If you are wanting to plan a trip you will never forget out west, then PLEASE consider North Cascades National Park!! I promise you will not be disappointed!
My husband and I completed a month- long roadtrip from Montana to Tennessee. After crossing back in to America from Canada, we went to North Cascades.
I will be honest, at first I had very low expectations of this park. But WOW. Low expectations, high reward!!!
This park is absolutely breathtaking from every angle. You will be blown away from the amazing peaks, views, and adorable stops along the way.
Have I convinced you yet?! I hope so! Let’s dive in to the guide on how to spend an amazing weekend in North Cascades National Park.
This post may contain affiliate links of products I use and love. You can read my full disclosure here.
WAIT! Before you stress anymore about planning the details of your trip, click below for your FREE resource to keep yourself organized! Use this as a planner, checklist, and itinerary for your next trip. Instant access and download for FREE!!
What is North Cascades
North Cascades National Park, located in northern Washington State, is a stunning wilderness area celebrated for its rugged mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and over 300 glaciers—the most of any U.S. park outside Alaska. Visitors can explore its vast landscapes through hiking, climbing, and backpacking. Known as the “American Alps,” the park provides a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and a haven for diverse wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles.
Three Parks in One
Okay so when I was doing my own research on this park before entering, I was really confused with the layout and the different sections of the park. It is important to understand the different sections before going in order to plan accordingly and not miss anything!
So, North Cascades is one large national park that is made up of three sections. These include Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and North Cascades National Park. Together, they make up North Cascades National Park Complex.
Clear as mud? Good, let’s keep going!
What is the History of North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park has a rich history deeply tied to its breathtaking natural beauty and ecological significance. The region was originally home to Native American tribes such as the Nlaka’pamux, Upper Skagit, and Chelan peoples, who lived in harmony with the land and relied on its resources for hunting, fishing, and trade. During the mid-19th century, European settlers and prospectors were drawn to the area for its potential mineral wealth, leading to a brief period of mining activity. However, as the area’s remote and rugged nature became more widely appreciated, efforts to preserve its pristine environment gained momentum.
In 1968, after years of advocacy by conservationists, the park was officially established, protecting nearly 700,000 acres of wilderness. Its designation was part of a broader effort to safeguard the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest while fostering public appreciation for its unique landscapes.
How to Get to North Cascades National Park
There are many different options for arriving to the park. If you want the ultimate adventure and have longer than just a weekend, I would recommend roadtripping!! Like I stated above, my husband and I visited while doing our cross country roadtrip. If you have the opportunity, I would highly suggest starting in Canada with Yoho National Park, Banff National Park, Ice Fields Parkway, Whistler, Vancouver, then to San Juan Islands before coming in to North Cascades!
Don’t have time for that big of a roadtrip? No worries- here are some options for flying in to North Cascades for the best weekend! Rent a car after landing because we have a lot of ground to cover in a weekend!
- Bellingham International Airport (BLI):
- Approximately 70 miles from the park, BLI is the closest airport. However, it is a smaller facility with limited flight options, which may result in higher fares.
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA):
- Located about 131 miles from the park, SEA is a major international airport offering a wide range of flights and car rental services. The drive from SEA to the park is longer but provides more flexibility in travel planning.
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR):
- Situated roughly 132 miles away in British Columbia, Canada, YVR is another major international airport. Travelers flying into YVR should be prepared for border crossings and ensure they have the necessary travel documents.
Where to Stay in North Cascades National Park
There are many options of lodging for your weekend in North Cascades! Depending on what experience you are looking for, your needs will be met.
Camping in North Cascades National Park
My husband and I love to camp! If there is a campsite and an open spot, we are there!! We had a great experience camping close to the park. We did not stay inside the park due to the weather conditions and off- season causing the campgrounds to be closed. Also, it was snowing within the park, so we gladly opted to go to the bottom of the park to get more warmth.
- Pearrygin Lake State Park
- This is where we car camped! The views we woke up to were amazing. We were there at peak of fall so the foliage was amazing. The park offered clean bathrooms and showers! We also had a fire pit and picnic table at our site.
