Seattle to North Cascades National Park: Amazing Tips + Itinerary

Are you planning a Seattle to North Cascades National Park trip? If so, you’re in luck. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, like the best time to go, what to do, and more. 

Savor the tranquil atmosphere enhanced by a soft hum of leaves rustling, gentle cascades, and distant echoes of wildlife. The North Cascades is a divine, vast wilderness of lakes, glaciers, and conifer-clad mountains. 

Unsurprisingly, a day trip to North Cascades National Park is the most delightful thing you can do to escape the buzzing city of Seattle.  

So, stick around if you need a bit of guidance. This itinerary covers a lot, so you’ll be able to tick off the top things to do in North Cascades National Park — one by one. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

How To Get to North Cascades National Park From Seattle

The directions to North Cascades National Park from Seattle are pretty straightforward. Start by heading southwest on Madison St toward 4th Ave. Once there, turn right at the 3rd cross street onto University St. Take the ramp onto I-5 N and continue on the right-hand side for 42.4 miles (68.2 km) before taking exit 208 toward WA-530 E. 

Stay on WA-530 E after the first traffic circle, then when reaching the second traffic circle, take the second exit onto WA-530. Then make a left onto WA-530 E/WA-9 N and turn right onto WA-530 E/State Rte 530 NE. You’ll continue along this road for the next 28 miles (45 km). 

After a while, you’ll turn left onto WA-530 E/Emens Ave N/State Rte 530 NE and continue along this road for 18.6 miles (30 km). You’ll make a final right turn onto State Rte 20 E and travel for a further 13.3 miles (21.4 km) to reach the North Cascades National Park entrance. 

How Far Is North Cascades National Park From Seattle?

The drive from Seattle to North Cascades National Park can be done in less than three hours, including pitstops and traffic. In total, you’ll cover around 106 miles (170 km) before reaching the park’s west entrance.

Best Time To Go to North Cascades National Park 

The best time of year to visit North Cascades National Park is in summer through early autumn. This would fall between mid-June through late-September when the snow has melted to reveal fresh, verdant trails. 

Otherwise, you can visit any time since the park is open year-round. However, fair warning: it gets wet, freezing, and slippery in winter, so it may not be the most pleasant time for hiking and exploring.  

Read next: Best time to visit North Cascades National Park for a more in-depth look at when to go. 

Tips for Visiting North Cascades National Park

It’s always good to know some valuable insights before visiting a national park, especially one as big as the North Cascades (505,000 acres altogether). Below are some top tips and a few things to know before you go: 

North Cascades Visitor Centers

The North Cascades Visitor Center is closed for the season and will open again in May 2024. This is the main visitor center in Newhalem, where you’ll find a restroom and an information desk. Find more information centers and ranger stations throughout the park right here. 

What To Pack for Your Day Trip to North Cascades National Park

• Comfortable hiking boots: This one is a no-brainer. Tackle the park’s diverse terrains wearing the right shoes. Otherwise, you’ll risk getting blisters and sore feet. If you need a new pair, have a look at this review of the best hiking boots.
• Snowshoes: If you’re visiting the North Cascades in winter, good-quality snowshoes are a must.
• Sun protection: SPF 50+ Sunblock and UV-protected sunhats are a must to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, no matter the season. 
• Water and snacks: Don’t enter a national park without enough H20 and snacks to keep you hydrated and nourished while hiking. 
• Warm layers for cold months: Stay warm and dry with multiple layers and waterproof jackets. For more guidance, here’s a helpful winter hiking gear checklist.
• Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing for warm months: Pack cotton, linen, or other breathable and cool fabrics for hot weather. >Read More Here
• Small emergency kit: Pack an emergency kit that fits into your backpack, just in case of any mishaps.
• National Park Pass: If you are an avid hiker like me, it’s worth getting the year-long America The Beautiful Pass. >Get It Here
• National Park Map: Get a printed map here!

North Cascades Weather Forecasts and Closures

Winter in the North Cascades National Park (late October – late April) typically has freezing-cold weather with temperatures ranging from 17 – 28°F (-8 to -2°C). Note that winter driving conditions can be dangerous due to snow, frost, ice, and water on the roads. 

In summer (mid-June – late September), the park warms up, with average temperatures usually between 68°F (20°C) and lows of 47°F (8°C). 

