What a fun, easy little loop trail on the Sauk River! We were looking for a quick little excuse to…read moreget outdoors for a bit, but didn't want anything too strenuous (or too difficult to get to) so this little spot was perfect. Located right off the Mountain Loop Highway, there's a good sized parking lot, pit toilets, and even a (slightly overgrown) picnic area. We set out on the loop and soon found ourselves deep in the luscious forest full of beautiful trees, plants, logs, ferns, and all the amazing foliage that comes with a PNW summer. The trail was well-marked, as it does branch off into longer hikes in a couple of spots, but we were always able to easily stay on the loop. At one point, we followed a spur down to a viewpoint that overlooked the river - it was a small detour and definitely worth checking out. The hike itself took about 45 minutes at our slow-paced speed. It was the perfect little outing before we hit up the local brewery for some lunch! This trail is dog-friendly, too, and felt very safe. I did notice this trail is listed as "accessible" - I would caution against trying to use it in a standard wheelchair, though, as it was overgrown and bumpy in spots.

This is the lowest and most remote volcano in Washington. I've been up this mountain three times…read moreand love it so I'm reviewing, even though the last time up was 2020. This hike is beautiful, and I suggest taking your time, and staying two nights on the way in, and one night on the way out simply to enjoy the surroundings. Plus, it's nearly a 33 mile round trip. Take the North Fork Sauk Trail to the PCT. First 5 miles are nice and easy, then a couple of miles of seemingly endless switch backs. A short bit on the PCT and a nice camping spot to the right. Second Day is a very nice hike into the mountain and to the high camp. Third morning is the summit approach. The trail is obvious. Depending on the time of the year, you may need to rope up as it can be quite crevassed in the later summer. Definitely recommend ice axe and crampons. We walked out and peered into some deep wide crevasses, anchoring our selves with rope. This is one of my favorite climbs because it's really not hard, just long on the way in. Very beautiful but weather can change very fast and on one summit it turned to a thunder storm. Still, if you like to hike and climb, this one is a must. Bear canisters recommended, though I've never seen a bear here. No permit required, just Northwest Forest Pass for parking. Go do it!

Glacier Peak is notorious mainly for how remote it is. Many people in Seattle have probably seen…read moreit on a clear day, and either not known it's name or mislabeled it something else. It has one of the longest approaches of any major peak in the NW (along with Mt Olympus). But, man, it's a gorgeous hike in! Terrain is continually changing. In the forest, in alpine meadows, over rock, on glaciers, at the summit! Lots of gorgeous places to put a tent on the way in, I'd be worth going to even if you're not going to summit.

The view of Liberty Bell Mountain from the Washington Pass Overlook is absolutely stunning! There…read moreis a free parking area equipped with clean restroom facilities, making it very convenient for visitors. The paths are well-maintained and accessible, so you'll see plenty of families enjoying the site. It's a fantastic photo spot with breathtaking scenery from every angle!

If you've driven through North Cascades NP and into Mazama on the other side, I guarantee you've…read moreseen Liberty Bell. It's a massive granite monolith rising above the highway. It has classic moderate and classic "nope" routes on it. I climbed the Becky route. It's a super-chill multi-pitch climb with great rock quality. Liberty Crack is the "50 classic" climb. Too stiff for my blood, maybe someday...

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.

Spanning over 27 mi between Arlington and Darrington, this old railroad track was converted to a…read morescenic trail in the 90s. It parallels the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River. There are picturesque views of forests, farmland, streams, rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife. There are many access to the tral along its route. Check out the Washington Trail Association or Snohomish County Parks and Facilities websites for more info.

Nice little waterfall in North Cascades with great views of the water…read more The water here is unlike anything I've ever seen. Super green and beautiful. We walked to the overlook, and it had a decent view of the waterfall. Much better views if you walk over to the bridge and look from the walkway there. If you want, there's also a trail that walks along the water. We didn't take it, so can't vouch for it. Overall, it's worth a quick stop to take in the surrounding beauty.

One more great spot to admire the fabulous beauty as you travel through North Cascades National…read morePark. There's plenty of parking at the trailhead, and another lot on the other side of the bridge. They have great pedestrian walks on either side of the bridge from which to admire the falls and the gorge. Once you've finished there head to the trail from the parking lot. There are fabulous viewpoints along the paved section of the trail from which to take in the crazy blue waters of the Gorge Lake below. The paved section is short (.3 mile) but very pretty and ends at the dam viewpoint. You can continue on, however, onto the unpaved path for 1/2 a mile through the trees and loop back to the lot. The unpaved section is still very easy and quite lovely...so why not loop! I found this short trail, coupled with the falls, to be a great stop. Don't miss it as you pass through!

This trail is how you climb Mt Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier route…read more It's not "hard", but I'll be honest with you...it kinda sucks. It is not well-maintained in parts and it can be easy to lose your way. You're in the trees, dicking around with logs, it's not good. Eventually you'll get out of the trees though, and be on your way. Sulphide is a great intro to climbing on Shuksan, enjoy the climb!

This is a short little hike to a couple of waterfalls on Cedar creek. Roundtrip it's about 3.5…read moremiles if you just go to the falls. Elevation gain is approximately 500 feet. There are views of the surrounding North Cascades mountains and you'll enjoy the sounds of Cedar creek for most of your hike as it flows just below most of the trail. If you're a more ambitious sort, you can continue up the creek and over the ridge eventually connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn left for Mexico, right for Canada.