Best Backpacking Trips in North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades, often referred to as the ‘North American Alps’, are located in northwestern Washington. Nestled into this range is North Cascades National Park known for it’s rugged and remote terrain which is well-suited to adventurous backpackers. The park is home to endless layers of jagged peaks, deep evergreen valleys, high mountain ridges with breathtaking views, dazzling alpine lakes and the most glaciers in a US park outside of Alaska (300+ glaciers!). Permits are required for all backpacking trips into the national park and can be applied for in advance online or in person the day before or day of your desired trip dates. Here are our 4 favorite summertime backpacking trips to take in North Cascades National Park.
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Sahale Glacier Camp
A well-loved day hike and coveted backpacking permit, Sahale Glacier Camp is perched above Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm with some of the best national park campsite views in all of the US. The trail switchbacks through the forest before leading into high alpine terrain where views become more gorgeous and expansive every step of the way - jagged snow-capped peaks, glistening Doubtful Lake, lush valleys and Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan peaking out in the distance. This mountain scenery is most spectacular at sunrise and sunset. The trip is 11 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain and can be completed over two days. Designated campsites are nestled behind rock walls which protect from wind but are still quite exposed to the elements. The final ascent to the campsites requires light route-finding through steep, rocky terrain.
Copper Ridge Loop
The Copper Ridge and Chilliwack River Loop is a 33 mile route with 9,200 feet of elevation gain and is best completed over 3-4 days. This longer loop offers a variety of North Cascades National Park terrain such as high alpine ridges, low valleys, winding rivers and blue lakes. Whatcom Pass and Tapto Lakes can be added to the trip itinerary for an extra dose of beauty and additional day or two on trail. Designated campsites along the loop have magnificent views of the mountainous scenery, especially along Copper Ridge and there is a famous two-person cable car crossing to ford the Chilliwack River which adds a unique element to the trip.
Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake Lookout is a very popular day hike in the park and for good reason - views from the lookout are panoramic with peaks as far as the eye can see and the bright blue waters of secluded Hidden Lake. Camping overnight in this majestic area can provide an escape from the crowds once day hikers make their way back to the trailhead for the evening. The route is 9 miles roundtrip with a challenging 3,400 feet of elevation gain up to the lake. Camping at Hidden Lake is considered cross-country travel as there is no trail to the lake and backpackers must scramble to the lake through boulder fields which requires light route-finding. There are no designated campsites but there are previously impacted campsite areas available on the western side of the lake.
Thornton Lakes
The Thornton Lakes are a chain of beautiful, deep blue lakes in North Cascades National Park. The journey to the lakes is 10 miles roundtrip with 3,000 feet of elevation gain which is best completed over 2-3 days. There are three campsites available at lower Thornton Lake and backpackers must cross the lake’s outlet to locate them. Crossing the lake’s outlet requires bouldering on often slippery rocks and walking on floating logs - cross with caution! There is no camping allowed at the upper Thornton Lakes. After setting up camp, backpackers can choose to ascend to the Upper Lakes (off-trail travel) or scramble up to Trappers Peak for classic North Cascades views.