Like I’ve mentioned on Snapchat, this took me a while because we actually only stayed in the city one day/night, but I still wanted to provide a quality city guide. Either way, there is an elevation gain of around 2000 feet and breathtaking views. Maple Loop Pass is absolutely worth the hike, to be surrounded by jaw-dropping views in every direction. Known as the North Cascades Highway, the road spans the entire width of the state of Washington. Pardon the shadows! North Cascades National Park: A Forest Elopement Ceremony & Sunset Wedding Portraits on The Mountain. Return to Seattle - North Cascades National Park Exactly after an year, we were back in Seattle for a weekend trip to North Cascades National Park. Famous for the jagged peaks and over 300 glaciers, this park also has pretty rivers, waterfalls and abundant forests. Act designated the area a national park. However, you can explore the area west of Diablo Lake and access Winthrop by going on Highway 2 to Leavenworth, north to Chelan, and up to Winthrop during your North Cascades day trip. Your trip begins in Seattle… While you can easily take a North Cascades National Park day trip from Seattle, some people might want to extend their trip and stay a night or two. There are plenty of delicious food options and great restaurants to enjoy a meal and recall the stories of the day. Seattle to North Cascades National Park is an approximately 2-hour car ride. Report inappropriate content . Find more flight deals to our destinations worldwide. Ross Dam Trail. Rainier day trip by thinking it’s closer to Seattle than visiting North Cascades National Park. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' If you were to drive the length of the highway without stopping while visiting North Cascades National Park, it’d take you about 1.5 hours. You’ll be starting your journey at a highpoint, with breathtaking views to set the tone for your day. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. There you have it – everything you need to know to plan a North Cascades day trip! Hello! My name is Marissa, and I’m a travel writer and photographer from Seattle. Hikers get the best of the North Cascades, such as on the Cascade Pass Trail, which cuts through old-growth forest and meadows. Those are just a few reasons why you should plan a visit to Northwest Washington’s North Cascades National Park, aka the American Alps. This is another very short trail of only 300 feet that provides incredible views. There are many boating options, from motorboats to kayaks, and getting in the water for a paddle is recommended. Adventuring into North Cascades National Park is a unique and unforgettable experience–it is one of the least visited and most rugged National Parks in the U.S.. They can let you know if there have been recent bear sightings, if the bugs are bad, or if a trail is closed so you can alter your North Cascades National Park itinerary if needed. From here, you can spot some of the park’s famous natural sites such as the Liberty Bell and Early Winter Spires. Taking a day trip to North Cascades National Park from Seattle only takes two hours to get to the west entrance. You also won’t encounter much traffic once you get north of Seattle, which is another benefit of visiting this park. We started our day in Victoria, British Columbia and didn't reach the boundaries of North Cascades National Park until afternoon. Required fields are marked *. I love exploring the world, whether it’s to a faraway country or a hike in the Pacific Northwest. Vivid red, orange, and yellow leaves will surround you on your hikes, and the weather is more tolerable. Excited to share my Seattle and Cascades guide! Not exactly the time most people think of for exploring the great outdoors. After that, hit the Sterling Munro Trail as the trail begins at the center. The trailhead begins just a couple of miles out of Newhalem behind the Gorge Powerhouse. We love the North Cascades National Park for what it’s not: It’s not easy to get to, it’s not all that busy, and it’s not a simple park. Highway 20 (also known as North Cascades Highway) runs east west through the park, along the Skagit River, … Native Americans were intimately connected to the natural environment of these mountains and frequently utilized trails and passes as trade routes between the Puget Sound and Columbia River Basin. If you’re looking to explore the park but only have one day, this is the route for you. Late Afternoon: If you’re not feeling hiked-out during your day trip to North Cascades National Park, head onto the Blue Lake Trail. They picked me up at my Airbnb before sunrise, and the 3 of us road tripped up to the North Cascades National Park to get some epic portraits of their love in the classic PNW mountains. Find all the transport options for your trip from Seattle to North Cascades National Park right here. Liberty Bell Mountain, North Cascades National Park One Of America’s Least Crowded National Parks Is Packed With Majestic Views And Awesome Family-Friendly Hikes If you drive just over 2 hours northeast of Seattle's airport, you will find my new favorite national park, the North Cascades. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in North Cascades National Park? This is a perfect little pit stop on your North Cascades day trip for a short 0.4-mile round trip to discover the odd mix of quaint falls and a light show. If your main reason for visiting is the North Cascades hiking, I recommend coming in the fall. Washington Pass Overlook includes a 0.25-mile round trip, which is very doable – and very worth it. You can choose to do the 7-mile loop either clockwise or counterclockwise. It ends in Sedro Wooley, Washington. The area includes nearly 10,000 square miles of wild country. