Overview
Encompassing over a half-million acres of land, the North Cascade National Park complex houses one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the country. It's a rugged area, but the awe-inspiring visuals make it well worth the effort.
Activities include camping, backpacking, and fishing, with 386 miles of hiking trails to choose from. The Skagit and Stehekin rivers are here, along with Lakes Ross and Chelan, the latter being one of the deepest lakes in America. Wildlife abounds, with hundreds of species of birds and reptiles on hand--not to mention larger creatures like bears, elk and mountain goats.
The Experience
Hiking in this area can be a lonely experience: Visitors don't hear or see anything but the sounds and sights of nature. Call in advance to arrange for a ranger-led nature walk, starting from either the Colonial Creek or the Newhalem campgrounds (through the summer).