Hiking is the best thing to do in North Cascades National Park. And fortunately for you, this national park in Washington is teeming with over 400 miles of trails waiting to be explored!
Anyone who has set foot on the best hikes in North Cascades National Park will agree this is an outdoor lover’s paradise. This place has cascading waterfalls by the hundreds, countless glaciers, jagged snowy peaks, and alpine lakes. We’re also deeply in love with its heavily forested valleys that showcase more shades of green than any other place we’ve visited (we said it!). And to top it off, North Cascades is among the least crowded national parks near Seattle.
In short, you will love the North Cascades if you’re planning a backpacking adventure in Washington and want a destination that combines raw beauty and serenity.
So, grab your Washington state camping essentials as we get into the 15 best North Cascades National Park hiking trails of all time!
Key Takeaways
- North Cascades National Park is part of a larger 3-in-1 complex comprising the Lake Chelan and Ross Lake National Recreation Areas.
- Summer– from mid-July to September– is the best time to hike in North Cascades National Park.
- Sahale Arm Trail, Thornton Lakes Trail, and Copper Ridge Trail are North Cascades finest hikes if you desire challenging routes.
- For North Cascades trails for families, consider Agnes Gorge, Thunder Knob, Ladder Creek Falls, and Ross Dam trails.
Kuhl’s Top North Cascades National Park Hikes
1. Cascade Pass Trail
- Trailhead: End of Cascade River Road
- Length: 7.4 miles (out and back)
- Elevation gain: 1,700 feet
- Time: ~ 3.5 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate
The Cascade Pass is often included in lists of best North Cascades hikes for a reason. This is a remarkable trail that begins at the foot of Johannesburg Mountain. Right from the get-go, the Cascade Pass Trail launches you into a thick forest overshadowed by giant peaks and glaciers every single step of the way. Hiking the Cascade Pass Trail also increases your chances of seeing various wildlife, including pikas, marmots, deer, and black bears. The hike to Cascade Pass is 3.7 miles long (one way) and takes about 3.5 hours to complete. It’s rated moderately and is doable by most kids.
2. Sahale Arm Trail
- Trailhead: End of Cascade River Road
- Length: 11.8 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 3,940 feet
- Time: ~ 9 hours
- Difficulty level: Strenuous
The Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail is among the best hikes in the North Cascades if you want to get close up and personal with glaciers. To get to this trail, you hike the Cascade Pass Trail for 3.7 miles to Cascade Pass, then branch left towards Doubtful Lake. The trail skirts Doubtful Lake, ambling through rolling alpine meadows and finally terminating at Sahale Glacier Campground. The Sahale Arm Trail hike from the Cascade Pass Trailhead is 5.9 miles (one way) and has an elevation gain of 3940’. It’s a strenuous hike meant only for the physically fit.
3. Thornton Lakes Trail
- Trailhead: Thornton Lakes Rd
- Length: 10.4 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 2,400 feet
- Time: ~ 5-7 hours
- Difficulty level: Strenuous
If you’re a sucker for alpine lakes and don’t mind putting in the effort, this is a North Cascades hike you shouldn’t miss. The Thornton Lakes Trail starts at Thornton Lakes Rd and winds steeply through a heavily forested mountain slope. It ends at a ridge overlooking the gorgeous Thornton Lakes. The hike to Thornton Lakes Ridge is 5.2 miles (one way) and has an elevation gain of 2400 feet.
4. Blue Lake Trail
- Trailhead: N Cascades Highway
- Length: 4.4 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 1,050 feet
- Time: ~ 2.5 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate
Looking for the best North Cascades hiking trails for kids and families? The Blue Lake Trail is a great alternative to the Thornton Lakes Trail, considering its 1050-foot elevation gain. This beautiful and well-maintained trail passes through old-growth forests and meadows before opening to a pretty lake surrounded by towering granite peaks. The Blue Lake Trail is 4.4 miles long (round trip), and anyone in reasonable shape can hike it.
5. Heather-Maple Pass Loop Trail
- Trailhead: NF 600 Rd off N Cascades Highway
- Length: 7.5 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 2,020 feet
- Time: ~ 5.5 hours
- Difficulty level: Strenuous
If there’s a route that captures all that the North Cascades are known for in a single hike, then this is it. We’re talking about stunning views of mountain peaks, blue lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls. From summer, a beautiful blanket of colorful wildflowers transforms this route into one of the best fall hikes near Seattle. The Heather-Maple Pass Loop Trail is 7.5 miles long and has an elevation gain of 2,020 feet. Its trailhead is accessed via the NF-600 Rd just off N Cascades Highway.