- This is at the bottom of North Cascades National Park. We completed everything we had access to in the park then came here for the night before exploring more of the area.
- This park also offers cabins to rent!
- National Park Camping
- The national park has plenty of options to choose from to camp inside the park! Whether you are doing backcountry or drive in, these are available. They are reservation only so plan accordingly.
Lodging in North Cascades National Park
Looking for something more accessible and comfortable? Consider these lodging options in the park!
Airbnb/ VRBO in North Cascades National Park
Looking for something unique and exciting? Airbnb and VRBO in the park might meet exactly what you are looking for! Here are some options!
When to Visit North Cascades National Park
Although there is never a wrong time to visit the park, there is a better time than others.
We visited the park in the fall. Well, I should say it was fall before we ventured up the highway. Once we got to the top of the cascades, it began to snow. It was the most beautiful snow turning the park in a winter wonderland!!
We took hikes in the snow and it was so peaceful. Once we drove down the highway, fall returned! However, since it was a snow fall, there were heavy clouds hiding the peaks of the mountains. And some roads/ hikes/ campgrounds were closed due to the season.
I want to return to this park in the summer to truly experience the beauty of it with clear skies and lush fields!
So, with this being said, I would suggest going to the North Cascades in the summer months to get the best view and experience the park in its entirety!
What to Pack for North Cascades National Park
This does depend on the time of year you are visiting, but here is a basic list of things that will be beneficial! The most important thing is layers- clothing you can pack to bundle and take off easily!
- Hiking Shoes: Wearing appropriate shoes is imperative to having a good experience while hiking. These are my favorite hiking boots that I have owned for over 6 years- and they have had a lot of wear and tear from many hiking trips.
- Jacket: You will want to make sure you pack layers to prepare for changes in weather.
- Camera: With all the beauty you will be seeing, you will want to bring your camera! I have recently purchased this camera and I LOVE it. I am still learning how to use it, but it is a fun hobby to get in to with so much beauty surrounding you!
- Water Bottle: Whether you are biking, hiking, or driving the scenic route, you will want to make sure to stay hydrated!
- Portable Phone Charger: You will be using your phone a lot to take pictures, navigate, and send many texts to your family/ friends telling them how much of a great time you are having 😉 Make sure you have these battery packs so your phone does not die!
- Hydration Backpack: There will be hikes you will want to take part in while you are visiting here. So make sure you are prepared with this hydration pack that is also a backpack!
- Tent: This will definitely depend on how you choose to lodge for your trip. In case you are planning to tent camp, you will need to make sure you have your camping necessities. This is the exact tent we use. It is quick, easy, and literally takes 2- seconds to pop up!
- Sleeping Bag: Whether you are car camping or tent camping, you will want to bring your sleeping bag! We car camped here in mid- September and this sleeping bag kept us nice and toasty!
- Sleeping Mat: This is the best sleeping mat on the market! No electric pump required, just your foot! AND it rolls/ stores very compact saving room with packing.
- Camping Equipment: I may be biased, but I think everyone should camp while in WLNP to experience the pure beauty of the Lord’s creation of this park. Need to know what equipment you need? Here’s your resource of products!
North Cascades Weekend Itinerary
Now that we have all the housekeeping and orientation to the park squared away, we can now focus on the fun stuff… what you will be doing over your weekend! The activities will be separated in 3- days but this can be altered to meet the need of how long you are going to be there.
Day 1 in North Cascades National Park– The North Cascades Highway Pt 1
After you have made it to the area, you are ready to start the adventures! For the first day we are going on the road! You will want to fuel up on gas as gas stations are sparse along the route.
Aka Highway 20 is one of the most scenic drives in Washington State. This highway runs east- west across the northern part of Washington. You will start on the west side and go east ending in Winthrop. The entire highway is 140 miles one way making it ~3-4 hours without stopping. But don’t worry we will be making lots of stops!
- Sedro- Wooley
- This will be the first stop on the highway! This is an adorable small town that is also known as the Gateway to the North Cascades.
- Newhalem
- While in this small town, you will make 3 quick stops.
