The pluses This park is Beautiful plenty of paved roads and…read morepaths Nice gravel sites A few powered sites with water The new Loop of sites is deeper in the woods and further from the river No life guards swim at your own risk in the 50 degree water. The Skagit River is emerald green and beautiful huge Firs and Cedar line the River and a nice path along the river also . Minuses Do not go Berry picking down the road as the natives are paranoid I was on the side of the road and ran off and threatened. When I complained to the Park Ranger He said @ that's just how they are here". Hmmmm scary right? The Bathroom curtain was black with Mold and dirt The Loggers come down and use the Showers and track mud. The 50 cent a minute shower gets you 3 minutes of hot water So I guess there are a lot of visitors . Beware The small store gouges Campers Example Marshmallows $5.00 a bag Dill Pickles $5.00 a jar The water You can buy a case at Walmart for $3.89 They are selling individually for 89 cents a bottle Beware. A lot of Families take the upper loop because there is a paved loop around the small area so the Kids are all in various skateboards electric scooters and rollers skates until 10:00 at night. The lower loop is a little more steep so less attractive. Update When We told The Park Ranger about " being Tired of putting Quarters in the shower machine and getting Cold water" they 2 Trucks showed up to fix it and told Me "the Free shower is on them" How quick n nice is that!

My mom and I stopped here and at the nearby Rockport State Park recently on Wednesday 1 July 2020…read more We arrived in the morning just before 11 a.m., it had been a rainy morning and we managed to get here in a brief window where the rain stopped. It was still overcast, but no rain can be a plus when out hiking. The entrance to the park is well marked and there is a parking lot for those who are at the park for day use like we were. After parking our car we set out to explore the trails down to the river and back. Informational signs spot the trail and provide background and helpful tidbits if you are on the look-out for wildlife or their tracks. The mosquitos were fiercest at the parking lot and a number of them bit me through my clothing. Coming back I'd wear more layers or insect repellent if trying not to get bit. The trail we walked ran along the Skagit River for a short bit then twisted through the woods and back to the parking lot. On the way out to the Skagit River we passed a clearing. The grass was tall in the clearing center, but around the edges the grass had been cut to provide a walking path if one so yearned. We encountered mostly birds on our visit in terms of wildlife. The park itself wasn't too busy when we arrived, but we started to see more people by the time we departed. Restrooms were clean and we maintained our social distance.

We hiked to Cascade Pass and Sahale Glacier and it is probably one of the best but hardest day…read morehikes I've done. I would read the trail reports ahead of time so you know the conditions before heading out. The road to the trailhead is LONG but doable in sedan although it was a bit questionable at times. So just know your vehicle and have a backup plan just in case! As many others have stated the trailhead parking fills up EARLY. We also started early and are glad that we did to try and avoid hiking too much in the sun later in the day. Be sure to bring enough water and food, as especially the combo Cascade Pass + Sahale Glacier hike is loooong, steep, with quite a bit of sun exposure especially after you get to Cascade Pass. We saw goats, pikas, grouse, and loved that! I really just cannot describe the views, it is hard to believe such a beautiful place exists.

