NORTH CASCADES ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Photo: Ryan Stone
NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK: AMERICA’S BEST-KEPT WILDERNESS SECRET
Embark on an unforgettable road trip through the diverse landscapes of the North Cascades National Park Complex, Washington State's largest natural haven. Just a short drive from Seattle, this park encompasses four distinct areas seamlessly interconnected. Delve into the wonders of the North Cascades National Park North Unit, explore the charms of the NCNP South Unit, embrace the recreational delights of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and bask in the serenity of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Join us as we unveil the beauty and adventure that awaits at every turn in this remarkable journey.
While the suggested itinerary follows a clockwise direction, you might prefer a counterclockwise route depending on the time of year. Opting for the counterclockwise direction places you in Eastern Washington initially, where rainfall is typically less frequent. This choice allows for flexibility in case of rain on the Western side, providing time for the weather to shift before your arrival. Regardless of the chosen direction, rest assured that exciting adventures await!
Important things to note when traveling through the North Cascades:
During summer, this itinerary can be affected by wildfires - be sure to check this wildfire map
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park - check out this guide for our favorite trails
The first part of this itinerary uses Highway 20, which is often closed in the winter. To ensure the road will be accessible, visit this site.
Day 1: Seattle to Marblemount
Embark on a personalized adventure as you journey from Seattle to Marblemount! Selecting your route is like choosing your coffee intensity, with options ranging from Mild to Medium and Bold. Tailor your road trip experience based on your time constraints, family considerations, and preferences. Each route promises a unique set of experiences, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy in this captivating journey.
Insider Tip: Planning your travel during the spring? Don't overlook the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, spanning the entire month. Witness Mother Nature's canvas come to life with millions of blooming tulips and daffodils. As Washington state's largest festival, it draws over half a million visitors. Once parked, grab a map, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors as you stroll through the fields!
Mild Roast:
Travel north on I-5 until you reach Everett, then head east on Washington State Highway 20 towards Sedro-Woolley. This route will take you through the charming town of Concrete, known for its peculiar history. Be cautious about your speed while in town, as it has gained a reputation for having notable speed traps.
Pro tip! While exploring Concrete, don't miss the still-functioning Henry Thompson Bridge on the north side of town. Erected over a century ago, it holds the distinction of being the longest single-span reinforced concrete bridge of its time. Although the town may seem quiet, it's intriguing to explore, especially considering its predominantly concrete construction!
Continue your journey on Highway 20 until you reach Marblemount. For specific directions in the Marblemount area, refer to the corresponding information below.
Medium Roast:
Head north on I-5 until you reach Arlington. From there, take Highway 530 towards Darrington, which connects with State Highway 20. Opt for this path if you're seeking a quicker and more scenic journey through the countryside and lush forests. Your destination is the charming town of Marblemount.
Bold Roast:
Drive north on I-5 to Everett, then take Highway 2, following signs to Granite Falls. Just outside this small town lies a half-mile stretch of beautiful granite, worn smooth by the river and falls. A quick and easy 10-minute hike leads to a scenic viewpoint, but caution is advised due to slippery surfaces.
Consider stopping by Mount Pilchuck State Park and hiking to the fire lookout. It is important to note that there have been recent road closures, making the hike much longer. Find out more information at the AllTrails listing.
Continue to Big Four Ice Caves on the Mountain Loop highway, a one-mile walk with a 200-ft elevation gain. Experience the cold blast of air from these ice caves formed by winter and spring avalanches. While enticing, the caves are unpredictable, so caution is advised.
Continue on the Mountain Loop highway to Barlow Pass, then follow the Monte Christo access road. Explore the abandoned ghost town of Monte Christo on an eight-mile round trip hike with a 700-ft elevation gain. Fun fact: The grandfather of the 45th U.S. president had his first hotel here.
Head north to Darrington on Forest Service Road 20 (FR20), connect with State Highway 530, and make your way to Marblemount.
Marblemount:
In Marblemount, you'll find a range of camping and adventure options to suit your preferences. If you plan on overnight backpacking, make sure to obtain a free permit from the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount, as backpacking in this region is notably picturesque and easily accessible.
(Alert!) Regarding wildlife, the North Cascades teem with beavers, deer, snakes, bears, and more. Consult with a Ranger to learn how to navigate this environment if you're unfamiliar. Generally, remember that wildlife is more afraid of you than you are of them!
Choose between two types of camping in the area: undeveloped and developed. Undeveloped sites, like Marble Creek and Mineral Park campgrounds on Cascade River Road, offer compact dirt sites with picnic tables and vault-type toilets. These sites are smaller, more intimate, less expensive, and bring you closer to nature. For developed sites with paved pads, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, head to Goodell Creek, Newhalem, or Colonial Creek along Highway 20. These are first come, first served with no reservations but provide excellent services and larger spaces, often with a resident host.
Day 2: North Cascades Parks
Discover a plethora of activities just a short drive away! Here are some of our top recommendations:
Cascade Pass: For those staying at Marble Creek or Mineral Park, follow the road until it concludes at Cascade Pass. Ensure road conditions by checking online, as snow may obstruct it early in the season. Despite potential road closures, hiking remains viable. Cascade Pass boasts one of the most accessible and breathtaking views. A brief hike to the pass's summit at 5,392 feet rewards you with a panoramic 360-degree vista of the entire Cascade range.
Newhalem, Gorge Dam, and Diablo Lake Dam: Seattle primarily relies on hydropower, with three dams—Gorge, Diablo, and Ross—constructed in the 1920s and 30s. Two of them, Gorge and Diablo, are open for tours. Newhalem, a city-owned town managed by Seattle, allows daytime tours of the Gorge Dam and its gardens, with reservations required for the powerhouse tour.