North Cascades National Park Closures to keep in mind:

• State Route 20 will be closed for the winter at milepost 134 (Ross Dam Trailhead).
• Cascade River Road is also closed in winter at milepost 18 (NPS boundary), five miles before the trailhead.
• Also, keep an eye on fire closure updates.   

Wildlife To Look Out For

While falling rock and ice pose a bigger threat than wildlife, you should still tread with caution. Mountain lions, grizzly or black bears, wolves, and mountain goats are all animals in the park that can harm you. This is especially true when encountering females with their young, so keep an eye out for that.

The best you can do is keep your distance and not pet, feed, or provoke animals. Also, carry bear spray on you and always try to remain quiet and calm.    

Other Safety Tips and Precautions

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Ensure your phone is fully charged before embarking on an adventure in the park, as there are many “dead spots” throughout. Even better, bring a power bank if possible to keep it charged.  
• Alert family members and rangers if you’re going to take on a strenuous and lengthy hike through the North Cascades. 
• Download a map on your phone or print one to take with you if you have no signal in some parts of the park. 
• Report fallen trees and washouts to the nearest ranger station. 
• Stick to the marked trail. Wandering off may lead you to many problems and hazards. 
• Break-ins occur at trailheads along State Route 20. So, don’t leave your valuables in your car. 

Where to Stay Near North Cascades National Park

If you plan on visiting the North Cascades for more than one day, you’ll need the perfect accommodation within close reach of the park. Below are fantastic options nearby that suit every budget. 

Budget | Dreamy Riverside Cabin

If you prefer something that won’t break the bank but doesn’t skimp out on stylish decor and modern comforts, stay at the Dreamy Riverside Cabin. It’s conveniently located in Concrete, Washington — where you’ll make it to the entrance to North Cascades National Park in under a half-an-hour. 

Wake up to mesmerizing river-front views with a verdant, mountainous scenery serving as the backdrop. Those amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a dishwasher, a washing machine, and a fully-equipped kitchen. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range | Spacious Riverside A-Frame Cabin

Love a cabin in the woods kind of escape? Stay in a spacious, charming riverside A-Frame cabin surrounded by whimsical woodlands and Mt. Baker. The chalet features three bedrooms, two baths, a dining space, a fully equipped kitchen, and a breezy balcony with mountainscapes. 

Feel at ease in the small town of Concrete while enjoying outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing, and hiking. The North Cascades National Park is 30 minutes east of the cabin, down Highway 20. >>>Check Availability

Luxury | River’s Edge Resort

A more luxurious accommodation comes with a minor setback: it’s a little out of the way by about an hour and a half. But the scenic drive from downtown Winthrop to North Cascades is definitely worth it. Plus, you can expect world-class services at the five-star River’s Edge Resort. 

Think of your private deck with a hot tub or a quaint seating area with a cozy sofa and fireplace. Enjoy a coffee maker, complimentary toiletries, air conditioning, and a full-sized kitchen at this stunning cottage. Take up several outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding, or explore the town’s restaurants and cafés. >>>Check Availability

Seattle to North Cascades National Park Itinerary

Now that you’re prepped and all ready to go, it’s time to take on an adventurous North Cascades day trip. The best part is that you only need one full day to experience all the best highlights in the park. 

Here’s an exciting one-day itinerary:

1. Climb Up the Trail of the Cedars

• Mileage: 0.6 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 26 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

One of the first introductions to the North Cascades National Park should be this easy, 12-minute hike. The Trail of Cedars Nature Walk is a tranquil walk and a true gem that meanders along the banks of the Skagit River. There will be information boards about the vegetation and wildlife in the area along the way to fill you in. 

However, the presence of giant trees, vibrant wildflowers, and a gushing gorge will indeed win you over. Bring your pup on the adventure, too, as long as they are on a leash, and simply absorb the forest magic around you. 

To start your hike, go to the end of Main Street in Newhalem after crossing the suspension bridge over the Skagit River. Then, simply follow the trail signs – it’s that easy. 

