The North Cascades National Park in Washington is one of my top destinations in summer. The park always amazes me with its breathtaking wilderness, turquoise lake, and waterfalls, making it an unforgettable experience every time I visit.
The park, named after the North Cascades Range, is a hidden gem among the Pacific Northwest national parks. It is home to the largest glacial system in the United States and over 500 lakes and ponds. Despite its beauty, it is one of the most underrated parks, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful wilderness experience.
Keep reading to find more details about this place and tips to plan your day trip to the North Cascades National Park. The national park is gigantic and has several things to do, from hiking to exploring scenic viewpoints to picnicking.
If you’re planning a trip to Seattle this summer, do keep any one of the three (or all three) national parks in your itinerary. Moreover, if you are looking for things to do within the city, here’s a full-proof guide to spending your summers in Seattle.
Seattle Summer Guide 2023: Parks, Picnics & Other things to do
The ideal time to visit
Summer and Fall are the best seasons to plan a visit to North Cascades National Park. However, the park is accessible almost all time of the year.
We visited the park a couple of times during the early summers. The roads were clear of snow, and the view was gorgeous.
Most key spots are accessible via car, and trails have a parking spot next to them. If you love hiking, I recommend visiting between June and September when the weather conditions are optimal for such activities. Regardless of the season, the park offers spectacular views and thrilling outdoor activities to make your outing unforgettable.
Reaching North Cascades National Park
Just like Mount Rainier National Park, this one is not connected via public transit, leaving the car the only option to reach the park. We rented our car from Avis as it was affordable and convenient. However, you can try other companies like Zip Car or Enterprise.
Unlike the other national parks in Washington, North Cascades National Park does not require an entry ticket. Additionally, even during the busiest times of the year, the park remains traffic free. Therefore, there’s no need to rush in the early morning when heading to this park. Furthermore, the drive to the park is comfortable, making it an excellent choice, especially for new drivers.
Activities for Non-Hikers
As mentioned earlier, North Cascades National Park offers a variety of attractions for both non-hikers, like ourselves, and hikers. If hiking or camping is not your preference, the best option would be to choose a beachside spot and relax.
Within the national park, there are two main destinations to choose from. You can either head to Diablo Lake, the most popular and ideal spot for a day trip. Or visit Lake Chelan and pamper yourself with some luxury.
Gorge, Diablo, and Ross Lake
Nestled alongside the Skagit River are three pristine lakes that resemble the picturesque European Alps. Among the three, Diablo Lake stands out the most due to its stunning blue color and scenic panoramic view.
The stunning coloration of the lake is a result of geological processes. As glaciers melt, they create fine, powdery silt (rock flour) by grinding against the rocks. The rock flour reaches the lake by water, imparting an ethereal milky green-blue hue. The unique way sunlight interacts with these suspended rock particles leads to the mesmerizing refraction of light that gives the lake its gorgeous color.
You can visit several overlooks to enjoy the beauty of these lakes. Click on this link to view the markers. The color is most vibrant in summer when seasonal glacial melt occurs between July and September. The water is cold for a swim but excellent for kayaking and paddle boating.
Please note: The park doesn’t offer kayak and boat rentals. Moreover, it only allows.
Gorge Lake
For those seeking an effortless hiking experience, I recommend heading to the Gorge Lake overlook and embarking on a scenic trek through the surrounding wilderness. While exploring this area, be sure not to check out the breathtaking Gorge Creek Falls near the bridge. Furthermore, if you wish to spend the night in the park, there are multiple camping sites available that you can book through the official website of the national park.
Pro tip: Secure your reservations a few months in advance, as these sites tend to fill up quickly.
Stehekin and Lake Chelan
Stehekin is a serene and laid-back community located at the origin of Lake Chelan. Derived from the Salishan language, the name Stehekin translates to ‘the way through,’ perfectly representing this town’s role as the idyllic entry point to the breathtaking Lake Chelan Valley.
