Page Updated: August 11, 2023
North Cascades National Park
2021 AUGUST
Thunder Arm - Cascade National Park
Before setting foot in North Cascades National Park, we had no idea what to expect. What we found was a remarkable gem often referred to as the American Alps. The park is part of a greater complex that includes Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Together, the three NPS units span 677K+ acres of remarkable geology that is still rising, still shifting, and still forming.
The drive into North Cascades National Park is part of a greater scenic drive in Washington State known as the Cascade Loop. One of the most scenic in the country, the route cuts the park into northern and southern regions as it passes through Skagit Gorge.
After grabbing specifics for our overnight camp and stopping at the visitors center to get info on trails, we decided to set up our Newhalem Campground site before exploring more of the park. Compared to previous parks, sites were nicely spaced and offered greater seclusion. A huge plus!
While planning our camp. we’d decided we liked camping enough to invest a little more and upgraded our cheap three-person tent to a roomier six-man. And since I kept winding up on the ground with my blowup pad, we also picked up inflatable twin mattresses - with electric pumps.
For a change, we’d arrived at the park early enough and were set up fast enough to enjoy the rest of the afternoon checking out some of the park. We drove the scenic drive stopping at various overlooks and walked Trail of the Cedars located near our campground.
For hike day, our chosen trail was on fire; but rangers at the Welcome Center had recommended a handful of similar trails for us. I begrudgingly settled on Maple Pass — which is technically outside of the boundaries of North Cascades — but I’m thrilled to relay this trail was epic and is easily one of our top 3 hikes in the US. The terrain is tough, but the views are spectacular.
One thing we missed in the park is getting a closer look at the Gorge Power House. The structure and subsequent dams were built in the 1920’s before the area was designated as a national park.
Driving by, it presents as a danger no trespassing area, but we’ve since learned you can access the power house via Ladder Falls Trail behind the building to learn the history of the 3 dams and hydroelectric power being created.
North Cascades National Park
scenes from
-b&b
Coupeville
Trail of Cedars
