Seattle to North Cascades National Park: A Lovely Day Trip
Yes, you can take a day trip from Seattle to North Cascades National Park!
North Cascades is located 116 miles north of Seattle and you can see the main attractions of the entire park all in just a few hours.
One day in North Cascades National Park: TL;DR
- Visit the North Cascades Visitor Center
- Drive North Cascades Scenic Highway 20 to Rainy Pass and Washington Pass
- Ross Lake and Diablo Lake Viewpoints
- Hike Thunder Creek Trail
- HikeThunder Knob Trail
- Optional: Thornton Lakes Trail
North Cascades National Park is a hiker’s paradise. There are over 400 miles of trails to explore in the park. You certainly cannot visit all of them in one day – maybe even in one lifetime! We cannot wait to go back to and spend multiple days there!
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to! Now let’s dive into a day trip itinerary from Seattle to North Cascades National Park!
North Cascade National Park for Beginners
North Cascades was established in 1968.
The park is located 116 miles northeast of Seattle, in the heart of Washington State. It’s not too far from all the National Parks in Washington State, including Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier.
Annual Visitors: Over the last decade, North Cascades has averaged about 27,232 visitors per year.
The park is one of the least visited national parks in Washington and in the US! A big contributing factor to the low number of visitors is the fact that many areas of the park are only accessible via intense hiking and wilderness exploring.
| Park | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Cascades NP | 21,623 | 23,865 | 20,677 | 28,646 | 30,326 | 30,085 | 38,208 | 30,885 | 17,855 | 30,154 | 27,232 |
Why it’s Famous: North Cascades has earned its renown as the “American Alps” due to its striking rugged mountain ranges, diverse ecosystems, and sweeping panoramic views.
North Cascades National Park Complex Map
North Cascades NP is very unique. In fact, if you drive primarily on the North Cascades Scenic Highway 20 and take our recommended stops along the way, you might not even technically step foot in the actual national park!
Wait, what?
North Cascades National Park Sections
The North Cascades National Park Complex is divided into four distinct sections.
There is the North Cascades National Park North Unit and the North Cascades National Park South Unit. The North and South Units contain most of the wild and primitive trails, campsites, and wilderness areas. Most hikers need to obtain a backcountry permit in order to explore the North and South Unit
Cutting right through the middle of the park (and dividing the units) is the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. This area of the park is by far the most accessible of the Park Complex. It includes three reservoirs: Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, and Gorge Lake.
And finally in the southernmost side of the park, we have the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Lake Chelan is located in the Stehekin Valley. Here you will find the Golden West Visitor Center and see one of the deepest lakes in the US: Lake Chelan with a 1,500ft depth, extending 50 miles into the cascade mountains.
Below is a detailed map of the North Cascades National Park Complex
And here is a lovely landscape image of North Cascades NP
Getting from Seattle to North Cascades National Park
Seattle is located approximately 116 miles from the North Cascades National Park visitor center. It is about a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle to North Cascades.
By Road
If you are driving or renting a car, you have two primary routes. For both routes you will take I-5 North from Seattle and enter the park near Newhalem, WA.
You can then take WA State Route 530 to Darrington. In Darrington, be sure to hang a left to stay on SR 530. You will take SR 530 all the way up to Rockport, where you will jump on North Cascade Scenic Highway 20 all the way through the park.
The second route also starts on I-5 North, past Mt. Vernon until you get off on Cook Rd (about 68 miles). Cook Rd eventually becomes North Cascades Scenic Highway 20, which you take all the way through the park!
Closest Airports to North Cascades National Park
The three closest airports near North Cascades are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Spokane International Airport (GEG), and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
SEA to North Cascades is approximately 120 miles and should take you between 2-2.5 hours to reach.
GEG to North Cascades is approximately 380 miles and should take you between 6-7 hours to reach.
YVR to North Cascades is approximately 195 km (121 miles) and should take you between 2.5-3 hours to reach the park. Note that you will have to cross international borders between Canada and the USA in order to access the park!
We’d highly recommend flying into Seattle-Tacoma because it’s closer to the park, but Vancouver would be the second best option!
Top Things to Do in North Cascades
It’s impossible to experience all the places to see in North Cascades on a day trip! The park offers hundreds of miles of hikes and wilderness to explore.
However, here are some of the top activities that can be reasonably accomplished in a long day.
Drive North Cascades Scenic Highway
North Cascades Highway 20 is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the United States. It is part of the Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway, which designates roads with intrinsic qualities such as archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic significance.
