For hundreds of thousands of years, the glaciers at North Cascades National Park have grown, melted, evaporated, and tumbled, their movement sculpting the rugged mountain landscape. The untouched wilderness teems with wildlife, overflows with waterfalls, and stuns with impressive mountain ranges.

With the abundance of spectacular scenery, it's easy to understand what fuels Pacific Northwesterners' easygoing, nature-loving spirits. First-time visitors to North Cascades can explore the best of the park and find that same spirit by adding these meaningful activities to their itineraries.

9 Start At The Visitor Center

A lot of work goes into providing parkgoers with the tools they need to enjoy their visit. Maps are available at the visitor's center, and knowing the lay of the land will help travelers decide the best place to start. Every year, ranger positions fill as quickly as they open, proving team members are passionate about the park system. The friendly, educated rangers are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and recommending hikes and activities based on guests' goals.

8 Take A Scenic Drive Down The North Cascades Highway

Get acclimated with the park by driving down the stunning North Cascades Highway during the summertime. The scenic drive winds around jagged peaks, through dense forest, and past waterfalls. Travelers can pull over at the viewpoints for extended glimpses and showstopping pictures of vibrantly hued glacial-fed lakes. Roll down the windows and breathe in the crisp, energizing mountain air. The best is yet to come.

Related: These Scenic Drives Through Colorado Will Have You Seeing The State With New Eyes

7 Start With An Easy Hike

North Cascades boasts 400 miles of hiking trails, so it's essential to make time for exploring the park on foot. Starting with a more leisurely hike is an ideal warmup that's sure to inspire further adventuring. Many spectacular views are accessible to all skill levels. Consider one of these:

  • Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk: This 0.3-mile stroll takes visitors through an enchanting, dense old-growth forest.
  • Skagit River Loop Trail: This easy, two-mile loop features lush vegetation and the soothing sounds of a rushing river.
  • Rock Shelter Trail: This family-friendly trek gets less foot traffic than other easy trails in the park.

6 Go Camping

Tent, camper, hammock—doesn't matter. Spending the night in nature is always a good idea, and North Cascades offers several campgrounds worth a sleepover. The night sky is awash with stars. The forest comes alive with the sounds of nocturnal wildlife. Camping allows people to feel like they're a part of something bigger, far away from the worries of everyday life. Guests should reserve their spots as soon as they decide the dates of their trips. Wildnerness camping and boat camping are also available with a permit.

Related: Camping Hacks To Make Your Night In A Tent Feel Like A Hotel Stay

5 Hit The Water

North Cascades has several beautiful lakes. The glacial-fed bodies of water change their hues throughout the year, taking on vibrant turquoise and emerald tones. Visitors can get a closer look by bringing a kayak, canoe, or approved motorboat and getting on the water. Nothing beats paddling on a lake surrounded by stunning alpine scenery and majestic snow-capped mountains, the water shimmering from the shining sun. Those who'd like to save their strength for hikes can enjoy a casual and relaxing float on an inflatable tube.

4 Hike A Portion Of The Pacific Crest Trail

A visit to the Cascades might have adventurers considering an extended stay in nature, and a great way to decide if a person's up for the challenge is by hiking a portion of the 2,600 mile-long Pacific Crest Trail. Eighteen miles of the PCT run through the park on the Bridge Creek Trail, taking hikers through picturesque meadows dotted with wildflowers and dense alpine forest. To amplify the experience, guests can reserve a stay at the Stehekin Valley Ranch, a popular waypoint for thru-hikers.

3 Climb Desolation Peak

Famous American writer Jack Kerouac spent a summer atop Desolation Peak as a firewatcher. He recounts his time in Lonesome Traveler, writing, "Sixty-three sunsets I saw revolve on that perpendicular hill – mad raging sunsets pouring in sea foams of cloud through unimaginable crags like the crags you grayly drew in pencil as a child, with every rose-tint of hope beyond, making you feel just like them, brilliant and bleak beyond words." Adventurers can hike to the peak, see the humble structure Kerouac called his office, and take in the same views that inspired his beautiful words.

  • How to get there: Take the water taxi from Ross Lake Resort (visitors can also use their own kayak or canoe on Ross Lake)
  • Distance: 9.4 miles out and back, 4,440 feet elevation gain

Related: These Places Are So Good They've Inspired Artistic Masterpieces

2 Search For Wildlife

The varying elevation, lush vegetation, and ample water sources are only a few reasons why so many animals call the North Cascades home. These trails offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities:

  • Blue Lake Trail: This 4.4-mile out and back trail contains mountains, meadows, and a lake, the diverse terrain maximizing the opportunity to see animals like sheep, bobcats, deer, elk, and birds.
  • Sahale Arm Trail: This strenuous mountain-heavy 12 mile out and back trail is a great place to spot mountain goats.

1 Try A Couple Of The More Difficult Trails

There's nothing quite like the feeling of completing a difficult hike and being able to say, "I did that." Luckily, hikers can find that fulfillment at North Cascades. These trails challenge the mind and body and are guaranteed to leave visitors with that accomplished feeling that can't be beaten:

  • Stetattle Trail: With over 1,500 feet of elevation gain over seven miles, this out and back trail will get visitors' legs trembling in the best way. The path runs along the clear blue river for a while. A couple of scrambling challenges give way to several waterfall views, with some portions of the trail wholly blanketed by enchanting moss.
  • Thunder Creek Trail: Hikers will find this moderate 10.3-mile out and back trail both challenging and peaceful. The path goes through a magical, dense old-growth forest and features a bridge that traverses a rushing river.
  • Forbidden Peak Trail: This 6.9-mile out and back trail features over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Adventurers will hike past wildflower-dotted meadows and ascend past the treeline, where they will be rewarded with sights of ancient glaciers and mountain peaks. This trail is best for experienced hikers looking for one to add to the books.

Next: Hiking Oregon's Most Scenic Mountain Trail Is Easy With This Guide