Seattle to North Cascades National Park Road Trip

With glacier-capped mountains, lush green forests, and vast blue-green lakes, it’s no wonder why the North Cascades are known as the American Alps! And despite their immense beauty, the North Cascades are the least visited national park in Washington!

Located in northern Washington state, the drive from Seattle to North Cascades National Park is only a couple hours making it the perfect day trip, weekend getaway, or summer vacation spot! With hikes ranging from mellow forest walks to steep backpacking trips, the North Cascades offer experiences for all outdoor lovers.

How Far is North Cascades National Park from Seattle?

The drive from Seattle to North Cascades National Park is less than 3 hours! From Seattle to the park’s west entrance, it’s exactly 2 hours (without traffic).

If you plan to drive from Seattle to North Cascades National Park I’d recommend starting your trip early, especially if you’re visiting the park on the weekend.

When to Visit North Cascades National Park?

The summer time is the best time to drive from Seattle to North Cascades National Park. North Cascades Highway, Washington Route 20, is only open when clear of snow. It opens in the spring, usually in May, and closes in the early winter, usually in December, weather permitting.

If you’re planning to go hiking or backpacking, I’d recommend visiting in the late summer through fall when trails are clear of snow. The North Cascades are beautiful during winter, however, most park roads close.

How Long Does It Take to Drive Through North Cascades National Park?

Washington Route 20 runs through the center of North Cascades National Park. It’s about an hour and a half drive from the park’s west entrance to the east. Of course, you’ll want to spend plenty of time making stops and enjoying the views along the way.

You’ll pass by many park highlights including Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, and Washington Pass.

How to get to North Cascades National Park from Seattle

Head North on I-5 out of Seattle for about 47 miles. From I-5 exit right onto WA-530 E in Snohomish County. Continue on WA-530 E for about 46 miles. At the junction of State Route 20 turn right and head east.

Continue on Route 20, following along the Skagit River until you see the park entrance sign in about 14 miles. Route 20 continues all the way through North Cascades National Park, up over Washington Pass, and out to the town of Mazama on the east side of North Cascades.

How Long Should You Spend in North Cascades National Park?

While it’s definitely possible to plan a day trip to North Cascades National Park from Seattle, one day in North Cascades National Park is pretty limited. I’d recommend at least 2 full days, and even better if you can visit on the weekdays and avoid the weekend crowds!

Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park

Luckily enough, because the drive from Seattle to North Cascades National Park is so close, it’s possible to visit the North Cascades as a one-day trip, a weekend trip, or a week-long trip!

I always recommend spending a few days in a park to fully experience it, but any getaway is better than none! These are some of my favorite hikes, stops, and spots to add to your North Cascades National Park itinerary.

Stop by the North Cascades Visitor Center

Whenever I visit a national park, stopping at the visitor center is a must. Buy a sticker, chat with a ranger, or learn about park geology and history. The National Park Service visitor centers are filled with valuable information about the park as well as a gift shop.

The Newhalem visitor center is open daily from May 21 – September 30 from 9 am – 5 pm. It’s completely closed and locked. outside of this season.

Diablo Lake Vista Point

Viewpoint

Diablo Lake Vista Point is my favorite viewpoint in the park and it’s one of the first scenic spots along the drive from Seattle to North Cascades National Park.

The Diablo Lake Overlook offers impressive views of the glacial-fed, dammed lake, that is surrounded by high mountain peaks covered with both forest and glaciers.

Visit during the summer to see Diablo Lake with the most bright turquoise color. On sunny warm days in July, August, and September the lake is the most vibrant as the glaciers melt and the silt reaches the lake which when sunlight meets it the color is the brightest. Diablo Lake is a must for your North Cascades itinerary.

Thunder Knob Trail

3.4 miles out & back, 675 foot gain, moderate

The Thunder Knob Trail is a great leg-stretching hike, located close to the west entrance of North Cascades National Park. It’s a moderate hike, 3.4 miles round trip, gaining just under 700 feet of elevation gain.

Thunder Knob rises almost 700 feet above the center of Lake Diablo. From the top, you’ll have stunning views of the turquoise Lake Diablo and glacier-covered peaks and jagged mountain ridgelines.

Even in the winter this a beautiful, moderate hike. But you may need snowshoes following a deep snowfall.

Thunder Creek Trail

3 – 10 miles out & back, mostly flat with small ups and downs, easy

The Thunder Creek Trail is my favorite easy hike in North Cascades National Park. It showcases a classic PNW forest. Dense and lush with moss, lichen, fungi, trees, and plants. It’s a stunning walk.

