The Best Way To Spend One Day in Washington’s Most Underrated National Park
Looking to make the most of your day trip to one of the most underrated national parks in the country?
Set amidst the snow-capped glaciers of Washington, here’s a quick one day in North Cascades National Park itinerary following the same route I took when I went. I loved this park so much that I’ve been twice on two separate road trips: once during a 6-week journey along the West Coast and another during a 3 month adventure in the Rockies and Pacific Northwest.
Although this park is vast, much of it is inaccessible, so one day here for a first-timer is enough. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend a week and come with preparations for a backcountry trip, which is actually something on my bucket list.
This guide is here to help you make the most of your day trip to North Cascades National Park. I’ll cover the main highlights, give you info on other spots, and provide a convenient travel guide.
Sample One Day in North Cascades National Park Itinerary
Here is a summarized version of the park in one scroll, but below, I’ll give more detailed descriptions of each place and the activities.
Travel Route! If you only have one day, most of your time will be spent stopping at sights and hikes along the North Cascades Highway, as only one highway bypasses the park along I20.
Considering that most people will be coming from the Seattle side, I suggest driving all the way to the furthest point first, then making a U-turn and leisurely returning. The lake is at its most brilliant blue color in the middle of the day.
- Start your day driving on the North Cascades Highway and stopping at the visitor center.
- Drive down to the furthest point for a view at Washington Pass Overlook.
- Take a morning hike on Blue Lake Trail to a beautiful alpine lake.
- Drive back towards the park for Ross Lake Overlook.
- Take a short, relatively easy trail hike to Ross Dam.
- Spend your afternoon at Diablo Lake. Hike the Diablo Lake Trail or go kayaking.
- End your day by watching the sunset at Diablo Lake Vista Point.
- Stay to stargaze at night!
Recommended lodging options for the Night: North Cascades
- Luxury: Sun Mountain Lodge
- Mid-range: Hotel Rio Vista
- Budget: Chewuch Inn & Cabins
Quick Facts to Visiting North Cascades
North Cascades National Park, a hidden gem in Washington State, is home to over 300 glaciers – more than any other park in the contiguous United States. It’s huge and often referred to as the “American Alps,” but most of the park is not very accessible unless you plan a backcountry trip.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Visitor Centers | North Cascades National Park Visitor Center, Wilderness Information Center |
| Park Entrances | State Route 20 is the main highway access. The North and South Units have different entrances. |
| Main Activities | Hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, boating, fishing, bird watching |
| Number of Campgrounds | Over 12 campgrounds |
| Hotels | Ross Lake Resort, North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin |
| Best Time to Visit | June to September |
| Nearest Cities & Distances | Seattle (120 miles), Vancouver, Canada (150 miles) |
| Nearest Airports & Distances | Bellingham International Airport (70 miles), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (130 miles) |
What to Do in North Cascades in One Day
1. North Cascades Highway
The first stop on your one-day adventure through North Cascades National Park should be the visitor center. Then, you’ll head on the North Cascades Highway, also known as State Route 20, the main bypass that cuts through the North Cascades National Park.
This scenic byway has 140 miles of alpine landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes. But on this one day itinerary, you’ll just be driving 42 miles of it.
Driving along the highway, you’ll pass the best of the park’s peaks, green valleys, and the unbelievable turquoise waters of Diablo and Ross Lakes.
Travel Tip! The highway usually closes in November until early May for the winter. Also, the park has no gas stations, so fill up before you enter.
2. Washington Pass Overlook
Here’s my suggestion: Drive all the way to the farthest point to make sure you’ve got plenty of time to see everything before it gets dark. Plus, the North Cascade lakes look much better when the sun is shining its brightest!
So, you’re first stop will be Washington Pass Overlook, which gives great views of the Liberty Bell and Early Winters Spires peaks. It’s an easy 0.2-mile paved loop trail from the parking area to the overlook.
Travel Tip! This overlook can be cold even in summer due to its elevation, so bring a jacket.
3. Hike to Blue Lake
Next on your itinerary is the Blue Lake Trail, a moderate, well-marked trail that leads you to the alpine Blue Lake. Nestled among the granite peaks, the trail is approximately 4.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,050 feet. It starts from a trailhead off the North Cascades Highway and takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete.
You’ll pass through old-growth forests, meadows dotted with wildflowers and eventually arrive at the mesmerizingly clear Blue Lake. The shimmering turquoise water perfectly mirrors against a backdrop of towering peaks and cascading waterfalls.
The best time to hike the Blue Lake Trail is from July to October, when the trail is mostly clear of snow.
📖 Read Also: 11 Dreamy Lakes in West USA That Will Take Your Breath Away
4. Ross Lake Overlook
Following your hike to Blue Lake, you’re going to U-turn back west, coming to your first viewpoint of the lakes, Ross Lake Overlook. This spectacular viewpoint has commanding views of the turquoise Ross Lake surrounded by the rugged North Cascade peaks.
The overlook is an easily accessible roadside stop on the right side of the highway.
5. Ross Dam Hike
The Ross Dam Hike is a comfortable 1-mile round trip trail along a well-maintained path. It descends gently through a dense forest, leading you to the top of the towering Ross Dam.
From here, get a bird’s eye view of Ross Lake’s emerald waters, hemmed in by snow-capped peaks. The dam is an architectural marvel, and you can walk across it.