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It's hidden beauty is worth seeing, the hard part is planning an itinerary and finding places to stay in this area of Washington. In Fall 2019, Skagit Guided Adventure’s website was voted the winner of … Your trip begins in Seattle… Temperatures can rise into the 90s in the summer, so you’ll want to dress appropriately and bring a hat and sunscreen. Driving distance from Seattle, WA to North Cascades National Park The total driving distance from Seattle, WA to North Cascades National Park is 151 milesor 243 kilometers. Our North Cascades National Park Itinerary is the ‘bucketlist’ attractions. North Cascades National Park is an American national park in the state of Washington.At more than 500,000 acres (200,000 ha), it is the largest of the three National Park Service units that comprise the North Cascades National Park Complex. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. If it isn’t too late and you haven’t eaten yet, stop by Birdsview Brewing Company on the west part of Highway 20 for a burger and beer. This charming trail winds … Our stay was short, but we learned a lot about the area that will help us plan a longer stay later. The trail begins to form on the northwest side of the visitor center in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Take Photos at Washington Pass Overlook, One Day in North Cascades National Park Itinerary, Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Long-Sleeve Shirt, 12 Festive Reasons to Visit Leavenworth in the Winter. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your North Cascades National Park day trip. Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades. Your trip begins in Seattle… If you’re spending a weekend in Winthrop, don’t hesitate to hit the road for a North Cascades day trip. PLANE Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is the nearest major airport at approximately 120 miles from the North Cascades Visitor Center and about 190 miles from Chelan. You can choose to make it a quick pit stop on your North Cascades day trip or venture down to the lake and hop on a canoe to take in the scenery from the water. Rome2rio has everything you need to know about travelling with Amtrak. Find all the transport options for your trip from Seattle to North Cascades National Park right here. You’ll want to add this to your Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. The social distance requirement in North Cascades National Park is 2 metres. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Seattle. Diablo Lake. Dont miss a chance to stock up on fresh, local picnic goodies. It’s also much easier to stop off and see some viewpoints and find trailheads than it is at other national parks in the US. Some of the most stunning hikes are in this area, with summer and fall being incredibly gorgeous. Given how close the park is to Seattle, you might think that it is choking on tourists. The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone is anchored by North Cascades National Park. Can You Drive Through North Cascades National Park? However, bugs can be nasty during this time of year, so you’ll want to bring bug spray (trust me!). Getting there: Seattle airport to North Cascades National Park Wilderness Information Center is 116 driving miles. Whether you have one day in North Cascades National Park or want to spend multiple days exploring, here are some tips for exploring the park, North Cascades attractions to stop at, and a sample itinerary. Your trip begins in Seattle, Washington. The total elevation gain is around 1000 feet and is suitable for most people, which is why you’ll find many families here on a day trip to North Cascades National Park. Not what you were looking for? Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades. I recommend checking the WSDOT’s report for the road status if you’re planning a North Cascades road trip in the spring or winter. From Newhalem to Winthrop, the drive is about 1.5 hours. Wearing a face mask on public transport in North Cascades National Park is subject to regional advice. Winding through wilderness areas and small mountain towns the scenery is gorgeous and varied from dense lush forests on the western slopes do rugged mountains to pine forests a There is the possibility of a North Cascades highway loop, but this route takes at least two days. Enjoy your trip and try to make it a long day to see as much as possible. Situated on San Juan Island, the national park of the same … Ancient forests, craggy peaks, and blue-green lakes make the North Cascades stretch of the Cascade Loop driving tour unforgettable. In the park, drive the North Cascades Highway all the way to Washington Pass Overlook, the road’s highest point, stopping at the many viewpoints along the way. North Cascades National Park Weather in January: With the air being damp (Humidity is 86%) and temperature being as low as 3℉, you can expect cold weather on your visit to North Cascades National Park in the month of January.The average temperature is 24℉.The average precipitation recorded around this time is 271.96 mm. These are rare, as they are only there for a few weeks out of the entire year (usually early October). The route begins from the Rainy Pass Picnic Area just off Highway 20 and is well maintained. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. How To Get To North Cascades National Park. Temple, TX. But January can actually be less wet than the spring months, and as long as you have a good raincoat and shoes it really doesn’t matter. You can take a bus from Seattle to North Cascades National Park via Bellingham Amtrak Station, Fairhaven Transportation Center, Bellingham Station, Bellingham - Lincoln Creek Park, and White Salmon Day Lodge in around 6h 26m. In fact, Ross Lake Resort is the only lodging within the park limits. The North Cascades are beautiful and wild. From Ross Lake, you’ll make your way to the Maple Pass Loop. What are the travel restrictions in North Cascades National Park? From the salty sea air surrounding the Puget Sound, flowering fruit trees from Leavenworth, Wenatchee and Lake Chelan, acres of fresh cut hay and farmland in the Methow and Skagit Valleys, and miles upon miles of lush evergreen forest along the Stevens Pass Greenway and North Cascades National Park. 293 posts. Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. On the fully-accessible path, you’ll have striking vistas of the rugged picket mountain range. This is a short trail so it’s worth it to see the lake if Maple Pass Loop didn’t tire you out. There is only one paved road in the park. This trail is a great summertime Washington hike to go on during your North Cascades National Park day trip, as you’ll have an opportunity to dive into the icy waters – if you’re brave enough! An easy, 2.0 mile trail (round trip) takes you to Ross Dam. Take the bus from Seattle to Bellingham Amtrak Station, Take the bus from Bellingham - Lincoln Creek Park to White Salmon Day Lodge, Take the train from Seattle to Mount Vernon Amtrak Station, Take the train from Seattle to Bellingham Amtrak Station, Take a shuttle bus from Seattle, WA - Convention Center to Bellingham, WA-4 points by Sheraton, Travel from Mount Vernon Amtrak Station to North Cascades National Park. Blue Lake Trail is also great for hiking with kids. Afternoon: Hopefully, you’re not feeling too exhausted after the picnic and paddle. Vancouver International Airport is approximately 210 km (130 miles) from the North Cascades Visitor Center and 220 km (135 miles) from Hozomeen. This is the road trip of a lifetime. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. It takes approximately 6h 26m to get from Seattle to North Cascades National Park, including transfers. Many people tend to take a Mt. Both routes involve a steep climb that may not be suitable for unfit visitors. Skagit Guided Adventures, LLC is based in Anacortes, WA and is fully insured and permitted to operate in the North Cascades National Park, Mt. The trail is 0.5 miles long and boasts views of the dam and the waterfall. If you’re doing a day trip to North Cascades National Park from Seattle, you can either go straight to one destination and return the same way or you can make a loop. COVID-19 Travel restrictions may apply in United States. With more than 300 glaciers within the park bounds, North Cascades National Park is a mountainous paradise. However, if you’re ready to get your heart rate up during your North Cascades day trip, you’ll be treated to dramatic scenery and imposing peaks. The national COVID-19 helpline number in North Cascades National Park is 800-232-4636. When I started planning, I quickly realized that the main drive through the “park” (Highway 20) didn’t actually go through the park. San Juan Island National Historical Park. Most of the North Cascades area is extremely remote. A Quick Geography Lesson. Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. I love Old Schoolhouse Brewery in the summer, as you can sit outside on the river and listen to live music. This area is a fantastic place to enjoy a pre-packed lunch picnic. It felt more special this time with our family, my 2 year old nephew and 4 year niece joining us on their first hike/National park visit. I recommend doing the loop if … The North Cascades Loop runs right through the heart of North Cascades National Park with scenic overlooks at Ross Lake and Diablo Lake. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. The most popular hike in North Cascades National Park, the Cascade Pass Trail is actually the only trailhead in the national park that’s accessible by car. In fact, with just shy of 21,000 visitors in 2015, North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited parks in all of the National Park System. While much of the park is inaccessible, this is exactly why many people love it. These are only a few reasons it’s one of my favorite parks in the country and why thousands of people flock here every year for a North Cascades day trip. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. Visitors can hike, bike, fish and boat, climb, camp, view wildlife or join a guided tour to learn more. You have some beautiful hikes coming up. Note – you can’t reach the resort by road. Based on that, I’ve put this North Cascades itinerary together based on the places that are my favorite. Don’t miss out on stepping onto the bridge that spans the gorge; it’s the perfect photo opportunity. One of the best things to do in North Cascades National Park is hiking, as there are dozen of different trails from beginner to difficult. There are plenty of other hikes and small lookouts or viewpoints that you could add to your itinerary but this is a great place to start. Our North Cascades National Park Itinerary is the ‘bucketlist’ attractions. The overlook is an easy stop off on the highway in the easterly direction from the North Cascades Visitor Centre. Driving time from Seattle, WA to North Cascades National Park. It is just a short drive from Seattle, Washington but North Cascades only gets a handful of the visitors that flock to nearby Mount Rainier and Olympic National … Hey y’all! Taking a day trip to North Cascades National Park from Seattle only takes two hours to get to the west entrance. The facts in this article have been checked and are accurate as of March 2021. Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. It is a relatively busy 4.4-mile return trail that takes you through alpine forests and meadows carpeted with wildflowers. However, I do recommend planning out your North Cascades itinerary so you see everything you want during that time. All Rights Reserved. The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone is anchored by North Cascades National Park. 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