Plan your visit

North Cascades National Park Trip Planner

Tell us how long you have, who's along, and the season. We'll group it by region so you drive less and see more.

How long
Who's along
Season

This park's open areas fill about 2 days at an easy pace.

Day 1 Diablo & Ross Lake (central) + Newhalem & Gorge (west)

  1. The signed Diablo Lake Overlook pullout on State Route 20 looking down on the turquoise reservoir and peaks.

    Diablo Lake Overlook

    Diablo & Ross Lake (central) · 30 min · easy pace

    The turquoise-water view the park is known for, from a large SR 20 pullout above the reservoir — the color comes from glacial rock flour suspended in the water.

  2. Gorge Creek Falls dropping into its gorge beside State Route 20 near Newhalem (substitute image for the Newhalem and Ladder Creek Falls entry).

    Newhalem & Ladder Creek Falls

    Newhalem & Gorge (west) · 1.5 hr · easy pace

    The company town built by Seattle City Light on the Skagit River, reachable year-round on SR 20. Behind the powerhouse, the short Ladder Creek Falls trail climbs past a fall that was once lit at night for visitors.

  3. Turquoise Diablo Lake below Colonial Peak in North Cascades National Park, the glacial rock-flour color lit by the sun.

    Diablo Lake

    Diablo & Ross Lake (central) · 2 hr · moderate

    The reservoir itself, paddled by kayak or crossed on the seasonal Ross Lake Resort boat. Trailheads for Thunder Knob and the Diablo Lake Trail leave from its shores.

  4. Neve Glacier in the North Cascades, one of more than 300 glaciers in the park, documented by USGS.

    The glaciers

    Diablo & Ross Lake (central) · 30 min · easy pace

    The park holds more than 300 glaciers — the most of any U.S. park outside Alaska — feeding the milky color of its lakes. The peaks around Diablo and the highway put them in view from the road.

  5. The 23-mile-long Ross Lake reservoir running north toward the Canadian border in the North Cascades complex.

    Ross Lake

    Diablo & Ross Lake (central) · 1.5 hr · moderate

    The 23-mile reservoir stretching north toward Canada, reached on foot from the highway or by the resort water-taxi. Remote, quiet, and popular for canoe camping in summer.

  6. Gorge Creek Falls

    Newhalem & Gorge (west) · 20 min · easy pace

    A signed pullout on SR 20 east of Newhalem where Gorge Creek drops through a deep slot beside the road — a two-minute look over the railing, open whenever the highway is.

Day 2 Washington Pass (east)

≈55 min drive from Diablo & Ross Lake (central)

  1. Granite spires of Liberty Bell Mountain and the Early Winters Spires seen from near the Washington Pass Overlook on State Route 20.

    Washington Pass Overlook

    Washington Pass (east) · 45 min · easy pace

    A short paved loop to a railing above the highway's tightest switchback, with Liberty Bell Mountain and the Early Winters Spires across the valley. Reached only when SR 20 is open for the season.

Plans by trip length

One day in North Cascades National Park

In one day, Diablo & Ross Lake (central): Diablo Lake Overlook, Diablo Lake; Newhalem & Gorge (west): Newhalem & Ladder Creek Falls, Gorge Creek Falls.

Two days in North Cascades National Park

Two days adds Washington Pass (east): Washington Pass Overlook.

Best time to visit North Cascades National Park

The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is summer and fall, when most of the park is open. In winter, Washington Pass (east) and Cascade Pass (south trailhead) close with snow.

Common questions

How many days do you need for North Cascades National Park?

North Cascades National Park fills about 2 days at an easy pace — Newhalem & Gorge (west) & Diablo & Ross Lake (central), Washington Pass (east).

Can you see North Cascades National Park in one day?

Yes — pick one area: Diablo & Ross Lake (central) & Newhalem & Gorge (west) (Diablo Lake Overlook, Newhalem & Ladder Creek Falls, Diablo Lake). You'd skip Washington Pass (east), but it's a full day.

What's the best time to visit North Cascades National Park?

Aim for summer and fall; that's when its roads and trails are fullest.

Is North Cascades National Park good with young kids?

Yes — the easier, shorter stops work well with little kids: Diablo Lake Overlook, Newhalem & Ladder Creek Falls, The glaciers, Gorge Creek Falls.

Is North Cascades National Park doable with limited mobility?

Several stops are short and low-effort: Diablo Lake Overlook, Newhalem & Ladder Creek Falls, The glaciers, Gorge Creek Falls. Check current trail and road conditions with the park.