Why Does NOBODY Visit This National Park?!
If you can believe it, Washington has one of the least visited national parks in the country!
It must be because people haven’t seen photos of this place because if they did, they’d be blown away by the beauty.
Dense coniferous forest, jagged mountain peaks, shimmering glacier lakes, and a lifetime’s worth of adventures for those keen to explore…
So, what is this magical place? Where is it?!
It’s North Cascades National Park in northern Washington, nearly in Canada!
Here’s the lowdown on everything you can do here and why you gotta visit…
GET THE ULTIMATE PNW MAP
Get our curated list of the best adventures, things to do, and places to grab a brew loaded onto your maps with just two clicks!
Table of Contents
About This Underrated National Park
North Cascades National Park is an adventurer’s paradise tucked away in Washington state, and it’s begging you to come!
This park is home to dense forests, rugged mountains, and pristine lakes, offering a tranquil escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Despite its stunning scenery, it’s one of the least visited national parks, making it a perfect destination for those looking to avoid the crowds.
Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or just soaking up breathtaking views, North Cascades is worth the visit.
Best Hikes to Tackle
Ready to hit the trails? Here are some of the best hikes in North Cascades National Park:
1. Chain Lakes Loop Trail
Distance: 7.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The Chain Lakes Loop Trail offers stunning alpine scenery with views of Mt. Baker and numerous lakes. It’s a moderate hike with a mix of uphill climbs and downhill strolls.
Read more about the Chain Lakes Loop Trail!
2. Bagley Creek Loop Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Bagley Creek Loop Trail is a leisurely hike through flower-filled meadows and around sparkling glacial lakes. Perfect for a quick, scenic walk.
3. Thunder Knob Trail
Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The Thunder Knob Trail offers stunning vistas of Diablo Lake with a well-marked path that’s easy to follow. Perfect for taking in panoramic views without too much effort.
Want to explore more? Read more about hiking in North Cascades National Park!
4. Maple Pass Trail
Distance: 7.4 miles
Difficulty: Hard
The Maple Pass Trail is a challenging hike with panoramic views of the North Cascades. This loop trail offers a mix of forested paths and open ridgelines, perfect for avid hikers.
Want more adventure? Explore the Maple Pass Trail!
5. Rainy Lake Trail
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Rainy Lake Trail is a flat, well-marked path leading to a gorgeous green lake framed by the North Cascades. It’s a family-friendly hike perfect for all ages.
These are our top 5 hikes, but we have 10 more hikes listed in our hikes in North Cascades National Park post!
Other Things to Do
Aside from hiking, here are a few other activities to enjoy in North Cascades National Park:
- Staying in a cabin
- Boating on Ross Lake
- Scenic drives along Highway 20
- Wildlife spotting and photography
WAIT! So Why Does NOBODY Visit This National Park?!
Oh right, I guess we should address this initial question! Well, there isn’t a real hard and fast reason but we think:
- Mount Rainier and Olympic are just way more popular overall.
- It’s a bit remote and out of the way, particularly compared to the other two national parks.
Want to explore more? Read more about our top trails at North Cascades National Park!
