Last updated on October 3rd, 2026
In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in North Cascades National Park and along the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20). Including top hikes, iconic views, and cute towns!
Nicknamed the “American Alps,” the North Cascades region of Washington is home to some of the most magnificent mountain scenery in the entire country! With epic, snow-capped peaks, hundreds of glaciers, dense forests, tons of wildlife, and blue alpine lakes, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Most people planning a trip here start by searching for things to do in North Cascades National Park. But here is a little secret…some of the best hikes, views, and towns in this region are actually located OUTSIDE the official national park boundaries!
Because of how the region is structured, the best way to explore the area is by driving the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20). This scenic drive cuts right through the heart of the North Cascades National Park complex, while also connecting you to millions of acres of national forests and a handful of cute small towns.
As Washington locals, we’ve driven this stretch of highway multiple times in both the summer and fall. And while we still have plenty of hikes on our bucket list (which we’ll keep adding as we check them off!), we are sharing our personal favorite things to do along the North Cascades Highway. Including the best stops, hikes, and delicious eats to help you make the most of your time here!
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About the North Cascades Highway
Stretching 436 miles across Washington, Highway 20 is the longest highway in the state! While the full route runs all the way from Whidbey Island to the Idaho border, this guide focuses on the iconic North Cascades Scenic Byway. This 140-mile mountain stretch connects Interstate 5 near Burlington to Winthrop and Twisp in the Methow Valley. Plus, it’s the only paved road that goes through North Cascades National Park!
If you are planning a trip to explore the region, it helps to understand how the surrounding public lands work (especially if you are traveling with a pet). Many popular hikes and attractions along the route are located outside the official national park boundaries.
This area is actually made up of several different public lands. In fact, North Cascades National Park is managed as a complex alongside two National Recreation Areas: Ross Lake and Lake Chelan.
Here is a quick breakdown of how the public lands in the area work!
Areas along the North Cascades Highway
North Cascades National Park: The actual national park is mostly backcountry wilderness accessible by longer hikes. Dogs are NOT allowed on trails within the national park. The only exception is a small stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Ross Lake & Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas: Located inside the North Cascades National Park Complex, these areas sit right along the highway 20 corridor and major lakes. Dogs ARE allowed on leash here! This includes popular spots off the highway, like Diablo Lake and Thunder Knob.
Surrounding National Forests: The highway also passes through Mount Baker-Snoqualmie and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests. These are separate from the national park, but have many of the area’s most iconic hikes (like Maple Pass and Blue Lake!). Dogs ARE allowed on almost all of these trails.
(Don’t worry! Throughout this guide, we’ve marked all dog-friendly hikes and activities with an asterisk * so you know exactly where your pup can tag along!)
Seasonal Highway & Trail Closures
Another major thing to keep in mind when planning your trip is that the North Cascades Highway is NOT fully open year-round.
Due to heavy winter snow and avalanche risks, a section of Highway 20 closes every winter. This usually happens around November or December. It typically reopens in April or May, but depending on winter storm damage, it can sometimes stay closed well into June.
Even once the main highway reopens, many of the popular high-elevation hikes and trailhead access roads will not be snow-free until late June or July!
Things to Do Along the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20)
To make planning your trip as easy as possible, we are listing all of these stops from WEST to EAST, starting near Sedro-Woolley and working our way across Highway 20 toward Winthrop and Twisp!
1. Bike (or Walk!) the Cascade Trail*
There’s no better way to kick off your Highway 20 adventure than with a walk or bike ride along the Cascade Trail!
This is a 22.5-mile trail that follows an old Burlington Northern railroad line from Sedro-Woolley to Concrete. Not only does this trail sit along the gorgeous Skagit River, but it’s also virtually flat. It is perfect for all skill levels, families, and pups on a leash!
While you can easily walk or run a small section of the trail, riding a bike is definitely our favorite way to explore it. If you didn’t bring your own bike with you, you can grab e-bike rentals nearby at Willowbrook Manor in Sedro-Woolley.
A good chunk of the trail cuts through dense trees, which is nice and shaded on a hot day. But if you want the best mountain and river views, we suggest heading toward the stretch between Lyman and Concrete. This is where the trees open up to reveal stunning views of the valley and the Cascades!
