North Cascades is the wildest park in the lower 48 that you can still see from a car. Jagged peaks hold hundreds of glaciers, their meltwater turns Diablo and Ross lakes an unreal milky turquoise, and almost the whole park is roadless wilderness. Most visitors only drive through on Highway 20 — and that drive alone is one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the country.
Best things to do in North Cascades
Diablo Lake Overlook
The view everyone stops for: a glacial lake of milky turquoise between forested ridges and snowy peaks, from a pull-out on Highway 20.
2Thunder Knob and Trail of the Cedars
Two easy walks: Thunder Knob climbs gently to a rocky viewpoint over Diablo Lake; the Trail of the Cedars in Newhalem loops through old cedars by the Skagit River.
3Cascade Pass
The park’s classic day hike, at the end of the gravel Cascade River Road: switchbacks through forest to a meadow pass surrounded by glaciers, with marmots and often mountain goats.
4Washington Pass Overlook
Just east of the park on Highway 20 (in the national forest), a short walk to a viewpoint over the granite spire of Liberty Bell and the highway’s hairpin below.
5Stehekin
A village with no road connection, at the far end of Lake Chelan: reached by passenger ferry, floatplane or on foot. A night there is the most unusual stay in the Northwest.
Why go: the Alps of America, without the crowds
North Cascades is one of the least visited national parks, despite being close to Seattle. Most of it is wilderness, so the experience is the drive, a few spectacular short walks and, for hikers, some of the best day hikes in the West. It fits naturally at the start or end of our Pacific Northwest loop.
North Cascades entrance fees and reservations
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Entrance | Free |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
Some trailheads on surrounding national forest land need a Northwest Forest Pass.
- No entrance fee.
- Backcountry camping needs a permit; campgrounds can be reserved on recreation.gov.
When to go
July to September is the season. Highway 20 closes every winter between roughly Ross Lake and Mazama because of avalanches, usually from November until spring; opening and closing dates depend on snow. Larches turn gold around Washington Pass in early October. Wildfire smoke can haze views in late summer.
Where to stay in North Cascades
Lodging in the park itself is limited to campgrounds and, at Stehekin, a lodge reached by boat. Most visitors sleep on either side of the pass.
Marblemount & Concrete
$$$$Best for: the west side
Simple lodges and cabins on the Skagit River, closest to Cascade Pass.
Hotels in Marblemount & Concrete partner linkWinthrop & Mazama
$$$$Best for: the east side
A Western-themed town and a cluster of mountain lodges in the sunny Methow Valley.
Hotels in Winthrop & Mazama partner linkNorth Cascades: your questions
Is North Cascades National Park free?
Yes, there is no entrance fee. Some trailheads on surrounding national forest land need a Northwest Forest Pass.
When is the North Cascades Highway open?
Usually from spring to November; the mountain section closes every winter for avalanches. Check WSDOT before you go.
Why is Diablo Lake turquoise?
Glaciers grind rock into very fine “rock flour” that stays suspended in the water and reflects blue-green light.
Can you see North Cascades in one day?
Yes, as a scenic drive from Seattle with short walks. Hikers should give it two days.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.