6. Agnes Gorge Trail
- Trailhead: High Bridge
- Length: 5 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 500 feet
- Time: ~ 2 hours
- Difficulty level: Easy
Rising 500 feet in elevation at a distance of 2.5 miles, the Agnes Gorge Trail presents one of the easiest hikes in the North Cascades. This heavily forested trail opens up occasionally to let in views of the snow-capped Agnes Mountain towering above an impressive gorge. The hike ends at a dramatic gorge with a cascading waterfall where you can cool your feet and enjoy snacks before returning.
7. Hidden Lake Lookout Trail
- Trailhead: End of NF-1540 Rd off Cascade River Rd
- Length: 9 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 3300 feet
- Time: ~ 5-8 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous
The Hidden Lake Lookout Trail is a popular moderate hike to one of the crown jewels of the North Cascades: Hidden Lake. The trail kicks off in a dense forest. Before long, you start traversing across open meadows covered with wildflowers, then an alpine environment above the treeline, before making it to a rocky pinnacle with gorgeous views of Hidden Lake. A popular day hike, the Hidden Lake Lookout Trail is often used as an overnight stopover during North Cascades backpacking trips to The Triad and Eldorado Peaks. The Hidden Lake Lookout Trailhead is at the end of NF-1540 Rd off Cascade River Rd. The hike to the lookout is nine miles long and takes five to eight hours to complete.
8. Copper Ridge Trail
- Trailhead: 5 miles into Hannegan Pass Trail
- Length: 23 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 6,800 feet
- Time: ~ 14 hours
- Difficulty level: Strenuous
The Copper Ridge Trail is part of the Copper Ridge Loop- an iconic North Cascades backpacking route that stretches 32 miles and gains 8,600 feet of elevation. Hikers who don’t plan on doing the entire loop reach Copper Lake, climbing 6,800 feet across 11.5 miles (one way). The hike takes an estimated 14 hours but is often done in at least two days. There are multiple campground options along the trail. The trailhead for Copper Ridge Trail is five miles along the Hannegan Pass Trail.
9. Thunder Knob Trail
- Trailhead: Colonial Creek Campground
- Length: 3.6 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 425 feet
- Time: ~ 2 hours
- Difficulty level: Easy
Diablo Lake is so beautiful that it hurts the eyes! Unsurprisingly, the area around this lake has some of the best trails in North Cascades National Park. One that you shouldn’t miss if you want an easy leg stretcher with a huge reward at the end is the Thunder Knob Trail. This is a 3.6-mile day hike with an elevation gain of 425 feet. It’s easy for most people, and there are benches from which you can enjoy the views of Diablo Lake and the surrounding peaks.
10. Monogram Lake Trail
- Trailhead: Lookout Mountain Trailhead
- Length: 10 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 4,040 feet
- Time: ~ 7.5 hours
- Difficulty level: Strenuous
The Monogram Lake Trail is a 10-mile day hike or backpacking route to a small lake below Little Devil Peak. The path to the lake starts at Lookout Mountain Trailhead. It travels 0.75 miles under thick forest covers and switchbacks before emerging at high open meadows. This is a highly demanding hike that gains over 4,000 feet in elevation. But the beautiful views and serene experience at the sub-alpine Monogram Lake are worth the effort.
11. Sourdough Mountain Trail
- Trailhead: Diablo St
- Length: 5.2 miles (to the lookout)
- Elevation gain: 4,870 feet
- Time: ~ 5-6 hours
- Difficulty level: Strenuous
If you’re ready to put in miles of toil for the absolute best North Cascades backpacking trip, consider the Sourdough Mountain Trail. Climbing 4,870 feet over 5.2 miles, this is one of the most strenuous hikes in the North Cascades. You’ll cover 3000 feet within the first two miles, followed by a relentless climb till you get to the summit. It’s grueling-yes, but you can’t knock the panoramic views of Jack Mountain to the east, jagged Pickets to the west, and Colonial and Pyramid peaks towering over Diablo Lake to the south.
12. Ladder Creek Falls Trail
- Trailhead: Near Gorge Powerhouse
- Length: 0.6 miles (loop)
- Elevation gain: 72 feet
- Time: ~ 20-30 minutes
- Difficulty level: Easy
Another recommendable trail for outdoor lovers looking for easy hikes in North Cascades National Park. This is an enjoyable nature trail that leads to a waterfall behind the Gorge Powerhouse. The Ladder Creek Falls Trail is 0.6 miles (loop) long and almost flat at 72 feet of elevation. You’ll walk over a suspension bridge and climb two viewpoints. The area has a beautiful garden, usually illuminated at night.
13. Ross Dam Trail
- Trailhead: Milepost 134 on N Cascades Highway
- Length: 1.5 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 500 feet
- Time: ~ 1-2 hours
- Difficulty level: Easy
Standing 540 feet high, Ross Dam is the highest of the three dams that power Seattle from the North Cascades. The hike to this impressive display of engineering starts along North Cascades Highway at milepost 134. This is an easy and short trail covering 1.5 miles (round trip) and climbing roughly 500 feet in elevation. The hike to the dam is nicely shaded and passes over a lovely bridge with a waterfall. The views of the dam with its bluish water and surrounding peaks are mind blowing.