This picturesque park road cuts through the middle of North Cascades and is the northernmost section of the Cascade Loop. Driving along this road will take you through popular and easily accessible areas within the park, including Diablo and Ross Lake.
You can follow this road all the way to Rainy Pass (about a 55 minute drive), a breathtaking 4,875 feet high mountain pass. The scenic drive alone is worth taking a day trip to North Cascades NP!
Ross Lake Overlooks
Located on the eastern end of Scenic Highway 20, near mile 136, you’ll find two Ross Lake Overlooks. From here, you can enjoy incredible views of the lake and the stunning mountain backdrop of North Cascades.
Keep in mind that there are two overlooks, so if you miss one, don’t worry! These overlooks don’t have trails or access points, but they offer a perfect spot to admire the majesty of North Cascades National Park.
Diablo Lake Overlook
The distinct turquoise color of Diablo will leave a lasting impression in your memory. This Diablo Lake viewpoint was one of our favorite stops along Scenic Highway 20! From the overlook, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the lake, Diablo Dam, and the surrounding mountains.
There is ample parking available at the Diablo Lake area. You’ll also find restrooms, picnic areas, and paved walkways to fully appreciate the vibrant blue lake below.
Thunder Creek Trail
Located on the south end of the Colonial Creek South Campground, the Thunder Creek Trail offers a short 2-mile hike. This family-friendly trail takes you through towering ancient trees, a serene understory, and leads to a bridge overlooking Thunder Creek.
Crossing the bridge will take you to the Thunder Campground and more challenging hikes, like the Fourth of July Pass. This trail provides a perfect blend of forest scenery and captivating views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Thunder Knob Trail
The Thunder Knob Trail is a moderately easy 3.6-mile round trip hike. You can access the trailhead at the Colonial Creek North Campground, off milepost 130, along the North Cascades highway.
This well-maintained trail winds through an old growth forest, featuring switchbacks that lead to a vista point with views of Diablo Lake and Jack Mountain.
The trail is dog-friendly, as long as your furry friend is on a leash. On this hike, you’ll experience creeks, lovely trees, mountain vistas, and the stunning turquoise view of Diablo Lake.
Thornton Lakes and Trappers Peak (long hike)
Although we didn’t personally hike up to Thornton Lakes, it’s on our bucket list for our next visit to North Cascades. This 9.7 mile round trip hike showcases the best of North Cascades National Park.
You can access the trailhead off Scenic Highway 20, via a gravel road suitable for all vehicles. If you decide to scramble up to Trappers Peak, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Cascade Mountain Range. It’s one of the most beautiful hikes in North Cascades.
We opted not to hike this trail for a couple of reasons. First, we wanted to make the most of our day in North Cascades, and this trail requires several hours. Second, we were recovering from an illness, and our lungs and legs weren’t up to the challenge. Nonetheless, it remains a must-do for our next visit!
For a detailed breakdown of this trail, check out Renee Roaming, one of our favorite photographers to follow!
One Day in North Cascades National Park Itinerary
Let’s discuss how to plan a day trip to North Cascades from Seattle. Remember to stay updated on current park conditions and adjust your plans accordingly. Unexpected events can disrupt even the best laid plans.
On a perfect day, here’s how you should explore the park:
Morning Itinerary:
Start by visiting the North Cascades Visitor Center, near the entrance of the park. This takes about 2 hours to reach from Seattle. Aim to arrive around 9am, giving you an opportunity to speak with a ranger and get the latest park updates before exploring further.
Note: The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem is open daily from May 21 to September 30, from 9am to 5pm.
Drive to Rainy Pass and Washington Pass: Next, take the North Cascades Scenic Highway 20 towards Rainy Pass and Washington Pass. This part of the Cascade Loop offers stunning views as you drive through the mountains. The journey usually takes around 1-1.5 hours, unless there is significant construction along the way.
Feel free to make stops whenever something catches your eye!
Take a break and stretch your legs at the Rainy Pass picnic site and trailhead. Parking here costs $5.
You can also stop at the Blue Lake Trail located in between Rainy Pass and Washington Pass (4.4 mile hike, but we would only recommend a short stroll here!)
Mid-Day Itinerary:
Visit Ross Lake and Diablo Lake:
Head back onto SR 20, retracing your route and stopping at the various overlooks. These overlooks provide easy access to breathtaking views of the lakes and mountains in North Cascades National Park.
The best part is that they are easily reachable, with parking available and short walks to the viewpoints.
Hike Thunder Creek Trail:
After some time behind the wheel, you might want to stretch your legs further. A great option is the Thunder Creek Trail, a short 2-mile hike that allows you to experience an ancient forest and cross a charming creek.
