COUNTRY
United States
WHEN TO GO
May through October
NUMBER OF NIGHTS
3 to 7
When you think of majestic snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine forests, and brilliant turquoise lakes, Banff and Jasper National Parks are probably the first places that comes to mind. However, it turns out that you can actually get nearly the complete Banff and Jasper experience without having to travel to Canada. It’s one of the most stunningly beautiful places in the United States. And best of all, very few people know it even exists.
Welcome to North Cascades National Park, Washington’s little-known answer to Banff and Jasper. Like its Canadian counterparts, North Cascades is a premier destination for both solo and group travelers. It’s within a few hours drive of two major airports, and easily accessible from Interstate 5. Our 5-day itinerary through North Cascades National park will get you out hiking, onto those breathtaking turquoise glacial lakes, and up to play in the snow, even if you’re visiting in the middle of summer.
North Cascades Itinerary at a Glance
Your North Cascades National Park itinerary can easily be customized to fit your schedule. While you can see the highlights of the park in just a day or two, you’ll get a much more fulfilling experience if you slow down and really soak in the scenery and environment. If you run out of things to do, Washington’s much more well-known national parks, including Olympic and Mt. Rainier are just a few hours drive from North Cascades.
Day 1
Arrive at North Cascades National Park
Check into your hotel, cabin, or campsite
Day 2
Drive to the summit of Mt. Baker
Hike and/or Play in the Summer Snow
Day 3
Drive the North Cascades Scenic Byway
Visit breathtaking turquoise glacial rivers and lakes
Photograph Diablo Lake from the stunning aerial overlook
Hike some of the many trails along the scenic byway
Day 4
Go kayaking or canoeing on Diablo Lake
There are plenty of other lakes to explore by boat, too
Day 5
Check out of your hotel, cabin, or campsite
Travel home or onto your next destination
Visualize Your North Cascades Adventure
North Cascades National Park: Area Overview
Located near the US-Canada border in far northern Washington, North Cascades National Park rivals the beauty of Banff and Jasper. Featuring the same rugged mountains, pristine alpine forest, and brilliant turquoise glacial lakes, your North Cascades itinerary will bring you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. Often overshadowed by nearby Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks, you’ll rarely find large crowds anywhere in North Cascades National Park, even during the peak summer season.
While your North Cascades itinerary will likely be aimed at summer activities, the park offers outdoor adventures year-round. And don’t forget to keep your eye out for wildlife. North Cascades is home to species that include bears, wolves, eagles, otters, and even bats, just to name a few. Whether you’re looking to go hiking, boating, skiing, snow-shoeing, or anything else, you’ll find there’s no shortage of things to do at one of the United States’ most underrated National Parks.
Easy Access from the United States and Canada
Because of its proximity to the international border, you can easily access North Cascades National Park from both the United States and Canada. Both countries have major highways that lead directly to the national park. Additionally, the park’s primary entrance sits just two and a half hours from both Seattle-Tacoma and Vancouver International Airports, providing direct access by air and by car.
UNITED STATES
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Interstate 5
Washington Highway 20
CANADA
Vancouver International Airport
Trans-Canada Highway
B.C. Highway 99 or 11
Stay Safe on Your North Cascades Adventure
Despite its beauty, North Cascades National Park is full of potential hazards that can easily ruin your adventure, even if you’re just out for a scenic drive. Both black bears and grizzlies inhabit the park, so always carry bear spray when you’re hiking, camping, or boating. Obey all fire restrictions and burn bans. In the wintertime, avalanches and extreme winter weather are constant threats.
Finally, no matter what time of year your North Cascades itinerary brings you to the park, weather in the mountains can change in an instant, without warning. At the park’s higher elevations, it can snow year-round. Before you set off on any adventure in North Cascades National Park, please check the park’s safety briefing for the latest restrictions and information.
Accommodations
From luxurious lakefront lodges to backcountry campsites, you’ll find lodging and accommodations at North Cascades National Park that fit every budget. We generally recommend accommodations that are neither super expensive nor super cheap. You can often find good deals on hotels in the towns just outside the park, or even some of the roadside hotels and lodges along Interstate 5. At north end of the park, there are plenty of affordable hotels in Abbotsford, British Columbia, which is just a 40-minute drive from the park’s north entrance.
Explore the Pacific Northwest
Your North Cascades National Park itinerary doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the whole Pacific Northwest experience. With two countries at your disposal, you can easily spend several weeks exploring both the American and Canadian sides of the border. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
WASHINGTON AND OREGON
Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks
Mount St. Helens National Monument
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
Explore Seattle, Puget Sound, and the Oregon Coast
BRITISH COLUMBIA
British Columbia Provincial Parks
Drive Canada’s Highway Through Hell
Tour Vancouver
Explore Vancouver Island
The Fine Print: Costs
North Cascades National Park is such a fantastic destination because it can accommodate budgets of all sizes. Below, you’ll find the approximate costs for the typical traveler that gives you all the comforts of home.
5-DAY SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURE
$2,000 to $5,000
The Cost Includes
Domestic flights to Seattle or Vancouver
Rental Cars and Fuel
Canoe/Kayak Rentals
National Park Fees
Hotels and Lodging
Meals and Snacks
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
The Cost Does Not Include
International Flights Originating Outside the US and Canada
Visa and/or Entry Fees to the United States and Canada
Alcoholic Beverages
Souvenirs and Personal Items
