The North Cascades mountain range is often called The American Alps. It is a stunning line of snow-capped peaks with brightly colored alpine lakes and dramatic wooded slopes running along the US/ Canadian border.
The national park is the least visited of Washington’s three national parks, but don’t let that make you decide not to visit. It’s stunning!
North Cascades National Park Travel Guide
North Cascades National Park at a glance
- State: Washington
- Main attractions: Mountains, lakes
- Best time to go: Late spring to early fall
- Fun Facts:
- There are four sections to North Cascades National Park Complex. Most people stick to the Ross Lake National Recreational Area and Highway 20 that runs along it.
- There is an active hydro electric scheme in this section of the park (predating the national park). The dramatic Diablo Lake is actually formed by a dam.
- The small village of Stehekin in the Chelan Lake National Recreational Area can only be reached by boat and sea plane.
- The two most popular areas in Glacier National Park are the appropriately named Sunrise and Paradise.
North Cascades National Park Guide
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Best Tours of Washington & Seattle
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About the Author
James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents. He has visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks.
He has rafted through the Grand Canyon; rappelled down slot canyons near Zion and Arches; hiked among the hoodoos in Bryce and the enormous trees in Sequoia; admired the waterfalls in Yosemite and the colored hot springs in Yellowstone; seen moose in Grand Tetons and seals in the Channel Islands, and much more.