2. Head to Baker Lake*
If you have time for a detour off Highway 20, Baker Lake is worth the extra drive. The water here is a stunning bright blue, and on a clear day, you get an epic view of Mount Baker towering behind it.
The lake has quite a few lakefront campgrounds and we spent a couple of days camping at Bayview Campground. But even if you can only visit for the day, there are multiple day use areas to launch a kayak or paddleboard!
Baker Lake is also how you can access a few awesome hikes in the area. You can check out the Baker Lake Trail, which runs along the shore. This trail has backcountry campsites where you can backpack in (or even kayak camp!). You can also find the road to the Park Butte Lookout Trail near Baker Lake. This hike takes you up to an old fire lookout with incredible views of Mount Baker!
If you plan on hiking or spending the day at any of the trailheads around Baker Lake, you will need a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass to park.
3. Grab a burger and milkshake at Birdsview Diner
If you’re looking for a great place to grab a bite to eat along Highway 20, stop by Birdsview Diner.
Despite being right off the main road, it has an amazing outdoor seating area surrounded by so many tall trees! And if you’re traveling with a pup, they’re welcome outside too.
Their menu has tons of burger options, but our personal favorites were the mac and cheese bacon burger and the bacon blackberry burger. The sweet and savory flavor combo on the blackberry burger is so good. But whatever you order, you MUST save room for a milkshake. Their huckleberry milkshake was heavenly!
4. Hike the Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail
This is hands down one of our absolute favorite hikes in the entire US. And easily one of the best day hikes in North Cascades National Park! Words can barely do this trail justice. Between the jagged alpine peaks, sweeping valley views, and colorful wildflowers in the summer, this hike is pure magic!
You have a few different options for how far you want to hike here. You can choose to hike just to Cascade Pass (6.9 miles RT), push down to Doubtful Lake (9.8 miles RT), or continue all the way up to Sahale Glacier Camp (11.6 miles RT). This is one of the premier backcountry campsites in Washington (and VERY hard to get a permit for!
Even if you can’t go the entire way to the camp, it is well worth just going as far as the Sahale Arm. The subalpine ridge views from up there are insane! Plus, you’ll likely see mountain goats hanging out near the trail. And many people see black bears in the valley, too. Just make sure to give all wildlife plenty of space!
A few super important logistics to keep in mind: the drive to the trailhead takes you down Cascade River Road. This road is unpaved for about 13 miles and very rough and potholed. It definitely takes longer to drive than Google Maps estimates, so give yourself plenty of extra time!
Parking at the trailhead can also be a total nightmare. Many people end up having to park super far down the narrow road. So starting early is key! We got to the parking lot at 5 AM on a Monday and were the first ones on the trail. This let us enjoy so much solitude on the way up, although heading back down was definitely much busier! We also strongly suggest hiking on a weekday.
Also, keep in mind that since this trail sits within the official national park boundaries, dogs are NOT allowed.
5. Visit the North Cascades Visitor Center*
As you pass through Newhalem on Highway 20, pop into the North Cascades Visitor Center to collect souvenirs, check out the exhibits, talk to rangers about trail conditions or fire alerts, and grab a paper map before you lose cell service!
While you’re there, you can hike the short Sterling Munro Trail behind the main building. It’s a roughly 300-foot boardwalk that leads to a covered lookout with stunning views of the Picket Range.
Because this sits in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area section, your dog can join you on the boardwalk. Just keep them on a leash! Also, be sure to check the visitor center’s seasonal hours before you stop, as they close down earlier in the off-season.
6. Walk the Trail of the Cedars*
The Trail of the Cedars is another great stop in Newhalem that takes you under some mossy old-growth trees along the river. The trail is a flat 0.6-mile walk with several informative signs detailing the area’s plant life and history!
Our favorite part of this hike was the suspension bridge that crosses over the Skagit River to get to the trailhead. The view of the rushing blue water from the middle of the bridge is so cool!
This trail is accessible from Newhalem Campground if you are camping there. Although it does add on extra miles. Otherwise, just park near the Skagit Information Center.
While you’re here, you can also pop into the historic Skagit General Store! It’s a great spot to pick up snacks for the trail or treat yourself to their homemade fudge!
