North Cascades Get Aways

The North Cascades’ pristine lowland valleys, craggy peaks, clear cold rivers and streams and sparkling alpine lakes make this landscape a perfect recreational getaway. Whether you want to picnic, camp, hike, climb or admire nature from the comfort of a mountain lodge, let us help you find how you can let your feet take you to where your mind can soar!

Kendall Peak Lakes

The snowshoe and cross-country skiing trail leading to Kendall Peak Lakes is an enjoyable winter trip. Whether you are a first-time snowshoer or a seasoned pro, the route offers a gradual incline and views dominated by nearby peaks.

Artist Point, Mount Baker

Artist Point - Photo by Will Bothel, Flickr

As the temperatures start to plunge and the rain in the city turns to snow over the mountains, a new season of winter recreation commences.

Stuart Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

The hike to Stuart Lake is one of the more popular in all of the North Cascades, and with good reason. The trail starts out following Mountaineer Creek, climbing steadily uphill. After a little more than a half-mile, you enter in to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Skagit River Loop

This family-friendly and wheelchair accessible 1.8-mile loop trail treats hikers to many forest wonders, including stands of old cedars and firs and an abundance of moss, lichen and ferns. Along the trail you will have multiple opportunities to dip your feet in the mighty Skagit River and, if visiting in the fall and winter, the possibility of seeing spawning salmon. This part of the Skagit River is currently being reviewed for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation by North Cascades National Park.

Cutthroat Pass Trail

Cutthroat Pass Trail has a little something for everyone: breath-taking views, abundant wildlife, wildflowers, even blueberry patches. The trail begins at 4500 feat and meanders for an easy mile and three quarters before reaching a junction. Here hikers can choose to proceed to the left and follow the trail a quarter mile to Cutthroat Lake or continue the three and a half miles to the pass. If you happen to be hiking with children, Cutthroat Lake is an ideal destination.

Big Beaver Trail

For a family friendly outing, consider hiking the Big Beaver Trail. From Ross Dam, the trail winds through old growth forest and along Ross Lake for six easy miles to Big Beaver Creek. The trail crosses several small creeks along the way and offers glimpses of the lake through stands of lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir. Set in low elevation, the trail also is a great hike for early or late in the season.

Trail of the Cedars

Bring the whole family for a scenic half mile loop along the Trail of the Cedars in Newhalem. Cross a suspension bridge perched above the beautiful Skagit River and enter into a forest of old-growth Western red cedars. Interpretive signs along the trail help explain the history and ecology of the area to the kids while they marvel at the awesome size of the huge trees.
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