I’d highly recommend hiking at least to the Thunder Creek Bridge, 1.5 miles in. The trail is relatively flat with some rolling sections. Upon reaching the bridge you’ll have beautiful sites of blueish-green water rushing below. Surrounded by dense forest and the remains of old-growth trees, you’ll walk in awe on the trail.

Washington Pass Overlook

As you drive Highway 20 on North Cascades Scenic Byway, make sure you stop at Washington Pass Overlook. At 5,476 feet in elevation you’ll have impressive views of the east side of the North Cascades. The jagged peaks to the west all the way out to the high desert in the east, Washington Pass Overlook is a beautiful stop you don’t want to miss.

Ladder Creek Falls

0.5 miles, 70 foot gain, easy

Ladder Creek Falls are one of the first spots you’ll hit on your drive from Seattle to North Cascades National Park. Located right off of Route 20 this trail features views of the Lake Diablo Dam, Ladder Creek Falls, and a suspension bridge.

It’s a great, family-friendly hike where you can see tiers of falls flowing down into the Skagit River.

Blue Lake Trail

4.7 miles out & back, 930 foot gain, moderate

The Blue Lake Trail is one of the best moderate trails in North Cascades National Park that offers views of a pristine, blue alpine lake surrounded by steep mountain peaks often covered with a bit of snow until late into summer.

Starting at the trailhead you’ll hike through subalpine forest until reading Blue Lake. Hike to the lake during the middle of the day for the biggest lake colors.

Maple Pass Loop

7.5-mile loop, 2200-foot gain

If you’re down for a strenuous hike to some of the most rewarding views you can reach on a day hike in the North Cascades then you should check out the Maple Pass Loop Trail.

Gaining over 2000 feet of elevation sounds exhausting but the views are beyond worth it. From ridgelines, you’ll have spectacular views looking down on Lake Ann and Rainy Lake while standing among the high snow and glacier-covered peaks.

This is a great introductory hike into the alpine of the North Cascades and a great test for anyone planning a backpacking trip through the steep terrain in the area.

Ross Dam Trail

1.5 miles out & back, 360 foot gain, moderate

The Ross Dam Trail starts right off North Cascades Highway and continues along Happy Creek down to the dam at Ross Lake which then flows into the Skagit River.

Along the hike and from the bottom you’ll have views o the Ross Dam and surrounding forests.

Go Backpacking

North Cascades National Park is filled with backpacking trails. Aside from Route 20 passing through the park, the park is only accessible by foot travel in the backcountry. It’s important to get permits but looking into planning a backpacking trip check out this guide for everything you need to know! 

While you’re at it, plan a road trip to Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park too!

Seattle to North Cascades National Park Packing List

While the drive from Seattle to North Cascades National Park is only a couple of hours, the climates are very different, especially depending on the season. Typically it’s a bit cooler up in the mountains although that strong summer sun can really heat things up.

Packing layers is always essential. In addition, sun protection, hiking equipment, and general road trip gear are included on this list too.

• Clothing layers – puffy jacket, rain jacket, warm base layer
• Comfortable hiking boots or trail runners
• Quick-drying hiking pants
• Long-sleeved sun hoodie
• Day hiking backpack 18 – 30 liters
• Trekking poles
• Gloves
• Sun hat
• Warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Road maps – downloaded offline & paper
• First aid kit – blister care, over-the-counter meds (Ibuprofen, Acetopmetafin, Benadryl), bandaids, gauze, medical tape, medical scissors, antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)
• Snacks
• Water
• Water filter
• Bug spray
• Sunblock
• Garmin InReach Mini
• Pocket knife
• Topo map

Where to Stay

If you’re planning to turn your Seattle to North Cascades National Park road trip into an overnight or few, think about whether you plan to camp or stay in accommodations.

If you’re traveling during the high season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, I’d highly recommend reserving campgrounds and lodging well in advance when visiting North Cascades National Park.

Lodging

Lodging in the park is very limited. Aside from Ross Lake Resort and North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin, all lodging is outside the North Cascades National Park complex.

On the west side of North Cascades, check out the Mount Baker Hotel in Concrete. Ore rent an a-frame cabin or riverside cabin.

If you want to stay on the east side of the park, the small town of Winthrop has the closest options. Some of my top recommendations are The Sun Mountain Lodge, Rivers Edge Resort, Mt Gardner Inn, Chewuch Inn & Cabins, and the Methow River Log Cabins.

Camping

Luckily there are a handful of campsites in the North Cascades National Park complex. Dispersed camping is not permitted in the park but there are also backcountry sites.

On the west side of the park check out the Newhalem Creek Campground, Gorge Lake Campground, Goodell Creek Campground, Colonial Creek North Campground, and Colonial Creek South Campground.

During the summer there are also boat-in campgrounds on Ross, Lake, Diablo Lake, and Lake Chelan.