7. Go inside the Gorge Powerhouse*
If you’re already in Newhalem checking out Trail of the Cedars, make your way over to the Gorge Powerhouse. Built in the 1920s as part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, it’s a fascinating piece of local history worth checking out!
During the summer season (usually late May through early September), Seattle City Light opens up the visitor gallery inside to the public. You can walk in and look out over the main generator floor to see the massive old turbines. They also have interactive displays and historical photos set up detailing how workers built the dams and transported supplies out here before roads even existed!
It’s free to visit, self-guided, and quick to check out. Just keep in mind that while leashed dogs are allowed on the trail and bridge outside, pets can’t go inside the powerhouse building.
8. See Ladder Creek Falls (both during the day & night!)*
While you’re visiting the Gorge Powerhouse, make sure to pop over to Ladder Creek Falls. It’s a super short 0.5-mile walk that leads you up to the waterfall behind the powerhouse.
The trail only takes a few minutes, but the best part is that they illuminate the waterfall with colorful lights every evening around dusk! The night display was unfortunately not running during our visit, but it’s supposed to be really cool if you catch it open.
If you head out there after dark, definitely bring a headlamp to navigate the trail, and stay bear aware! On our drive to try to see the lights at night, we actually spotted a bear along the road not far from the powerhouse.
9. Stop by Gorge Creek Falls*
Another easy roadside stop along Highway 20 is Gorge Creek Falls. This skinny waterfall drops 242 feet beside the highway bridge, dumping into a granite gorge.
Parking is available on both sides of the bridge, so you can pull off regardless of which direction you’re driving and stroll out onto the pedestrian walkway on the bridge.
If you have more time, there’s also a short paved 0.5-mile loop trail starting from the parking area on the north side of the highway. It winds through the forest to a separate viewpoint of the gorge and the dam. Plus, leashed dogs are allowed on the trail too!
10. Hike the Thunder Knob Trail*
The Thunder Knob Trail is an awesome hike where you can see Diablo Lake’s crazy turquoise water! Fun fact: the bright color of the lake actually comes from glacial flour (or rock flour). As glaciers higher up in the North Cascades slowly grind against bedrock, they create a superfine silt. Streams wash this flour down into the lake, where it stays suspended in the water instead of sinking to the bottom!
To do this hike, you’ll park right along the highway, just outside the entrance of the Colonial Creek North Campground. After walking through the campground, you’ll have a 3.3 mile round-trip hike with a 669-foot climb through the forest up to a rocky bluff overlooking the water and Colonial Peak.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the hike and just pull off at the main Diablo Lake Vista Point off Highway 20. But if you have an extra hour or two to spare and want to get out of the car, we really loved this one! Plus, pups can tag along on leash since it’s in the Recreation Area.
11. Get out on Diablo Lake*
While there are a ton of great hikes and viewpoints overlooking Diablo Lake, nothing beats getting out on that impossibly turquoise water!
If you bring your own kayak or SUP, you can launch into the lake from the day use area at Colonial Creek North Campground which has a boat ramp and dock on the south side. From there you can paddle up to 5 miles across the lake. If you don’t have your own kayak or canoe, you can rent gear nearby.
Tip for paddlers: get out on the lake as early as humanly possible. It’s known for getting super windy in the afternoon, but it was already pretty windy for us at 10 AM!
You can also take a scenic boat tour aboard the Alice Ross IV. The tour runs about 2.5–3 hours and includes lunch, plus stories about the area’s history and the Skagit River hydroelectric dams. They run on a pretty limited schedule, though, so definitely book your spots in advance if you want to do this.
12. Admire the views from Diablo Lake Vista Point*
If you only pull over at one spot along Highway 20, make it this one. The Diablo Lake Vista Point is easily one of the most iconic and breathtaking views in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. The turquoise water genuinely looks even crazier in person than it does in photos!
The viewpoint is located off the main road with a large parking lot, vault toilets, and an easy paved path to the overlook. And since it’s in the Rec Area, your leashed pup can join too! Just keep in mind, this is one of the most-visited stops on the entire highway, so it might be crowded, especially on summer weekends.