Oh yes, yes, yes! I absolutely loved Cascade Pass Trail. For sure it was one of the best hikes…read morehikes I completed during my time at North Cascades National Park. Okay...it was a relatively difficult hike but I knew this ahead of time so I was prepared. I actually afforded myself the entire day to explore so no worries for me....I simply took my time and enjoyed the views. My one and only "grrrr" moment and frustration aspect in regards to this Cascade Pass Trail was the drive to get here. Oh wow...for me, I hate driving on dirt/gravel roads...especially when I'm on vacation. Because...what happens if I have a flat tire? Who's going to rescue me? But...I was so intrigued and wanted to witness what Cascade Pass was all about that I held my breath and bravely drove the rough/bumpy/hard 13 miles along the dirt/gravel road to get here. And once I finally arrived at the parking lot....kaboom! The scenery was smack in my face. The mountains were overwhelming that before I even started hiking....I was off and taking pictures outside the parking lot! How funny. I hung out in the parking lot for a few moments simply to appreciate the mountainside being so close in view. I just knew...I anticipated good things were to come from hiking up to Cascade Pass. Now...when I started at the trailhead...it's not just Cascade Pass that you can venture off to. Even further away was Sahale Glacier which at the last moment I had heard from other hikers along the way offered even better scenery than Cascade Pass. And in fact....the hikers that I passed and or did come in contact with were all headed up and down the trail for overnight camping. Yeah that's offered with a permit. But for me...I was just here for day hiking. So...Cascade Pass Trail is a 7.4 mile round trip hike gaining about 1700 feet in elevation. I knew I'd at least be here half the day. And for those interested in exploring further....checking out Sahale Glacier was a 10.4 mile round trip hike gaining a stunning 3900 feet in elevation. Wow...that's crazy 3900 feet! Okay so Cascade Pass was good enough for me. I'd say a good portion of the first part of the hike was obviously uphill and through a lot of switchbacks up the mountain. But eventually...the forest finally parted away and then the views got serious...seriously good! I'd say about halfway up the mountain scenery turned dramatically. I was so high up and level with the shear faced cliff walls...I had to stop often to take photographs! Also, I visited on a relatively dreary/cloudy day. But actually, this was good...because along my way up the trail...I was walking parallel to the clouds...and in perspective...it sort made my photos with the clouds shifting in and out of the background quite dramatic! I appreciated having some clouds. Who would have thought? But yeah, continuing on....I can't say it enough that the dramatic background and valley views were epic! There was snow in and around various parts of the jagged terrain. Combined with the clouds continuously shifting....it made for some pretty great "wow" moments. And before too long, I made it to Cascade Pass. Yeah Cascade Pass was pretty much the pinnacle of it all. With the mountains being so up close beside me and the majestic, rugged snow-capped mountains featured in the distance....I felt quite humbled and grateful to be here and in the moment. If I had to compare the views from Cascade Pass....they reminded me of some of the best aspects along hikes at Glacier National Park. And Glacier NP is one of my favorites out there. I ate my lunch here at Cascade Pass, just soaking up the views before heading back down the mountain. I was intrigued to see what Sahale Glacier was all about but I just wasn't mentally prepared to hike an additional 4 miles along with trekking up a lot more elevation...especially when most hikers camp out for the night while at Sahale Glacier. So...I was definitely content with the views and perspectives I received at Cascade Pass. I was ready to hike back down. And on the way down...again the views were so tremendous...that I had to stop for more pictures. Actually, at that point in time most of the clouds had disappeared and I had virtually all of the Cascade Mountains within close viewing range. How cool. This hike and trail was so worthwhile. Finally when I made it back to the bottom and the parking lot in early afternoon, I bravely drove back the 13 mile gravel road into town. I then had a fulfilling dinner at a charming little quaint restaurant called Marblemount Diner. This was a terrific way to end an inspiring day exploring the wondrous mountains and scenery of Cascade Pass Trail.

A tour of Rockport State Park is a tour of the old growth Pacific Northwest forests, with trees so…read moretall most of the views will be looking up. For the first part of our exploration of this state park we simply stood in the parking lot and looked up, watching the tops of the trees hundreds of feet up sway in the wind. It almost seemed as though they had reached their final height, not able to grow any taller without breaking off. Some of the trees had tested their limits and crashed to the ground. The campground in the state park was permanently closed because massive limbs falling hundreds of feet will punch through any RV on the market. After staring up at the trees for a while, we decided to drive through the park. It was weird to the see the old campsites, looking like they were slowly returning to the forest, scattered amongst the dense forest. Some of the trees are 400-600 years old, giving any observer a true feeling of what the forest must've felt like before the lumber industry moved in.

