North Cascades National Park, Washington
Looking for the best hiking in North Cascades National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around North Cascades National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near North Cascades National Park
-
Whatcom County, Washington
Climb Ruth Mountain and Icy Peak
5.017 mi / 6000 ft gainThis is a great introductory glacial climb in the North Cascades with moderate glacial slopes and 4th class scrambling. The reward is outstanding views of the Picket Range, Mt Shuksan and the dramatic Nooksack Cirque. Even though this climb is easy it can be demanding and requires individuals to ...Read more -
Marblemount, Washington
Hidden Lake Lookout
4.97.39 mi / 3415 ft gainBe careful when heading up this 4.5 mile trail since there can be snow coverage into the summer. When you start the trail, you'll get a little tree coverage as you start climbing up. Unfortunately, the shade starts to dissipate after about a mile, where you'll cross over Sibley Creek and enter th...Read more -
Concrete, Washington
Rainbow Ridge
4.51 mi / 1552 ft gainThe Trail From the parking area proceed back towards the road and hang a right up an abandoned road bed. The trail follows this road bed for a about 0.2 miles before the real trail becomes evident. The first 0.5 - 1.0 miles of this trail can be difficult. Deadfall, wet, steep, and root covere...Read more -
Concrete, Washington
Winter Hike to Rainbow RIdge
4.5 mi / 1200 ft gainTurn left off of the Grandy-Baker Lake Road onto FS RD 1130 just past the Boulder Creek Campground. Stay right at the first fork in the road. At 3.9 miles go right towards Rainbow Falls. The falls are located at a large bend in the road at approximately 4.5 miles. I have never found a good safe...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Lake Ann and Lower Curtiss Glacier
5.011.67 mi / 3241 ft gainThe trail begins just below Artist Point and is well marked from a paved parking lot. Make sure to have a Northwest Forest Pass for your vehicle. Start your hike by descending on switchbacks through sub-alpine forest. It's a nice start, but remember, that means an uphill hike out. After entering...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Hike the Fire and Ice Trail
0.5 mi / 100 ft gainSet within the Mount Baker hiking wonderland, the Fire & Ice Trail may be the easiest and most family friendly hike set within the park. About ½ mile beyond the Heather Meadows Ski Area and about a mile before Artists Point, you’ll encounter the sign for the Austin Pass Picnic Area. It’s a ra...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Hike the Bagley Lakes Trail
4.52 mi / 150 ft gainSet within the Mount Baker hiking wonderland, the Bagley Lakes trail is an easy, family-friendly hike with alpine lakes, copious amounts of wildflowers, and striking views of Table Mountain. Compared to the notoriety of many of the other hikes within the area, this is a hidden gem. There are actu...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Chain Lakes Loop
4.08.35 mi / 2005 ft gainDriving Directions: Travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 to the road's end and the Mount Baker Ski area. Follow the signs to the upper parking lot and the Bagley Lakes/Chain Lakes trailhead. The trail can also be accessed from Austin Pass and Artist Point. Trail: From the Bagley Lakes trail...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Winter Backpack to Lake Anne Ridge
14 mi / 2000 ft gainArrive at the upper ski resort parking lot (approx. 4300 feet elev.) and snowshoe, skin, or split board up. Make your way toward Artist Point and halt at Austin Pass, gaining approximately 1200 feet of elevation over approximately 2 miles (one way). From Austin Pass, turn left (south) to take the...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Hiking the Kulshan Ridge
This hike starts out at Artist Point, where already you can see jaw-dropping scenery of Mt. Shuksan, Baker, Coleman, and many other peaks of the North Cascades. No matter what time of year you visit, you are bound to get unbelievable views and photos.Artist Point is the furthest destination along...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Hike to Table Mountain via Artist Point
5.03 mi / 560 ft gainThe hike takes off from the Artist Point parking lot at an elevation of 5,220 feett.The trail slowly meanders up for a while until reaching the final steep switchbacks where you'll have a sheer cliff to your side—don't let it distract you, and keep focused on the trail in front of you!Once you've...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Hike Ptarmigan Ridge in the North Cascades
5.09 mi / 1350 ft gainDirections are from Bellingham. Drive Sr 542(Mt Baker Highway) approximately 60 miles to the parking area at Artist Point, elev. 5140 ft. Try to park towards the southwest corner of the lot as this is where our trail begins. Toilets are available.The trail starts from the southwest corner of t...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Snowshoe to Artist Point
5.05.5 mi / 1200 ft gainFrom the south end of the ski area, snowshoe past an old ski lodge along an old access road parallel to the ski hill. Then, ascend Austin Pass (2 miles) following the broad switchbacks. Once at the top of the ridge, follow the road to the left 1/4 mile and take in the views of Artist Point, Mou...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Stargazing at Artist Point
A couple things must coincide for you to have a great time watching the milky way at Artist Point. The road up to Artist is only open during the summer and early Autumn months but it's always good to check on the Washington State Department of Transportation website to see current road conditions...Read more -
Concrete, Washington
Hike the East Bank of Baker Lake
4.39.2 mi / 978 ft gainAccess the hike from a 26.5-mile drive down Baker Lake Rd to the Baker Lake Trailhead. Note that the last 6 miles are unpaved and rather rough. The trail starts at low elevation so there's rarely snow or condition concerns, even in early spring. The trail runs alongside and then crosses the Bake...Read more -
Whatcom County, Washington
Winchester Mountain Fire Lookout
4.83.28 mi / 1335 ft gainWinchester Mountain is said to have the greatest reward for least amount of effort in all the North Cascades. One of the last fire-lookouts in the region stands on the summit. Views from the summit of Winchester Mountain are beautiful and dramatic to say the least. Being one of the easiest hikes...Read more