5 Can’t-Miss Hikes at North Cascades National Park

Mountains that go for miles 

The North Cascades National Park is a vast and wild area, encompassing over 500,000 acres of pristine forests and jagged peaks. It's one of the most-visited parks in Washington State, and for good reason: there are endless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring.

Established as a National Park in 1968, North Cascades is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest. 

The park's land is divided by the Cascade Range, a massive glacial mountain system which runs north to south for over 250 miles. These towering mountains provide a stunning backdrop for many back-country hikes that make up the park.

Most of the park is designated as wilderness, so that that little man-made development can be found here. This allows visitors to really experience nature in all its glory, unspoiled by human activity. 

Most visitors come to the park during the warm months as the roads are closed in the winter due to heavy snowfall and the danger of avalanches from the Cascade Range. 

If you're planning to visit North Cascades National Park, add these five hikes to your list. They are all unique and offer stunning views of the Cascade Range.

Skagit River Loop Trail

Get your hiking adventure started off on a nice light note with the Skagit River Loop Trail. Located behind the visitor's center, this boardwalk trail is easy and family-friendly.

Plenty of benches are located along the trail so you can rest and take in the views, while the huge Hemlocks and Red Cedar trees provide shade and shelter from the sun. 

The loop-style trail takes you along the banks of the Skagit River, where you might see some of the area's wildlife, such as bald eagles, ospreys, and beavers.

Total Distance: 1.92 miles

Elevation Gain: 95.1 feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Dogs must be leashed on this trail
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible
• The river can get high during the rainy months, so be careful near the rushing water

Cascade Pass Trail

With gorgeous views up in the mountains, Cascade Pass is the perfect mid-range length of hike for those who want a little challenge without going too far into the backcountry.

The Cascade Pass Trail is the ideal place to see mountain goats in their natural habitat, as they often come down to the lower elevations in the park to forage. 

The trail starts out gradually and then gets steeper as you make your way up to Cascade Pass. There are plenty of places to rest along the way and take in the views, so don't worry if you need to take a few breaks.

Total Distance: 6.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1784 feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• No dogs are allowed on this trail
• Bears are common on this trail, so bear spray is recommended
• Certain parts of this trail are fairly rocky, so be sure to bring proper hiking footwear

Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail

The rest of the hikes on this list take you into the backcountry of the park, so if you're looking for something a little more challenging, keep reading!

The Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail is perfect for those seeking a more  strenuous hike. As you approach Cascade Pass, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Just be warned the last section of the hike is a long unpaved road, so it can be a bit of a slog if you're not used to hiking on rocky terrain.

Total Distance: 12.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 5029 feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• The climate can change rapidly, so ensure you have warm clothing
• Hiking poles are recommended for this trail
• Bears are regularly seen on this train —bear spray is recommended
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• This trail is only recommended for those with a high fitness level or hiking experience

Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail

While not as long or as elevated as the Cascade Pass,  this hike still offers stunning views of the Cascade Range.

The trail starts out along the banks of the Stehekin River before making its way up to Cutthroat Pass. You’ll pass through meadows full of wildflowers and subalpine forests along the way. 

This trail can get very busy in the middle of the day, so it's a good idea to plan for the early morning if you're looking for more peace and quiet.

Total Distance: 10 miles

Elevation Gain: 2024 feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Dogs must be leashed on this trail
• Bears are regularly seen on this train —bear spray is recommended
• Some stream crossing on this tail so bring waterproof shoes

Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail

Break out those backpacks and the rest of that camping gear for a true wilderness adventure. On the Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail, you’ll discover North Cascade National Park at your own pace. 

The trail is long, but the scenery more than makes up for it. You'll pass waterfalls, old-growth forests, and mountain lakes as you make your way to the summit of Ruby Mountain. 

As this trail is less popular than others on this list, you're likely to see fewer people, which can make the experience all the more special.

Total Distance: 22 miles

Elevation Gain: 6000 feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking, Backpacking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• This trail is only recommended for those with a high fitness level or hiking experience
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• This is a multi-day trail, so make sure you're prepared with enough food and water
• Bring a tent or camping gear as there are no shelters along the way
• The weather can be very cold up in the pass so ensure you have warm clothes
• Bears are common on this trail — Bear spray is recommended

No matter what kind of adventure you're looking for, North Cascades National Park has something for everyone. Whether you’re feeling like taking an easy day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, you’ll find it here. So get out there and explore all that this beautiful park has to offer.

Happy hiking!