General information about the National Park
North Cascade NP protects the high mountains of the Cascade Range on the Canadian border in Washington State. The national park only includes the mountains. The touristically developed valley that cuts the park in north and south does not belong to the park. The national park itself is hardly developed and therefore remains largely untouched.
Number of visitors
In 2023 North Cascades NP ranked 57th in the visitor statistics for the most visited national parks.
Best time to visit: May till October.
Our visits:
So far 2 visits: June 1998, June 2015
Entrance fees and opening hours
- Free of charge
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open 24h all year round. In winter, Highway 20, which runs through the park, is closed and usually reopens in May.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
River Loop Trail
Description: The trail leads down from the Visitor Center into a densely vegetated forest. There are thousands of ferns, mosses and huge old trees. It's a bit like being in a fairy tale forest. The trail is well maintained and easy to hike. You hike in a big arc down to the Skagit River and then back through the forest to the parking lot.
Trail length: 1.12mi roundtrip
Altitude difference: –
Time needed: 1 hour
Difficulty level: easy
Our rating: The trail is not particularly spectacular but we enjoyed hiking through this beautiful, ancient forest. There were many beautiful photo opportunities.
Ladder Creek Falls
Description: The Gorge Powerhouse was built in 1920 to produce electricity for Seattle. A suspension bridge takes you to the other side of the Skagit River. Here you can take a look inside the powerhouse as well as walk into Ladder Creek and see a few small waterfalls. The trail first crosses the river to the power plant before heading up a short, well-maintained trail to the falls.
Our rating: This was also a nice stopover on our way through the North Cascade NP. The trail is short and not really strenuous. Within an hour you should be able to discover the place. Not an absolute must see, but still pretty.
Diablo Lake Vista Point
Description: Diablo Lake is a reservoir impounded by Diablo Dam. It is located between Ross and George Lake and is part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project.
Our rating: If you drive through the North Cascades NP, you should definitely stop at this viewpoint. The lake is picturesquely nestled between high mountains and is just great to look at.
Washington Pass Observation Site
Description: The Observation Site offers scenic views of Bell Mountain, the Early Winters Spires, and Kangaroo Ridge.
Our rating: This viewpoint was the most impressive on our drive through the North Cascades NP. You can hike a short trail and get a really great view into the valley and the surrounding mountains. A stop here is worth it.