Beautiful and peaceful State Park…read more We were heading to North Cascades Park and saw the sign for Rockport. We try to check out any state parks we can, so we made an impromptu turn in. There were only a couple cars in the lot, and no one in sight. As I was in the bathroom...which by the way, as another reviewer mentioned, were some of the cleanest I've ever seen in a park...my husband was checking out the trail map. Knowing my deep affinity for trees, especially the elderly ones, he had quickly made the decision we were taking a short trail while here. We took off across the highway to Sauk Springs Trail to see the old grandmother cedar. The trail was a bit muddy at times but nothing tragic. A narrow, serene path winds through the old growth forest passing by the GORGEOUS old cedar and continuing on the loop back to the park entrance. On our way back to the van we noticed a sign about the now closed campground portion of the park. Personally I loved the idea that rather than destroy the precious old growth trees that had become fragile, the park decided in 2007 to close the campground, letting nature have its home while letting hikers still take in the beauty via foot or by driving through. As we left we did just that, drove a loop through the old campgrounds...so cool to see nature slowly reclaiming the space. This park is beautiful. Pristine grounds and lovely trails. Definitely a great place to stop by for a picnic, a hike, and to check out old Grandmother!

Diablo Lake is undoubtedly stunning. It's most notable feature is its gorgeous turquoise color,…read morecaused by the reflection of "rock flour". We saw the lake in its full glory both on a sunny and cloudy day - and it is spectacular in any weather. We accessed the lake in two ways - once directly to the lake via campground, and then the second time (drove around it) to the vista point where you can get a full view. Enjoy!

We were up there about a month and the water is gorgeous. The drive to Diablo lake is also really…read morepretty. Great spot.

We visited this park right after highway 20 opened for the season this year and it was magnificent…read more This is a very beautiful park with lots to see. There are glaciers, mountains, lakes and rivers and some of the most incredible sunsets you will see. We were even lucky enough to see a mountain goat. There is also plenty of great hiking here. We did many trails, but the trail of cedars was one of my favorites because I love bridges and the trail is almost completely shaded which is nice in the warm weather. It's a very level easy trail that anyone can do. This is easily one of my top five national parks of all time and I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't had a chance to come here and experience it themselves.

North Cascades National Park is very beautiful, clean, quiet, has easy walking trails, a great…read morelearning center, and very little wildlife on the designated walking trails. We enjoyed our day exploring, I highly recommend!

This Visitor Center is a must visit. They have map of North Cascades Mountain and Hiking Trails…read more There is a gift shop, restrooms, water fill stations, and gift shops There is a trail in the back of the visitor center. The River Loop Trail. An easy trail to visit where it leads into a view of the water. There is a park ranger there available to answer your questions on what trails is open and what is accessible. The Visitor Center is a place where you can relax a little and enjoy the information of maps available to many. There is an exhibit available by the gift shop. The gift shops has various items. Tshirts, magnets and postcards. They sell a little bit of snacks too.

Since North Cascades is one of the least visited national parks, I wasn't expecting much from their…read morevisitor center. However, it's actually super nice - so pleasantly surprised. Decent sized center. Small bookstore with a good variety of souvenirs. Lots of park information. Super knowledgeable rangers ready to help with your visit. Really nice and clean bathrooms (always a big plus!!). We had cell reception here so it was great to plug our stops in on maps. Make sure to walk around to the back of the visitor center. There's a short boardwalk that's ends with a gorgeous viewpoint of North Cascades. Hands down a must. You can take as little or as much time as you want just enjoying the beauty. The visitor center is also the starting point for the River Loop Trail - an easy 1.8 mile round trip walk with beautiful views of the surrounding forest and the river. Great first stop for your trip to North Cascades.

Honestly not sure if there is a better view to be had! You could just take it in from the parking…read morelot (it's worth the drive up), or embark on one of many hikes which originate from the trail head. Even the short trails give you unbeatable views of Baker and Shuksan. Definitely check snow and weather conditions before you drive up, especially in the shoulder season. It's otherwise usually closed in the winter. Will be back for sure!

World class views and potential photos here with minimal effort so long as the snow conditions are…read morenot a problem for your vehicle, driving skills, or patience.