2. Go to Ladder Creek Falls

• Mileage: 0.5 miles (loop trail)
• Elevation Gain: 72 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Following up with yet another easy-breezy trail in the park is the Ladder Creek Falls hike. Located behind the Gorge Powerhouse in Newhalem, follow a refreshing path through woodlands and exotic flora. This brisk 13-minute hike ends with spectacular, close-up views of the misty waterfall. 

Hordes of Seattle inhabitants visit this attraction for a lovely break from the city. It’s not only a tourist attraction for its waterfall, but gets illuminated at night in a dazzling display of colors. The light show runs on a 15-minute repeating program from dusk until midnight year-round and is accompanied by music on Friday evenings. 

Getting to Ladder Creek Falls is easy. Go to the eastern end of Newhalem, along Highway 20 at milepost 120 and find a parking across the river at the Gorge Powerhouse. Cross the suspension bridge over the river to the Ladder Creek Gardens and follow the stairs to the viewpoints of the falls. 

3. Catch Stunning Vistas at the Diablo Lake Overlook

• Mileage: 7.2 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 1,509 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Once you’re done appreciating the Ladder Creek Falls, head to the Diablo Lake Overlook for more breathtaking vistas. Absorb the views of a bright blue, glacier-fed Diablo Lake set within the heart of the North Cascades. It’s even better to visit in the summertime as the distinctive turquoise color of the lake intensifies and sparkles, resulting from suspended fine rock particles refracting sunlight. 

Unlike the previous simple hikes, this one ups the ante, taking an average of about four hours to complete. Bear in mind the trail starts quite steep and covers rocky, loose terrain that might be too intense for some. There’s also a section where you’ll cross a bridge near Ross Dam with boulders, creeks, and wildflowers along the way. 

Driving up to Diablo Lake is a great alternative, especially if you arrive late at the park. Drive east on the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) for 20 miles to the Gorge Lake Bridge. Then, you’d cross a bridge, drive for another 1.5 miles, and turn left onto Diablo Dam Road. 

4. Admire Ross Lake

• Mileage: 1.4 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 360 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The Ross Lake Overlook is another scenic spot you must see while exploring North Cascades National Park. While it’s much smaller than Diablo Lake, it still packs a punch regarding dreamy sweeps over gleaming, turquoise waters. The forested trail starts near Rockport through steep, rugged terrain and descends towards Ross Lake, where you’ll locate the overlook. 

Hop on the challenging Ross Dam trail through steep, rugged terrain to reach the awe-inspiring sweeps after about 50 minutes. Spot wildlife, like deer, and discover waterfalls and rivers along the way. The doggos are welcome to join but as leashed companions (just in case of wildlife encounters). 

Also, since this overlook is only 3.5 miles east of Diablo Lake Overlook, most people take on the strenuous, six-hour Ross Dam and Diablo Lake Trail in one go. 

5. See the Washington Pass Overlook

• Mileage: 0.3 miles (loop trail)
• Elevation Gain: 114 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Moving over to another gorgeous area in the Nort Cascades National Park complex, Stehekin. Here, you’ll find the beautiful Washington Pass Observation Site, a ledge overlooking Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winters Spires, and Kangaroo Ridge. 

You can reach this overlook by hiking the narrow, paved path from the parking lot, which takes only about 12 minutes to complete. To get there, drive along the winding Highway 20 road, then turn right onto the paved road to Washington Pass Overlook. Continue two more miles to the parking area and savor the sweeping views. 

This short and rewarding hike has some of the best mountain vistas you don’t want to miss. There are restrooms in the parking area and benches along the way to absorb the surroundings and enjoy a peaceful picnic. So, pack a few snacks and your camera for this one. 

6. Hike the Blue Lake Trail

• Mileage: 4.6 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 915 f33t
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Sticking to the beautiful town on Stehekin, your next exhilarating hike ends at the picturesque Blue Lake. Known for its birding, backpacking, and sightseeing opportunities, hiking to the lake is no easy feat. Taking over two hours to complete, you’ll tread through steep, forested conditions with towering granite peaks, wildflowers, and meadows adorning the way.   

Depending on the season, you can also take up fishing or snowshoeing here, and it’s open to dogs on a leash. Drive over High Way 20 and turn onto the trailhead parking lot off the highway. Then, find the trailhead and hop on this scenic hike with only a tiny dip in elevation, making it suitable for most.