13. Hike the Maple Pass Loop*
The Maple Pass Loop is arguably one of the most epic day hikes along the North Cascades Highway, offering incredible views of the Northern Cascades.
Located primarily in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this hike starts at the Rainy Lake Trailhead. Shortly after beginning the hike, you’ll pass through open meadows filled with wildflowers in July and August, before reaching an overlook of Lake Ann. You can take a short detour down to the lake if you have time! From there, you’ll climb past Heather Pass along the rim up to Maple Pass before taking the steep switchbacks back down to the paved Rainy Lake Trail.
While it’s popular all summer long, it’s especially magical in early fall when the larches turn bright golden! Most people hike the loop counter-clockwise for a slightly more gradual climb up.
A couple important logistics to keep in mind:
First, there is a parking fee at the trailhead. You can use a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, or buy a day pass on-site. They have a QR code at the trailhead to buy one online. But since there’s zero cell service, your card will just get charged once you hit service again! Just make sure to write your pass number on the slip provided and display it on your dash. If parking is full, you can also park along the highway. Just make sure to stay within the shoulder’s white line!
Second, if you’re traveling with a dog like we do, heads up that the trail crosses into National Park territory right at the top ridge, where pups aren’t allowed. But you can easily turn this into an out-and-back along the national forest section instead of doing the full loop! You’ll still get unbelievable mountain views while keeping your pup on a dog-friendly trail.
14. See Rainy Lake*
If you aren’t up for the big climb up Maple Pass, visiting Rainy Lake is an awesome alternative! It starts from the same parking lot as Maple Pass, but it’s flat and paved the whole way. It’s an easy 2-mile round-trip walk with just 130 feet of elevation gain that winds through the forest to a wooden boardwalk right on the water’s edge. From there, you get gorgeous views of a massive, glacier-carved mountain basin.
15. Hike to Blue Lake*
The trail to Blue Lake is one of the most beautiful moderate hikes along the North Cascades Highway. Sitting at 4.6 miles round-trip with just 921 feet of elevation gain, the trail climbs through a mix of dense old-growth and subalpine forest, opening up to give you awesome views of Liberty Bell Mountain and Early Winters Spires. Like Maple Pass, this is another incredible trail for fall colors when the alpine larches turn bright yellow!
Once you reach the end, you are rewarded with an iridescent blue lake with water so clear you can watch native cutthroat trout swimming beneath the surface! Adam actually fished here during our visit and caught some cutthroat trout, so definitely bring a fly rod if you like to fish.
When you reach the lake, we recommend walking past the main boulder overlooking the water to find a little beach area, which is a great spot to sit and relax. If you want to explore a bit further, you can also add on the Tarn Loop trail while you are up there.
Parking fee
You will need a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass to park here, or you can scan the QR code at the trailhead to buy a day pass online before you head out.
16. Visit the Washington Pass Vista Point*
Sitting at the highest point along the North Cascades Highway at 5,477 feet, the Washington Pass Vista Point offers unbelievable views looking at Liberty Bell Mountain and Early Winters Spires!
The main trail to the view is a short 0.3-mile paved loop with just 111 feet of elevation gain, taking about 15 to 30 minutes to explore. It winds through a subalpine forest out to a paved lookout perched on a cliff ledge. It also has restrooms, picnic tables, and interpretive signs to check out.
If you are following the paved loop all the way around, keep in mind that the back half includes some stairs and steeper grades that might limit travel for some visitors.
You will need a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass displayed on your vehicle to park here!
17. Grab a treat at the Mazama Store & Bakery
Stopping by the Mazama Store & Bakery is an absolute must when passing through the Methow Valley! They are famous for their freshly baked baguettes, which come out hot every day at 9 AM. And they can sell out fast! We managed to snag two of their last three around 1:45 PM, so definitely grab one if you see them available. While you are there, you have to get their salmon spread and artichoke dip to pair with your baguette.
Beyond the baguettes, they also serve coffee, delicious chocolate chip cookies, and plenty of other bakery items. Plus, the store is stocked with grocery essentials, local snacks, and outdoor gear.
