Like most national parks within the United States, the best way to experience all that North Cascades Park has to offer is by getting right into the thick of it on the many trails that abound through this region. North Cascades Park boasts an amazing 386 miles of maintained trails. That is an amazing amount of country that is ripe for the exploring.
If you are looking to experience the beauty of the North Cascades on a multi-day backpacking trip, there are several trails in North Cascades Park to entice you. One of the most amazing trails in the park is the Hannegan Pass - Ross Lake trail. This trail takes you across 92 miles of incredible beauty. Wildflowers abound, and the trail takes you not only through Hannegan Pass to Ross Lake but also offers up some amazing glacier views and beautiful waterfalls along the way.
A shorter but still multi-day hike can be found between Colonial Creek Campground and Stehekin Valley. Covering almost 60 miles, this unbelievably beautiful hike takes you through some spectacular old forest growth as it travels into the heart of Stehekin Valley. This area is truly a feast for the eyes, and one of the best ways to experience it is with a backpacking hiking trip.
If you are looking for shorter day hikes, you will certainly find plenty of them within North Cascades Park. One popular day hike can be found at East Bank of Ross Lake. An easy going walk that takes you just over half a mile round trip, travel to the beautiful Ruby Creek Bridge. If you do want to go on further, you can follow North Cascades Highway all the way to Hozomeen for 31 miles.
Many of the best short hikes in North Cascades Park can be found in the popular area of New Halem. One of the most popular camping areas in the park, you will find several trails less than a mile in length here to explore and experience new fantastic beauty. Follow the Trail of Cedars, take the River Loop Trail, or have a little bit of fun on the Happy Creek Forest Trail.
Don't think that hiking is the only way to experience North Cascades Park. There are numerous other activities that you can partake in during your trip. Are you into mountain and rock climbing? Here in the Alps of North America you will find plenty of climbing opportunities. Maybe you are wondering about kayaking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing? It is all possible here in the Alps of North America.
The North Cascades are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges to be found anywhere in the United States of America or the entire continent of North America for that matter. While they cannot compare with the magnificent and larger-than-life majesty of the Rockies, this incredible mountain range holds a rugged beauty all its own, one that is sure to impress and awe even the most jaded visitor to this incredible region in the state of Washington.