6/12/2023 0 Comments Easy pass north cascadesYou will hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. From this overlook, you get a view of the Skagit Gorge and the Gorge Dam, a hydroelectric dam. This is a flat, easy to walk paved trail that ends with gorgeous views of Rainy Lake and the mountains of North Cascades National Park. The Maple Pass Loop offers a little bit of everything…wildflowers, old growth forests, a visit to a lovely alpine lake, and (the best part) panoramic views of the North Cascades. The view of Diablo Lake, with its brilliant emerald water, is one of the most stunning views in the park. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit.ĭiablo Lake Vista Point. It travels east-west along the Skagit River. North Cascades Highway is the only paved road in the park. Go for a Scenic Drive on North Cascades Highway. 400 miles of hiking trails criss-cross their way through this mountainous landscape. Somebody had fun naming these mountains: Mount Terror, Phantom Peak, Poltergeist Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and Ghost Peak.Īnd for hikers, this place is paradise. In the northern area of the park is the Picket Range, a collection of mountains, most rising over 8,000 feet. In fact, there are an estimated 300+ glaciers here. The North Cascades Range, which runs through the park, is the largest glacial system in the United States outside of Alaska. This is one of the most wild, rugged, and remote areas in the lower 48 states. With jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks stretching as far as the eye can see, North Cascades is also called “The American Alps.” At times, it really does look like you are standing in Switzerland. 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 Parks. See a quick peek of highway 20 from our motorcycle ride.North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, but for those who venture here, it is a serene, beautiful experience. Washington Pass Observation Site gives you gorgeous views of the north cascades including views of Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winters Spires and Kangaroo Ridge. It is a quick walk to the end of the trail. The paved trail to the viewpoint can be used by wheelchairs and small children. Found just 30 miles west of Winthrop, this stop is easily accessible with ample parking and paved roads. One of those stops to make is at the Washington Pass Observation Site. Highway 20 is a great place to take a road trip while enjoying gorgeous stops along the way. Highway 20 is closed during the winter season and usually reopens in May. Length: Very short paved and fully accessible trail to the viewpoint.įacilities: Pit (vault) toilet which is also wheelchair accessible My family loves to ride motorcycles and driving highway 20 during the summertime is awe-inspiring. The North Cascades in Washington state is one of my favorite places.
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