North Cascades National Park Itinerary
It’s time to visit the North Cascades. It’s exactly like what you’d picture in this corner of Washington State: glaciers, evergreens, pristine lakes, and the scent of warm pine needles underfoot.
It’s maybe not the best-known or biggest of the National Parks, but maybe that’s a good thing indeed. This is a little secret gem you’ll want to tuck in your back pocket as an out-of-the-way adventure.
Where to stay
Lodging is key. I mean, you could rough it in a tent, but staying in a spot with Wi-Fi, warm clean beds, and a pool is clutch. Best options include:
Hotel Indigo – On the waterfront of the Salish Sea. Lodge in luxury, dine in the restaurant at Jetty Bar and Grille or in restaurants within walking distance.
Delta Hotel – Located near Interstate 5, this hotel makes for an easy basecamp to explore the PNW.
AirBnBs near the park – find a private place with easy access to North Cascades. With 670 cabin rentals, you’ve definitely got options.
Let’s look at North Cascades by the numbers. 312 glaciers, over 500,000 square miles, over 500 lakes and ponds, 236,000 square acres of old-growth forests, 75 mammal species, and 28 fish species. All of this only about 75 miles from Snohomish County. Enjoy!
Diablo Lake – A glacial-green lake favored by tourists for its visibility from a roadside outlook. The Diablo Lake Trail takes hikers up the talus slopes of Sourdough Mountain for incredible views deep into the Cascade Mountains.
Visitor Center – A must-visit for interpretive centers, educational films, knowledgeable rangers, and all of the National Parks swag you can pack into your carry-on.
Top 3 easy-access trails
Happy Creek Forest Walk – Seriously the cutest name. Sounds like the setting of a Disney movie. This .3-mile trail is mostly gravel and boardwalks and it takes you out into stands of evergreen trees and over the eponymous creek. No elevation gain. A literal walk in the (national) park.
Gorge Overlook Trail – Catch great views of the Skagit River is the Gorge Overlook Trail on this .5 mile round trip paved trail. Access can be found right off Highway 20 near the bridge crossing Gorge Creek. A super-easy hike.
Trail of the Cedars – A .3-mile trail through, yes, cedars also takes hikers over a suspension bridge, making this simple hike a photo-op par excellence.
Dinner options in Everett
Arriving back to the big city after your day in the wilds... you’re gonna be hungry. Take a shower and get ready to restore, reward, and refuel. Here are your best bets.
Jetty Bar and Grille – Conveniently located inside Hotel Indigo. If you’re stating here, just pop downstairs for gourmet bistro food and cocktails, heavy on the seafood options. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal wide views of boats docked at the Everett Marina.
Capers + Olives – From-scratch cooking featuring local and in-season ingredients. The quality here is second to none in town and it’s apparent in the flavorful dishes. Tell Chef Jimmy we say hi.
Taco-book Taqueria – okay, this one’s a secret. Don’t tell anyone. Located next to a laundromat on Broadway is the tiniest hole-in-the-wall taco joint you’ve ever ducked into. You can eat like a king for only a few bucks. Plates full of tacos, quesadillas, tortas, and tamales to go. Remarkable.
Caring for Our National Parks and Forests: How Visitors Can Help
Responsible recreation is at the core of Snohomish County’s mission and encourages you to learn more about taking care of our National Parks and reminds you to secure reservations where required.
Our national parks, forests, and public lands are some of the most beautiful places to explore — but they need our help. With staffing and resources limited in many areas, visitors can play an important role in keeping these special places clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Whether you’re planning a weekend hike or a longer adventure, here are a few simple ways you can make a positive impact.