On both my trips, I came with different people, so I liked this hike enough to do it twice. Not shown in the picture, there is a metal rafter you can climb to get an even higher view of the dam.
6. Afternoon at Diablo Lake
The afternoon is reserved for Diablo Lake, my personal favorite of the park. The lake is known for its striking turquoise color caused by glacial runoff.
Try wading through the water. If your body can handle the freezing water, hit the trails, kayak around, and go to the best viewpoint in North Cascades.
Diablo Lake Trail
You probably won’t have time to do the whole Diablo Lake Trail, but it is one of the nicest hikes in the park. It’s a 7.6-mile round trip trek that winds its way up to a cliff, passing view after view of panoramas of Diablo Lake and the surrounding peaks.
The trail is moderately difficult and features an elevation gain of approximately 1,400 feet. As you get higher, the trail opens up to the turquoise Diablo Lake against the backdrop of glacier-capped peaks.
Kayak on Diablo Lake
Paddle in the pristine waters of Diablo Lake. You can rent kayaks or go boating from various locations along State Route 20 or bring your own.
7. Diablo Lake Vista Point
Finally, end your day at Diablo Lake Vista Point, the perfect spot to watch the sunset. It’s just a short drive from Diablo Lake. The lookout gives an unobstructed view of Diablo Lake, Ross Dam, and the surrounding peaks. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a riot of colors over the lake and mountains.
Places to Visit with More Time
If you have more than one day, here are some other places to visit that are worth adding to your itinerary:
- Cascade Pass Trail: A challenging hike up to a mountain pass to glaciers and wildflowers.
- Hidden Lake Trail: An easy 1-mile trail leading to an alpine lake and mountain views.
- Gorge Creek Falls: A waterfall near the visitor center, accessible via a short, flat hike.
- Lake Chelan National Recreation Area: The third deepest lake in the country. There are no roads that lead here. It is only accessible by floatplane or ferry from the town of Chelan, Washington.
- Backcountry Camping: This is something on my bucket list. I want to take a kayak and just disappear into the forests of Diablo Lake. You do need to get a permit beforehand.
📖 Read Also: The Top 8 Hardest Hikes in US National Parks and Why They’re Worth It
Where to Stay
Winthrop is an ideal location near the park. This Old West has quaint cabins to comfortable hotels, all conveniently close to popular hiking trails. Otherwise, there are a few campgrounds within park boundaries.
Best Hotels Near North Cascades National Park
Check out these 3 awesome hotels in Winthrop for each budget:
| Hotel | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Luxury: Sun Mountain Lodge | – Upscale lodge with mountain views – Outdoor pool, multiple dining options – Access to many local trails |
| Mid-Range: Hotel Rio Vista | – Good location close to town – Balcony overlooking the river – Great facilities |
| Budget: Chewuch Inn & Cabins | – Clean, comfortable rooms – Close to the town center |
Campgrounds in North Cascades
There are many campgrounds in the park, but here are three that are convenient to access from the bypass.
| Campground | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Colonial Creek Campground | – Centrally located – Lakeside campsites – Half of the sites can be reserved in advance |
| Goodell Creek Campground | – Quiet, serene camping experience away from crowds – Proximity to trails and creeks – Operates on a first-come, first-served basis |
| Newhalem Creek Campground | – Accessible campsites and picnic shelters – Situated near various trails for easy hiking access – Mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites |
Is 1 Day Enough for North Cascades
A day trip to North Cascades is enough since not too much of the park is easily accessible. A one-day itinerary, like the one provided above, will allow you to drive through the scenic bypass road to the park’s highlights, like views at Washington Pass Overlook, Blue Lake, and Diablo Lake. However, with more time, you’d have the opportunity to delve deeper into the backcountry part of the park.
Best Time To Visit
Summer is the best season in this park, with warm temperatures and the least amount of precipitation. Most trails, including the high-elevation ones, are accessible during this time. Be prepared for possible crowds, but as one of America’s underrated National Parks, it never gets too crazy.
Spring and fall in North Cascades are seasons of transformation. Spring starts to shake off its winter chill, the snow begins to melt, and the landscape blossoms with colors. While Autumn brings a crisp chill to the air and a spectacular display of fall colors. The weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny and rainy days or even snow.
Winter in North Cascades brings heavy snowfall. Most facilities and roads, including the North Cascades Highway, are closed from late November to early May.
How to Get There
Reaching North Cascades National Park involves traversing through some of the most scenic routes in the Pacific Northwest. The park’s main artery, the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20), is an attraction in itself. Here’s how you can get there:
By Car: Most people are going to drive. If you’re coming from Seattle, it’s a roughly three-hour drive. From Vancouver, BC, you’re looking at about a four-hour drive.
By Air: The nearest major airports are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Both airports offer car rental services.
By Public Transportation: Unfortunately, there are no direct bus or train services to North Cascades National Park. You can take a bus to one of the nearby cities, like Sedro-Woolley or Burlington or the closest Amtrak station is in Mount Vernon.
Final Thoughts: Day Trip to North Cascades
This itinerary provides a comprehensive but realistic guide to the best things to do on a one day adventure in North Cascades National Park. If you found this guide helpful and want to explore more incredible destinations in Washington, don’t hesitate to check out our other travel articles.
Don’t close that tab just yet…Where to Next in Washington?
I’ve vanlifed north to south, east to west, all through Washington on to massive road trips. If you’re headed your way anywhere else in the state, check out my other destination itineraries to help you plan your trip.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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