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Lake Chelan, a quintessential Washington gem, captivates visitors with its remarkable beauty. It is the third deepest lake in the United States and has 300 days of sunshine. Next time you’re bored of Seattle’s gloomy weather, you know what to do. Moreover, the region has some exceptional vineyards, hosting regular tastings and events throughout the year.
Lake Chelan Valley is a great place for foodies, with restaurants providing delectable dishes and a unique ambiance. Whether it be Mexican or good old American, the area has something for everyone. Moreover, there is something to fit everyone’s budget, from fast food restaurants to fine dining restaurants and wineries.
Adventure & Golf
If you have a liking for mountain biking, the region offers a plethora of trails and cycling events suitable for both casual riders and dedicated enthusiasts. Plus, you can do activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and even skydiving on the lake. Golf enthusiasts will discover a dream destination, as the area boasts eight courses conveniently located within a short distance. The golf scene in Lake Chelan began in 1969 with the establishment of a private golf course by local community members that was later gifted to the City of Chelan in 1975.
Boating and fishing
Lake Chelan is undoubtedly a haven for boating enthusiasts, offering an expansive stretch of 50.5 miles of turquoise waters to explore. And if this isn’t impressive enough, the mighty Columbia River awaits just four miles to the east.
The lake also offers year-round fishing for fishing enthusiasts. Several hundred thousand salmon are released into the lake annually, offering ample fishing opportunities. You can choose to fish independently or opt for the services of one of Lake Chelan’s fishing guide companies. We recommend checking with the Department of Fish and Wildlife once for licensing requirements and catch limits.
Stay in Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan offers a diverse range of options to suit every budget, from campsites to luxury resorts, to something in between, like hotels and motels. The cabin is an excellent choice for nature lovers, allowing you to relish sunny days and gaze at the starry nights by the lake. Here are a few stay options we recommend:
Events at Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan hosts an array of events annually. The most anticipated event of all is the Lake Chelan Winterfest, an annual celebration held every January. This festival attracts talented ice sculptors from around the globe who skillfully craft stunning masterpieces for all to admire. As the night falls, the festival reaches its peak with awe-inspiring displays of fireworks illuminating the wintry sky, creating a truly breathtaking experience.
Another fun event to attend is Brews on the Bridge. An opportunity to indulge in regional beer and cider tastings, relish delectable food, and enjoy live music. This event is exclusively for people aged 21 and above. Moreover, the proceeds from the event contribute to supporting Chelan Valley Hope, an organization dedicated to serving the Lake Chelan community. Additionally, this event serves as an enchantingly romantic setting, making it an ideal choice for hosting a memorable wedding celebration.
Lady of the Lake
The Lady of the Lake is a fun ferry service on Lake Chelan, connecting various points along the lake. The ferry is named after a mythical character known as the Lady of the Lake, credited with bestowing King Arthur with the sword Excalibur. The ferry operates year-round and offers transportation for both passengers and vehicles. It is a convenient way to explore the stunning scenery and communities around Lake Chelan, offering a memorable experience for visitors.
Activities for Hikers
If you want to hike in the North Cascades, there are several trails to select from, including short-day hikes and longer multi-day treks. Here are a few easy and moderate-level hikes that are particularly well-suited for those new to hiking:
- Cascades Pass Trail – 6.7mi, 3h 48min, 1,784 ft elevation gain, out & back, Best trail of North Cascades National Park, Cascade Pass parking lot is the nearest parking for this trail and is about 23.1 miles (drive) from Marblemount (State Route 20).
- Trails of the Cedars Nature Walk – 0.6mi, 20min, 26 ft elevation gain, out & back, short and easy trail by the river, closest parking lot near Skagit Information Center.
- Gorge Creek Falls Trail – 0.5mi, 12min, 39 ft elevation gain, loop, short and easy trail offering stunning views, closest parking lot Gorge Overlook Trail parking.
Final thoughts
North Cascades National Park is a great place to spend time in the lap of mother nature. It’s not just for adventure-seekers but also great for family outings. Therefore, if you find yourself in and around Seattle, we highly recommend visiting this national park.
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