Itinerary · 2 days · Washington
2 Days in North Cascades National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of North Cascades National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jul–Sep. Closest major airport: Seattle–Tacoma (SEA), about 2.5 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Stop at the Diablo Lake Overlook. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Hike Cascade Pass Trail.
- Evening: Walk Thunder Knob for lake views.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: See the golden larches at Maple Pass Loop (late Sept).
- Afternoon: Boat to Stehekin on Lake Chelan.
Most visitors see the park from State Route 20. For the real backcountry, hike Cascade Pass or take the boat up Lake Chelan to Stehekin.
When to go
The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is July–September.
Best time to visit North Cascades, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in North Cascades National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: stop at the diablo lake overlook and hike cascade pass trail on day one, then see the golden larches at maple pass loop (late sept) on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this North Cascades itinerary?
Go in Jul–Sep, when the park is rated at its best. July through September offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do North Cascades in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss see the golden larches at maple pass loop (late sept). Two days is the sweet spot.