This past week I was finally able to check another item off my bucket list…North Cascades National Park. I’ve been intrigued by this destination after scrolling through lots of pictures from various sources and also learning that it is one of the least visited national parks. The lack of crowds was a definite draw. And needless to say, North Cascades National Park did not disappoint on either point.

The drive from Portland took about seven and a half hours and I drove through areas I have never seen before such as Yakima and Wenatchee. These areas seems to be an agricultural hub and were beautiful in their own right.

North Cascades National Park is known as the American Alps and I would say that name fits this stunning scenic area. The vistas, valleys and mountains were just incredible. I chose to stay in Winthrop, a small town holding on to it’s mining façade with enough shops and restaurants to provide options for a multi-day stay. Just driving on the North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20) is reward enough for the long drive to get to this amazing area.

Along Highway 20 are several overlooks and you should stop at EVERY SINGLE ONE. The Washington Pass Observation site is the first one heading west on Highway 20. It allows you to appreciate the magnitude of the mountains and the valley and if you are afraid of heights, get ready to be scared!

Next I hiked Rainy Lake, which is an very easy, but very rewarding hike. The path is easy, groomed and ends at a stunning alpine lake. Next stop was the Diablo Lake Vista Point and driving over the Diablo Dam. Equally stunning is the Gorge Lake Overlook and the suspension bridges to the Trail of the Cedars and Ladder Creek Falls.

The final jaunt of the day was hiking Blue Lake. This was a five mile hike with a little elevation. As we were climbing, hikers coming down spoke excitedly about the mountain goats at the lake. I have yet to see any animals during all my years of hiking so was thrilled to think I was finally going to see an animal in the wild! When we reached the incredibly blue and clear lake, there were no goats to be seen. I am guessing too many people had already seen the goats and they likely went to higher elevation to be left alone. Nonetheless the lake was incredible.

On the last mile of my descent, I tripped over a large rock and fell and hit my left knee very hard. That ended hiking for the day and the following day. The three hikes I had earmarked for the next day did not happen…sadly. Oh well, I guess it means I will need to return at some point. Regardless NCNP should not be missed.