheelchair accessible paved path to an alpine lake
*Dogs allowed on leash
Cascade Pass Trail
Length: 7 miles
Difficulty: moderate/hard
Type: out and back
Highlights: panoramic views and wildlife sightings
*Dogs not allowed
This is the most popular trail in the park and can get pretty crowded
Travel Tip: With limited service in the park, we recommend downloading an offline map with the Pro version of an app like AllTrails or bringing a GPS/satellite navigation system
Where is North Cascades National Park?
Located in northern Washington State, North Cascades is about:
- 2 hours from Seattle (107 miles)
- 1.5 hours from Bellingham (71 miles)
- 3 hours from Vancouver, BC (125 miles)
You’ll primarily explore along Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway), which cuts through the park from east to west.
Where to Stay Near North Cascades National Park
Campgrounds (Paid & Free)
- Colonial Creek Campground
- Newhalem Creek Campground
- Dispersed camping in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
- Hipcamp campsites near Marblemount
Lodging Nearby
- Ross Lake Resort (only accessible by boat or hike—worth it!)
- Buffalo Run Inn (budget-friendly in Marblemount)
- Glamping: Check out Hipcamp options near Ross Lake
- Vacation Rentals: Browse cozy cabins on Vrbo
⛺️ If you’re unfamiliar with glamping, read our full blog post about Glamping!
What to Pack for North Cascades National Park
Whether you’re hiking or camping, here’s your North Cascades essentials checklist:
- Waterproof hiking boots (shop my favorite pair)
- Layers (it gets chilly, even in summer!)
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Bear spray
- Bug spray
- Trekking poles
- Rain jacket
- Backpack
- First aid kit
Find more packing recommendations in my post below!
Seasonal Events & Tips
Best Time to Visit: Late June through mid-October, when Highway 20 is fully open and trails are mostly snow-free.
Seasonal Road Closure: North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20) closes in winter due to snow, typically from late November to April.
Passes, Permits & Ranger Station Tips: Although entry to North Cascades National Park is free, we suggest investing in the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which grants access to all U.S. National Parks that charge entrance fees and over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the U.S. For areas just outside the park, especially trailheads in the surrounding National Forest, you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass, available as a $5 day pass or a $30 annual pass. (The America The Beautiful Pass covers this)
Many visitors stop by the Marblemount Ranger Station to purchase passes, obtain backcountry camping permits, and chat with rangers about current trail conditions, available campsites, and itinerary suggestions. It’s a great resource to help you plan responsibly and maximize your time in the park.
Final Thoughts:
Why North Cascades National Park is Worth the Trip
If you’re looking to disconnect, recharge, and explore one of the best-kept secrets in the National Park system, North Cascades National Park checks every box. It’s remote, wild, and packed with jaw-dropping beauty minus the entry fees and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Whether you spend a weekend hiking alpine trails or road-tripping Highway 20, this underrated park will leave you in awe. So pack your bags, grab your pup, and head north! You just might find your new favorite National Park like we did!
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