14. Rainbow Loop Trail
- Trailhead: Two trailheads 2.4 miles apart on Stehekin Valley Rd
- Length: 6.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 1000 feet
- Time: ~ 4-5 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderately easy
The Rainbow Loop has it all to get you on the trail– it’s moderately easy, has an elevation gain of about 2300 feet, and offers excellent views of the Stehekin Valley and the mountains that guard it. The Rainbow Loop Trail is not a true loop, though. It has two trailheads connected by Stehekin Valley Rd. The hike along the loop from one trailhead to the other is 4.4 miles and has an elevation gain of 1000 feet. From the second trailhead, you can return to your starting point by walking on Stehekin Valley Road, which adds 2.4 miles to your adventure.
15. Cutthroat Lake Trail
- Trailhead: End of NF-400 Rd off Highway 20
- Length: 3.8 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 498 feet
- Time: ~ 2-3 hours
- Difficulty level: Easy
Don’t let the name fool you. Cutthroat Lake is named after a type of trout that exists in the Pacific Northwest. Despite what you may have thought, the hike to this lake is pretty darn easy and packed with scenic views. The Cutthroat Lake Trail is mostly flat and straight, making it suitable for children. This is a 3.8-mile hike with less than 500 feet of elevation.
What to Bring on Your North Cascades National Park Hikes
Clothes
Layers are a must in any North Cascades backpacking checklist. Bring several layers of lightweight clothing that you can throw on or remove depending on the weather. Remember to include at least one pair of shorts and a waterproof/windscreen layer.
You won’t need any tech clothing for North Cascades hikes. But, of course, high-quality outdoor clothing will do you a lot of good on these mountain hikes. We bet you’ll have fun browsing Kuhl’s full range of outdoor clothes. Start with women’s hiking clothing or men’s outdoor wear tab.
Footwear
We strongly recommend packing comfortable lug sole boots to help with stability on these rocky and rooty trails. There’s no need to buy a new pair just for this trip; if your current boots can handle everything from steep scree patches to slippery water crossings, bring them.
Snacks
Is it just us, or does hiking food taste better on the trails? Perhaps it’s the blend of fresh air and the lack of distractions, especially electronics. Food is fuel. Bring calorie-dense, lightweight, and appetizing food or snacks to keep your energy up, especially on challenging North Cascades National Park trails.
Water
Drinking water is easily available on most North Cascades trails. However, water from rivers, lakes, streams, and waterfalls must always be filtered, boiled, or treated before use. Always visualize your route and determine the distance between water refill points. It’s also wise to carry 1-2 liters of drinking water from a potable source during a hike.
First aid kit
We recommend packing an individualized first aid kit before hiking North Cascades National Park. A well-thought-out first aid kit can help offer immediate care in case of an accident or injury. Find a customizable first-aid checklist here.
Bear spray
North Cascades National Park is home to black and grizzly bears. It’s always advisable to carry bear spray and know how to use it effectively in case of an attack by wildlife.
Tips for Hiking in North Cascades National Park
Choose hikes based on your experience level.
North Cascades National Park has all kinds of hikes, from leisurely family strolls to challenging routes like the Cascade Pass. Consider a quick chat with a ranger at the visitor center if you're a beginner hiker. They may help you pick safe and enjoyable solo or family-friendly hikes that fit everyone’s experience.
Always check the weather forecast before heading out
Weather in the North Cascades can change without warning. Checking the weather forecast can help you determine how to plan for your hikes for optimum safety and comfort.
Always carry a hiking map for cross-country hikes
The number one reason hikers get lost is they wander off the hiking trail knowingly or unknowingly. It’s wise to carry a North Cascades National Park trail map with precise details of the hikes you plan to take. Remember to let someone know where you are going.
Give wildlife lots of space
Animal encounters are not rare in North Cascades National Park. Deadly attacks from dangerous wildlife like bears, mountain lions, and cougars are rare. In most cases, these animals don’t want anything to do with you, so long as you keep your distance and remain calm.
Always plan for your safety
Even for shorter North Cascades day hikes, there are things you shouldn’t lack in your backpack:
- A customized first-aid kit
- A small flashlight
- Bear spray
- A map
- 1-2 liters of water
- Enough food for a day
Final Thoughts
North Cascades National Park is fondly called the American Alps– and it’s easy to see why. This photogenic gem- barely three hours from Seattle- is home to a captivating terrain bursting at the seams with enchanting views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, evergreen meadows, alpine hiking trails, and cascading waterfalls. If you’re around Seattle, explore some of the best backpacking trails in North Cascades and judge for yourself.
Featured image by: checubus.