18. Explore Winthrop
If you want a change of pace after spending time in the mountains, taking an afternoon to explore Winthrop is a ton of fun! Tucked into the Methow Valley, this historic Old West town has wooden plank boardwalks, rustic timber facades, and vintage saloons.
The town actually chose to remodel itself with this Western theme back in the 1970s, inspired by the success of Leavenworth turning into a Bavarian village. Its main boardwalk has plenty of independent boutiques, outdoor gear shops, and local bookstores to pop into.
Winthrop also has a few awesome places to eat for being such a small town! Head to Jupiter for fresh grain bowls and salads, or check out Meza for delicious Mediterranean-inspired small plates and tapas. For coffee, swing by The Little Dipper Café for a tasty cold brew or latte. And whatever you do, do not miss Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe for homemade ice cream, fudge, and retro candies. They even have a mini-golf course behind the shop!
19. Visit Twisp
Just a few minutes down the road from Winthrop, Twisp is another great town to check out in the Methow Valley, but with a much more artsy vibe. The whole downtown is filled with hand-painted murals, sculpture gardens, and unique metalwork installations everywhere you look!
Twisp is also an awesome spot to grab a bite or a drink while passing through. Stop by Blue Star Coffee Roasters for an incredible cup of coffee or swing by Cinnamon Twisp Bakery to try their famous Cinnamon Twisp pastry! You can also pop into Orchard House Bakery for amazing fresh baked goods. A couple of dinner spots on our list to try next time are Lupo Brio for Italian and Lal’s Fork for Sri Lankan street food.
Planning Your Trip Along the North Cascades Highway
How to Get to the North Cascades Highway (From Seattle)
If you’re flying in from out of state, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is usually your best bet. It offers the most flights and a good selection of rental cars at reasonable rates.
Driving Routes from Seattle
Getting to the western end of the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) from Seattle takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. You have two main routes to choose from, both bringing you to the western edge of the park in roughly the same amount of time:
Darrington Route (via I-5 N to WA-530): Take I-5 North out of Seattle to Arlington (Exit 208), then take Highway 530 through Darrington until it connects with Highway 20 at Rockport. This drive winds along the Sauk River and is super scenic.
Sedro-Woolley Route (via I-5 N to WA-20): Stay on I-5 North up to Burlington (Exit 230) and turn east onto Highway 20. This path takes you through Sedro-Woolley and the lower Skagit Valley, which is great if you want to hit farm stands or local bakeries on your way in.
Scenic Route (via I-90 and US-2) If you plan to road trip the entire highway to Winthrop, another option is to drive I-90 up to Highway 2 and make a pit stop in Leavenworth, before continuing up to Winthrop via Chelan. Then, you can drive the highway west and get back to Seattle via the routes mentioned above. We like going this route one direction because it is a great way to experience more of Washington’s scenery and charming small towns!
Keep in mind that Highway 20 closes every winter over Washington Pass (usually from late November through May due to heavy snow), so always double-check WSDOT road reports before heading out!
Getting Around
You will definitely need your own car or a rental for this road trip. Unlike a lot of other popular national parks, there are no park shuttles or public transit options running along the Highway 20 corridor.
Just make sure to fill up your gas tank before entering the park! Marblemount is your last spot for fuel on the west side, and you will not see another gas station until you reach Mazama on the east side, about 70 miles away.
Where to stay on the North Cascades Highway
Figuring out where to stay is definitely the toughest part of planning a trip along the North Cascades Highway. The beginning and end of the highway have lodging options, but the middle section has virtually none, unless you are camping.
Camping
Camping is probably the best way to experience this area since it keeps you much closer to the hikes! Between the North Cascades National Park Complex and the surrounding national forests, there are tons of campgrounds offering both reservable and first-come, first-served (FCFS) sites.
Goodell Creek Campground: This campground is near Newhalem, right along the Skagit River.
Newhalem Campground: Located behind the Visitor Center. This campground is super convenient for exploring the Diablo Lake area, Trail of the Cedars, and Visitor Center trails. We’ve camped here multiple times and love it!
Colonial Creek Campground (North & South Loops): Located on Diablo Lake with access to the lake and Thunder Knob trailhead. These are the most centrally located campgrounds to visit both the west and east side of the highway.