Pro tip: Experience the enchanting Gorge Dam gardens illuminated at night by scheduling an evening tour. Reservations are essential, and an optional dinner is served alongside the tour.
Another pro tip: Treat yourself to some of the finest fudge in the PNW at the General Store in Newhalem. Don't forget to visit the Skagit Information Center across the street to chat with a ranger. The park system also features an extensive network of visitor centers, including the newly constructed North Cascades Visitor Center.
Diablo Dam: Completed in 1936, Diablo Dam was once the world's tallest dam and still holds the title for Washington state. Resembling the iconic Hoover Dam, albeit half its height, Diablo Dam showcases exquisite Art Deco architecture.
Pro tip: Venture out of Newhalem and ascend the canyon. Look for the sign pointing to the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. Drive over the rim of Diablo Dam, the second of the three dams. Make sure to explore on foot and check out the brand-new visitor center for excellent information and views!
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Day 3: Marblemount to Winthrop
Embark on a journey to Winthrop and Twisp via Highway 20, exploring the Eastern side of the Cascade Range. For breathtaking views of both the West and East sides of the Cascades, make sure to pause at the Washington Pass Observation Site. Notice the distinct contrast between the environments on either side.
As you venture into the Eastern side of the Cascade range, anticipate a warmer and drier landscape compared to the Western Cascades. The Methow Valley welcomes you with its unique charm, housing the quaint towns of Winthrop and Twisp. Delight in their laid-back atmospheres, offering activities such as hot air balloon tours, horseback riding, nostalgic boardwalk shopping, and visits to various art studios. The Twisp River Recreation area is a must-stop for fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping.
Don't miss the opportunity to step into the past at the Quant Shafer Museum, providing insights into the area's history at the turn of the last century. Admission is by donation.
For camping enthusiasts, the area provides numerous options. Consult the US Forest Service guide to campgrounds for a comprehensive list of recommended spots.
Day 4: Twisp to Chelan
Navigate southward from Twisp on State Highway 153, diverging from State Highway 20 for the first time, and set your course for Lake Chelan and Chelan State Park. Stretching over 50 miles, Lake Chelan claims the title of the largest natural lake in the state. In Chelan town, consider embarking on an adventure aboard the Lady of the Lake or the Lady Express, both bound for the charming village of Stehekin at the lake's terminus. Note that the ferry strictly prohibits vehicles, offering a delightful journey and a myriad of activities to enjoy at Stehekin Lodge, from hiking to bus tours to Rainbow Falls.
Pro tip: Pack a lunch or some light snacks for the voyage. Ferry schedules allow for up to a 6-hour layover in Stehekin, rendering it an ideal day trip.
For those with a penchant for fine wine over lake excursions, Chelan has gained renown for its exceptional wines and vineyards. Explore Mike Stowe and the WAVE (Winery Assault Vehicle Excursion), a Pinzgauer mobility vehicle with distant ties to our VW Vanagons, offered by Chelan Valley Tours for a unique and enjoyable tour of local vineyards.
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Optional Day Trip: Chelan to Grand Coulee and Dry Falls
While not officially within the confines of the North Cascades National Park system, the Grand Coulee Dam lies just an hour's drive from Chelan. Spanning a mile in width, this dam stands as the most prolific electricity-producing facility in the United States. Beyond its power generation, the Grand Coulee Dam plays a crucial role in the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project, elevating water from Lake Roosevelt to Eastern Washington and facilitating the cultivation of thousands of acres of new farmland. Both the Grand Coulee Dam and the irrigation project are remnants of Works Progress Administration (WPA) initiatives from the 1930s that have significantly contributed to the prosperity of the Pacific Northwest, influencing everything from aircraft production to apple cultivation.
In addition to its historical significance, the region boasts some of the most captivating geology in North America, collectively known as the scablands. Explore attractions like Dry Falls and Sun Lakes Dry Falls State Park for boating, ski-doo rentals, or swimming. Dry Falls itself spans over 3.5 miles in width, standing at a towering height of 400 feet. Remarkably, this geological marvel was once estimated to be submerged under 400 feet of water. The expansive area, stretching as far as Eugene, Oregon, was shaped by ancient ice floods that swept through the landscape.
Day 6: Chelan to Lake Wenatchee
Departing from Chelan, merge onto Highway 197, which converges with Highway 97 before seamlessly transitioning into Highway 2 as you reach the larger city of Wenatchee. Travel westward towards Lake Wenatchee State Park for the evening. Depending on the season and time of year, be mindful of potentially heightened mosquito and other flying critter activity in the evening, attributed to warmer weather and available water sources. Alternatively, consider camping further along Highway 2, with numerous smaller sites along and off the highway, such as Money Creek and Wallace Falls State Parks.
Pro tip: Allocate some time to explore the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. Summer activities abound, including shopping, river rafting, kayaking, tubing, fishing, horseback riding, and even wagon rides!
Day 7: Lake Wenatchee to Peace Vans
Go west on Highway 2 to Monroe, then take Washington State Highway 522 toward Woodinville. Connect to Interstate 405 southbound to reach Bellevue. From there, take Interstate 90 westbound. Exit onto Interstate Highway 5 southbound, and shortly after, take the exit for 6th Avenue. Peace Vans is just three blocks north.
Ready to hit the road?
Rent a camper van from Peace Vans any time of the year. Visit our reservation page today to secure your adventure vehicle, and our team will provide you with tips and tricks for exploring the North Cascades, America's hidden gem.