North Cascades National Park Travel Guide

Copper Ridge–Chilliwack River Loop – A premier multi-day traverse that strings together old‑growth valleys, heather meadows, and airy ridgelines with far‑ranging looks to the Picket Range and the crevassed mass of Mount Shuksan. Camps dot high alpine basins and river benches, black bears are common in berry season, and lingering early‑summer snow can make the ridge corniced and spicy. Expect big climbs, swinging temps, and unforgettable sunsets from Copper Lookout.
    Length: 34–40 miles loop
    Type: Loop
    Difficulty: Strenuous
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Whatcom Pass & Tapto Lakes – Follow glacier‑fed creeks through deep cedar and hemlock to a high saddle where serrated summits encircle turquoise tarns. Many parties basecamp near Whatcom Pass and dayhike to Tapto Lakes for mirror‑calm dawn reflections of Challenger Glacier, then fall asleep to pika chirps and wind in the krummholz. Late snow, brushy sections, and river crossings add challenge—rewarded by true North Cascades solitude.
    Length: 20–30 miles out-and-back (longer with Tapto Lakes)
    Type: Out-and-back / Lollipop variations
    Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous
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Cascade Pass to Stehekin Traverse – A classic point‑to‑point that starts among hanging glaciers and wildflower ramps, then glides down long, glacially carved valleys toward the Lake Chelan headwaters and the tiny roadless community of Stehekin. Expect thunderous waterfalls, moose or black bear sign, and a satisfying “journey” feel capped with bakery pastries and a boat ride out. Snow can persist on the pass well into summer; shuttles/boat logistics are key.
    Length: 23–30 miles point-to-point (route dependent)
    Type: Point-to-point
    Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous
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Thunder Creek to Park Creek Pass – Thread the cool, mossy corridor of Thunder Creek beneath glacier‑fed peaks, then climb into larch country toward a high divide where views explode across serrated skylines. Autumn brings gilded needles and crisp nights; early summer means swollen creeks and patchy snow. Wildlife is plentiful, camps are well‑spaced, and the sense of traveling an ice‑hewn valley is palpable at every bend.
    Length: 30–36 miles point-to-point or out-and-back
    Type: Point-to-point / Out-and-back
    Difficulty: Strenuous
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Devils Dome Loop (Ross Lake NRA & Pasayten) – A crown‑jewel circuit that rings Jack Mountain with balcony views, airy traverses, and long lonely ridges where the horizon looks more Alps than Lower 48. Water sources can be seasonal on the crest; late summer brings ripe huckleberries and star‑drenched nights. Expect big elevation swings and a true wilderness feel punctuated by sparkling glimpses of Ross Lake below.
    Length: 40–43 miles loop
    Type: Loop
    Difficulty: Strenuous
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East Bank Trail to Lightning Creek & Hozomeen – Follow the long, forested shoreline of Ross Lake, where camps sit on quiet coves and dawn paints the water in pastel bands. Side valleys like Lightning Creek climb into wilder basins for a multi‑night out‑and‑back that mixes lakeside tranquility with mountain forays. Boat shuttles can shorten approaches; summer afternoons can be warm and breezy along the water.
    Length: 30–50 miles out-and-back (customizable)
    Type: Out-and-back
    Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous
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Desolation Peak via Ross Lake – A storied climb to a historic fire lookout where Jack Kerouac once kept watch, rewarding strong legs with sweeping looks to the Pickets and a sea of peaks. Approach by trail or boat taxi, then switchback steadily through fir and hemlock to subalpine meadows and the rocky summit knob. Water can be scarce on the upper mountain; plan for a dry camp and brilliant Milky Way nights.
    Length: 16–22 miles out-and-back (depending on start/boat drop)
    Type: Out-and-back
    Difficulty: Strenuous
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Rainbow–McAlester Loop (Lake Chelan NRA) – A larch‑studded high country tour linking broad passes, turquoise lakes, and breezy meadows frequented by mule deer and curious marmots. Summer wildflowers paint the slopes; in fall, golden larch needles glow at sunrise and crunch underfoot by afternoon. Steady climbing, occasional blowdowns, and long, water‑spaced stretches make route planning and camp selection part of the fun.
    Length: 28–33 miles loop
    Type: Loop
    Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous
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Big Beaver Valley to Luna Camp – Journey up an ancient cedar corridor where moss cloaks everything and the air feels cool even on hot days, then camp beneath looming walls that guard the roadless Pickets. Many extend the trip with side explorations or a boat taxi approach to tailor mileage. Expect bridges, numerous creeklets, and classic temperate‑rainforest vibes with frequent bear sign—hang food and keep camps tidy.
    Length: 24–34 miles out-and-back (longer with extensions)
    Type: Out-and-back
    Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous
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Hannegan Pass to Copper Ridge Traverse – Beginning just outside the park in Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, this high route quickly enters the national park complex to stitch together glacier vistas, flowered ridges, and deep river canyons. It’s a superb variation for strong parties who want a point‑to‑point feel without repeating miles, but it demands solid logistics and comfort with lingering snow. (Trailhead outside park; enters NCNP.)
    Length: 30–36 miles point-to-point
    Type: Point-to-point
    Difficulty: Strenuous
    Reservations
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