Mineral Park Campground: This is a great location close to the Cascade Pass Trailhead off Highway 20 near Marblemount. Just avoid Site 12 if traveling in a camper, it was NOT level at all.
Goat Creek Sno-Park: This is a great free dispersed camping option off Highway 20 near Mazama / Winthrop (Okanogan-Wenatchee NF). Since it’s essentially a big lot, it’s not private or fancy, but it’s good if you plan to arrive late and just need a spot to sleep. Note: Camping here is free in the summer, but during the winter season (Nov 1–April 30) they require a Washington State Sno-Park permit.
Trailheads: If you are traveling in a van, RV, or truck camper, a handful of the national forest trailheads (like Blue Lake and Maple Pass) actually allow overnight stays in the parking lot for up to 14 days. You will just need an America the Beautiful Pass or Northwest Forest Pass displayed, or pay the daily fee on-site. You cannot sleep at trailheads within the National Park complex, including the Recreation Areas.
Hotels and Vacation Rentals
If you prefer hotels or vacation rentals, keep in mind that options are split between the two sides of the pass. To cut down on driving back and forth, we suggest splitting your stay! Spend a couple of nights on the west side, then move over to the east side near Mazama or Winthrop to finish the rest of the corridor.
West Side (Sedro-Woolley, Concrete, and Marblemount): Staying on this side puts you close to Diablo Lake, Newhalem, and Cascade Pass. Hotels are pretty limited out here and don’t have the best reviews. A couple of the better options are North Cascades Inn and Glacier Peak Resort. You can also look into staying at nearby vacation rentals.
East Side (Mazama & Winthrop): Mazama sits right at the base of the pass near the Blue Lake and Maple Pass trailheads. You can find some really nice vacation rentals here! However, in our opinion, Winthrop is the best place to stay. It offers the most options for hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and grocery stops.
Best time to visit the North Cascades Highway
The North Cascades Highway is generally best to visit between July and early October. If you go earlier in the spring or late June, you can still see plenty from the drive, but most of the high elevation hikes stay buried under snow until July.
Here is a quick look at what to expect throughout the year:
Spring (May to June): If you visit earlier in the season, you can still see plenty of amazing sights right from the highway. Just keep in mind that high elevation trails will still be covered in snow, and many of the best hikes in the area do not melt until July.
Summer (July to August): July through August brings great weather and snow-free trails, making it the best time for hiking and camping. The main downside is that August can get very smoky from wildfires, which can impact views depending on the year.
Fall (September to October): Late September through early October is hands-down the best time to visit if you want to see the golden larches! You will get crisp mountain weather and incredible fall colors along the pass. Because of the larches, trails like Maple Pass and Blue Lake get VERY busy during this window, so plan for big crowds on weekends.
Winter (November to April): Heavy snow causes Highway 20 to close over Washington Pass every winter, usually from late November through May. You cannot drive all the way through during these months, though the outer edges of the highway remain open for snowshoeing and winter recreation.
Things to Know Before Visiting the North Cascades Highway
North Cascades National Park is FREE
Unlike most major national parks, there is actually no entrance fee to visit or drive through North Cascades National Park.
National Forest hikes require a pass
While the national park itself is free, many of the most popular hikes along the highway (like Maple Pass and Blue Lake) are located on U.S. Forest Service land. For these trailheads, you will need a Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass displayed in your car, or you will need to pay the daily fee at the parking lot.
Download offline maps ahead of time
Cell service vanishes quickly once you get past Marblemount on the west side or Mazama on the east side. Be sure to download your Google Maps, trail routes (we use Alltrails), and lodging details offline before heading into the mountains.
Want to get 30% off an AllTrails Plus membership? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)!
We use AllTrails Plus on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.
Be bear aware
Black bears are active throughout the Cascades. You are unlikely to run into issues if you practice basic safety, but always give wildlife plenty of space, carry bear spray on hikes, and never leave food or scented items sitting out at camp.
Looking for a ready to go itinerary? Fitting all these stops into a short trip can take a lot of planning, so we did the heavy lifting for you! Check out our 4 day North Cascades Itinerary to see how we map out a 4 day drive through the mountains. Including where to stay each night!
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About the author
This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!
After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.