Both routes traverse along the churning waters that define this mountainous landscape. There are two ways to explore the subtle wonder of Fourth of July Pass, located within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Fourth of July Passįourth of July Pass | Miguel Vieira / photo modified While the seven miles of this trail treats hikers to postcard-worthy views the entire way, if you have the extra hour, the Maple Pass Loop also lends access to nearby Lake Ann. The trailhead and much of the hike lie outside of national park boundaries, and the trail only crosses into the national park after ascending Maple Pass.Īt the trail's highpoint, near the peak of Frisco Mountain, hikers can see mountains for miles. The trail includes a steep climb whichever way you go. Heading clockwise, the trail gains over 2,000 feet of elevation, making it a hearty hike to do in a day. This iconic North Cascades hike is a well-maintained trail and treats hikers to old-growth forests, open ridgelines, and dramatic views of the rugged peaks that define North Cascades National Park. The seven-mile Maple Pass Loop is easily accessed from the Rainy Pass Picnic Area off the North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20). Hikers can also continue the Cascade Pass Trail to hike into Horseshoe Basin or the mountain community of Stehekin more than 20 miles away. Featuring dramatic panoramas of the Johannesburg ridgeline, including Mixup Peak and Magic Mountain, with the impressive Cache Col Glacier sandwiched between, there's no shortage of impressive views from Cascade Pass.įor a more adventurous day out or overnight experience, hikers can divert at Cascade Pass onto the Sahale Arm trail for approximately two more miles to the Sahale Glacier. Back then, the 3.7-mile trail, with well-engineered switchbacks, wasn't as modern, but the views at the top remain the same. Well before the North Cascades became a designated national park, Cascade Pass had been traversed by indigenous populations and early fur traders. Nearly 30 switchbacks are within the first three miles of the trail, which provide some relief for tired legs from the steep Cascade Mountain terrain. While the relative low grade attracts plenty of interest, as well as the scenic Cascade River Road that leads to the trailhead, it's the stunning views waiting at the pass that give this trail its notoriety. The Cascade Pass Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in North Cascades National Park. In combination with the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas, the North Cascades National Park Complex has some of the best hiking trails in Washington State, and the big views will linger for a lifetime.Įxplore this ruggedly beautiful wilderness area with our list of the top hiking trails in North Cascades National Park. It's not just the dramatic ridgelines punctuated by glaciers that make it hard to inhabit, but more than 90 percent of its 500,000 acres are designated as the Stephen Mather Wilderness and remain completely wild with little, if any, development. September and October will be slightly cooler and rainier than normal.North Cascades National Park is one of the most rugged national parks in Washington State. The hottest periods will be in late July and early August. Summer will have above-normal temperatures and rainfall. April and May will be slightly warmer and rainier than normal.
The snowiest periods will occur in late December and early March. The coldest periods will occur in early December, from late December into early January, and in mid-January and early March. Winter temperatures will be milder than normal, with below-normal precipitation and snowfall. Enter Your Location Annual Weather Summary
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