North Cascades National Park is an underrated U.S. national park located in the state of Washington. It’s less than three hours away from Seattle and offers stunning landscapes, from jagged mountain peaks to breathtaking glaciers. It’s a popular destination for hiking and camping in Washington State. Here are 10 of the best hiking trails to check out when visiting North Cascades National Park. Some of these trails in the Pacific Northwest are also dog-friendly!
10 Cascade Pass Trail
The Cascade Pass Trail is one of the most popular routes in the park. The trailhead is located near Rockport, Washington, and it takes just under 4 hours to complete the route (there and back) on average. This is not a dog-friendly trail.
- Distance: 10.8 km
- Elevation Gain: 544 meters
- Route Type: Out and back
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
9 Gorge Creek Falls Trail
For families with kids, older travelers, or beginner hikers, this is an accessible trail that is relatively easy and short. It only takes around 10 minutes to walk this circuit, perfect for an early morning stroll and bird watching. Bring some binoculars for the best chance of spotting wildlife.
- Distance: 0.8 km
- Elevation Gain: 12 meters
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty Level: East
8 Sourdough Mountain Lookout
The Sourdough Mountain Lookout is a challenging route that takes just over 8 hours for most hikers to complete. The length of the trail means it’s possible to enjoy some sections alone without passing other hikers, despite its immense popularity. It’s best to do this trail from June to September when temperatures are warm. It can become icy and snowy in the winter months, requiring crampons for safety.
- Distance: 15.9 km
- Elevation Gain: 1541 meters
- Route Type: Out and back
- Difficulty Level: Challenging
7 Skagit River Loop Trail
The Skagit River Loop Trail takes just under 40 minutes to complete, on average, and is popular for hiking and birding. It’s open year-round and is one of the few dog-friendly trails in North Cascades National Park. All dogs must be on a leash.
- Distance: 3.1 km
- Elevation Gain: 29 meters
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty Level: Easy
6 Trail Of The Cedars Nature Walk
Another easy trail in North Cascades National Park is the Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk. Perfect for families or anyone seeking a casual stroll through beautiful landscapes, this trail is short and virtually flat. It can be completed in just under 15 minutes and is popular for walking, running, and dog walking. All dogs must be on a leash.
- Distance: 1.0 km
- Elevation Gain: 8 meters
- Route Type: Out and back
- Difficulty Level: Easy
5 Fourth Of July Pass Via Thundercreek Trail
This trail takes just under 5.5 hours to complete, on average, and is a fun adventure for the beginner to experienced hiker. It requires some endurance due to its length, and there is significant elevation gain, leading to steep parts of the trail. It can be done in a day or broken up as a multi-day backpacking route. This is a rewarding hike with some epic views.
- Distance: 15 km
- Elevation Gain: 760 meters
- Route Type: Out and back
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
4 Eldorado Peak
Experienced hikers seeking a challenge will love the Eldorado Peak trail in North Cascades National Park. The route is a proper mountaineering climb that requires hikers to have the proper gear. They must be prepared to scale rock scrambles and do some climbing. It can be done in a day with optimal weather conditions and proper gear like ice axes, a glacier kit, and crampons on hand.
- Distance: 12.9 km
- Elevation Gain: 2060 meters
- Route Type: Out and back
- Difficulty Level: Challenging
3 Rock Shelter Trail
The Rock Shelter Trail is a beautiful route that provides an easy hike for excellent visual rewards. Hiking along a scenic blue river and seeing a cave (rock shelter) along the way are some of the highlights. The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike in all seasons. Dogs are permitted on leashes.
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Elevation Gain: 39 meters
- Route Type: Out and back
- Difficulty Level: Easy
2 Old Wagon Trail
Although the Old Wagon Trail is long, it has modest elevation gain, which makes it manageable for beginner to experienced hikers. The trail takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete, on average, and is best explored between March and October when temperatures are mild. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
- Distance: 14.8 km
- Elevation Gain: 558 meters
- Route Type: Out and back
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
1 McAlester Pass And Rainbow Lake Loop
This challenging trail is an adventure for the experienced hiker who is looking for a multi-day route. Although the trail can be hiked in approximately 15 hours, the significant mileage and elevation gain is better approached as a multi-day trek. Many people do this hike in two nights, camping along the route.
- Distance: 44.6 km
- Elevation Gain: 2020 meters
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty Level: Challenging