- Trail of the Cedars: a quick 0.3 mile loop through a grove of ancient, towering cedar trees. You will also cross a suspension bridge.
- Gorge Creek Falls: a waterfall that is easily accessible by a short walk from the parking area. You will walk on the bridge to see the waterfall. You can also do the trail if you want to!
- Ladder Creek Falls: You can see this one from the road!
- While in this small town, you will make 3 quick stops.
- Thunder Knob
- You will now enter the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Thunder Knob is a 3.6 mile roundtrip that takes you to an overlook!
- Unfortunately this was closed when we were in the area due to weather conditions.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at the knob!
- Diablo Lake Overlook
- One of the most iconic views along Highway 20 due to the panoramic view of the lake. The turquoise water is beautiful against the rugged peaks and forests of Ross Lake National Recreation Area.
- Rainy Pass
- Rainy Lake Trail leads to a beautiful, stunning alpine lake that is surrounded by rugged cliffs and waterfalls.
- This is a flat, paved, and easy 2- mile roundtrip
Time to set up camp! Grab a bite to eat and hit the hay. Get a good night sleep before more adventures tomorrow!
Day 2: North Cascades Highway Pt 2
Welcome to day 2! Let’s continue the highway and see some more beautiful views!
- Blue Lake Trail
- This is a moderate trail that is 4.6 miles roundtrip. The end destination is a picturesque alpine lake making the hike totally worth it!
- Washington Pass
- Hopefully when you are visiting the area it is good weather- unfortunately, we came on the pass during the snow so there was a large overcast blocking our vision of the pass.
- This is the highest point on the highway at 5,477 feet. You will get to enjoy views of the jagged peaks of the Liberty Bell Mountain and the surrounding North Cascades.
- This is an easy .25 miles that is easily accessible from the parking lot.
- Pack a lunch and have a picnic while enjoying the beautiful views.
- Liberty Bell Mountain
- Just beyond of Washington Pass you will come to Liberty Bell Mountain. Pull over and enjoy watching climbers!
- Mazama
- This is one of the two rustic towns you will be exploring! This is on the eastern end of the Washington Pass. It is known for its outdoor adventures and relaxed vibe.
- Stop by the general store to grab a bite to eat before calling it a night!
Day 3: Winthrop and Pearrygin Lake State Park
For our final day in North Cascades, we will be exiting the national park and heading to the absolute cutest town you will ever see!!
Winthrop, Washington, is a charming town that transports you to the Old West with its rustic, western-style architecture and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled in the Methow Valley, this picturesque destination is lined with quaint wooden storefronts housing unique shops, boutiques, and galleries brimming with local crafts and treasures.
- Eat
- Feeling hungry? There are plenty of delicious choices to choose from! You have to stop by the outdoor bakery to try an apple fritter. That was the BEST apple fritter I have ever had in my life. I am still dreaming and drooling about it today.
- Shop
- Take time to stroll the street to shop for souvenirs, window shop, and swing by the general store. When we were visiting, a local stop was having an amazing sale on their merchandise. We stocked up on shirts, sweaters, and gifts for others!
- There are plenty of boutique shops too to find the cutest clothes!
- Outdoor stores are not hard to come by on this strip!
- Putt putt
- The outdoor bakery also has putt putt that you can enjoy while in the area!
- Ice Cream
- After all that shopping and putt putt, you deserve some ice cream! Right beside the outdoor bakery, you will find the ice cream shop. Stop by to cool off with the many different flavor choices!
- Pearrygin Lake State Park
- Ready for more adventure and beauty? Stop by Pearrygin Lake State Park to see the beautiful lake and views. This is minutes from Winthrop and is a great option to continue exploring the beauty of Washington.
I hope you have enjoyed this post on how to spend the best weekend in North Cascades National Park! We loved our time there and cannot wait to go back in warmer weather.
Leave a comment below if you have been or plan to go to North Cascades, Washington!
Looking for more ways to GROW in your travels?
Click here for more resources!
Comments
One response to “The BEST Weekend in North Cascades National Park”
[…] highly suggest starting in Canada following this route: Whistler, Vancouver, San Juan Islands, North Cascades National Park, to […]