At this point, you can decide to continue on a longer hike or explore more easily accessible sections of the park.
This hike typically takes about an hour.
Hike Thunder Knob Trail:
Another fantastic hike is the Thunder Knob Trail, a 3.6-mile round trip that offers breathtaking views of Diablo Lake, Jack Mountain, and the surrounding Cascade Mountains.
Although the trail includes a few inclines, it is considered moderately-easy and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the time spent taking pictures and enjoying the scenery.
With all the driving, pit stops, short hikes, and lunch, you will have spent around 5-6 hours in the park by this point.
Even though there is still so much more to see in North Cascades, by late afternoon, you may start feeling tired and ready to head back to your accommodations.
If you’re up for more adventure, consider the Thornton Lakes hike, which includes scaling up to Trappers Peak. Keep in mind that this is a strenuous and lengthy hike, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park
Even though it’s only a few hours from Seattle, North Cascades is one of the least visited National Parks in the US. With an average of 27,000 visitors per year, you are very unlikely to find yourself in traffic or in crowds.
Even so, here are a few things to consider when thinking about taking a North Cascades National Park road trip.
North Cascades in the Spring
Spring in North Cascades National Park brings a burst of life and color after the winter months. It’s a fantastic time for nature enthusiasts and photographers to witness the park’s vibrant rejuvenation.
During spring, the temperatures are mild, ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C), making it comfortable for hiking and exploring. However, it’s important to note that some trails may still be snow-covered or muddy, so be prepared with proper footwear and equipment.
North Cascades in the Summer
Summer is undoubtedly the peak season for visiting North Cascades National Park. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C). The long daylight hours provide ample time to embark on extended hikes, camping trips, and other outdoor activities.
With the snow fully melted, summer offers access to a wider range of trails and recreational opportunities throughout the park.
North Cascades in the Fall
Fall in North Cascades National Park showcases the stunning palette of colors as the foliage transforms into shades of red, orange, and yellow. The crisp air and cooler temperatures, ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C), create a dramatic atmosphere for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
The park’s trails are less crowded during the fall season, providing a more serene and tranquil experience.
North Cascades in the Winter
Winter in North Cascades National Park offers a completely different experience for visitors. The park becomes a winter wonderland, with snow covering the mountains and forests. While some areas may be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, winter enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding.
The temperatures during winter range from 20°F to 40°F (-7°C to 4°C), so it’s important to dress warmly and be prepared for the cold weather. During the winter, it’s important to stay up-to-date on park conditions.
Visitors Per Month
You are unlikely to experience significant crowds around the park during your visit. The most visited months are July – September, with an average of 8,300 visitors per month.
The least visited months are December – January, with an average of… wait for it… 5 visitors per month!
| Year | Ja.n | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 11 | 4 | 52 | 66 | 993 | 1,324 | 5,493 | 10,832 | 8,745 | 2,590 | 44 | 0 | 30,154 |
In general, North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited parks. Folks do not take a trip to the North Cascades during the winter months because the conditions can be harsh. Roads and campsites may be closed and it’s harder to explore the wilderness areas of the park.
Entrance Fees and Permits for North Cascades National Park
Entrance Fees
There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park! It is one of the few national parks without an entrance fee. So, you are free to enjoy the park and everything we shared in this post! The park is open year-round, weather permitting.
Backcountry Permits
Backcountry camping does require a permit and reservations.
All Reservations and permits require a payment of $20, in addition to a non-refundable $6 transaction fee.
To make reservations for backcountry camping at North Cascades:
- Go to Recreation. Gov and search “North Cascades”
- Select “North Cascades Backcountry Permits
- Read the main info including: rules, fees, conditions, and FAQs
- Check availability
- Select your dates, number of people, and select “Daily Groups”
- Choose your starting point (check out this wilderness trip planner for help)
- Choose your campsite based on availability
- Start the checkout process and confirm your personal information
- Proceed to the cart and purchase the item!
- Get excited for your adventure!
Plan a Road Trip to North Cascades National Park
North cascades is the perfect park to visit if you want to see some of the tallest mountains and bluest lakes in the US. We couldn’t recommend a North Cascades day trip enough!
Our favorite part was definitely getting to drive through the park on the North Cascades highway. We’ve driven thousands of miles across the country, and this road stands out among the best.
And because it’s only a few hours to North Cascades national park from Seattle, it was an easy decision to visit.
We hope this North Cascades itinerary helps you plan the perfect day trip to one of the most beautiful parks in the country. If and when you go, let us know: [email protected]