Continue on the trail as the sound of cars passing through the highway becomes quieter and faced with a meadow filled with wildflowers. From the meadow, pass over a small creek into the forest and through the Liberty Mountain Group. 

After a half mile, the trail winds by sweeping views of Cutthroat Peak and Whistler Mountain. Eventually, you’ll start hearing the gentle trickle of an outflow stream from Blue Lake.   

7. Discover Even More Hikes  

If you have time or want an alternative hike to the ones above, you can consider the following trails: 

Hidden Lake Trail

• Mileage: 8.8 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 3,746 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Located just east of Hidden Lake Peaks in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest is a forested trail that leads to a beautiful lookout. This hidden gem is a must-visit destination on your North Cascades itinerary. Dogs on leashes are welcome, but it is pretty strenuous if you have a pup that isn’t fit enough. 

Apart from some scramble and rocky conditions, this trail is muddy, slippery, and snowy in winter. So, it’s best to come prepared with hiking boots with microspikes or snowshoes.    

Drive to Cascade River Road from Marblemount on Highway 20 until you reach a road sign for Hidden Lake Trail. Continue on this steep, rocky road towards the trailhead and take it from there. 

Maple Pass Loop

• Mileage: 6.5 miles (loop trail)
• Elevation Gain: 2,162 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

The Maple Pass Loop is a hiker’s paradise, with everchanging faces throughout the seasons. You’re in for dramatic mountain scenery filled with ridges, waterfalls, wildflower meadows, lakes, and fall foliage. 

Drive through Marblemount town on Highway 20 towards North Cascades National Park. After driving for about 50 miles, you’ll notice the Rainy Pass trailhead on the right side of the road. There’s a large parking area with access to Maple Pass Loop.

This trail is not for the faint-hearted, taking about four hours on average to complete. Also, it’s muddy, rocky, slippery, and you’d better carry some bug spray.   

Read More: An Adventurous Guide to the Heather Maple Pass Loop Trail

Thorton Pass and Trappers Peak

• Mileage: 9 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 3,005 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Embodying the ruggedness and remoteness of the North Cascades, this thrilling hike will have your thighs burning. But seeing Thornton Lake and Trappers Peak after nearly six hours is worth the sweat. Traverse the hillside woodlands and pass over creeks as you push through dense overgrowth and intense elevation.   

At some point, the trail meanders along a rugged peak where you’ll use your hands to assist the climb in certain parts. There are lots of scrambling and even downhill areas where you must watch your step to prevent tumbling. 

Drive along Highway 20, 11 miles from Marblemount, and turn left on Thornton Lakes Road between mileposts 117 and 118. Walk downwards this rough gravel road towards the trailhead at the end. 

Thunder Knob Trail

• Mileage: 3.4 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 675 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Consider this well-constructed trail that offers rewarding views of the mountain peaks and Diablo Lake. Thunder Knob is an easy leg stretcher while you’re surrounded by stunning scenery. 

Start east past Newhalem on Highway 20, cross Groge Lake, and proceed along the shoreline of Diablo Lake to Colonial Creek campground. Once there, turn left past milepost 130 and park at the trailhead right from the campground entrance.  

There’s a pit toilet behind a tree and flush toilets along the campground entrance. The hike will take roughly two hours and becomes a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during winter. 

Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail

• Mileage: 11.6 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation Gain: 3,963 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

A trail that passes ambles through rolling alpine meadows and an unforgettable landscape is a hiker’s dream come true. Not only is the Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm trail a sight for sore eyes – but it’s also an arduous hike that’ll test your skills and abilities. 

Getting there is pretty straightforward. Drive through Marblemount on Highway 20 and keep going straight until you need to turn left onto Cascade River Road. Drive to the end of this road (for about 23 miles), where you’ll locate the trailhead.  

Seattle to North Cascades National Park Trip: Wrapped Up 

That’s it for your Seattle to Cascades National Park road trip. Now, you know the best time to go, where to stay, and what to do.

The North Cascades National Park is truly a magical place filled with so much natural wonder to keep you on your toes. This outdoorsy haven of remote wilderness and rugged beauty awaits anyone with a sense of adventure. 

The only thing left is to start packing your bags and hop on the road for an unforgettable journey. 

Read Next: 35 Best things to do in Washington State. 

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