I knocked off my 48th state with a visit to Washington, and a highlight of the trip was driving from Seattle to Spokane through the North Cascades National Park. The North Cascades are astoundingly beautiful and I hope to go back again someday. I did this trip in a day, and of course the longer you have the better. However if a day is all you have, it’s certainly doable and worth it!
My journey though the mountains started at an overnight stay at the KOA in Concrete. I stayed in a yurt, which was great. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I love staying in hotels, but staying at a campground helps you feel a little closer to nature, closer to the midnight stars.
After leaving the KOA that morning, I stopped at Cascadian Farm. They have organic food, and I thought it would be cool to see their small store after buying their products for years. It’s definitely worth a stop, and the building was adorable.
After that short stop, I entered North Cascades National Park, following State Route 20.
I arrived at the River Loop Trail at the North Cascades Visitor Center. The trail is 1.8 miles and is a quiet, relaxing stroll through moss covered forests. It was an easy hike, and more like a gentle walk. It felt absolutely magical!
Part of the trail takes you to the Skagit River, which has this amazing green/turquoise color. I found a place to lay out on a towel for a few hours, listen to the river, and admire the mountain views. The area was rocky, not sand, but it still worked for lounging by the river in that warm, western sun.
After leaving there, I hiked some of the Thunder River Trail at the Colonial Creek Campground. I went about 1.5 miles - 2 miles (the mileage varies according to the source) until I hit a bridge where I spent some time gazing at the water, and sticking my toes in at a nearby gravel bar. The trail does continue onward, but given that I was only there for a day and it was already mid-afternoon, I made the bridge my goal and it was perfect. It was an easy hike, and I was able to do it fairly quickly.
After both of my hikes were done, I continued eastward toward Spokane. I stopped at the Diablo Lake Overlook and took some photographs. The view was stellar and unforgettable.
Continuing east on State Route 20, I stopped at the Pacific Crest Trail. I walked part of the trail, and dreamt of one day hiking the PCT. The PCT is a 2,650 mile trail through California, Oregon, and Washington. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the country is found on the PCT, and its terrain ranges from deserts to valleys to mountains.
I continued onward, ate dinner in Winthrop, a cute small town, and landed for the night in Spokane, which was another four hour drive after Winthrop. So, even if you have only a day to drive through the park along State Route 20, it is still worth it and you can still see so much. This national park is certainly worth a visit and is very accessible for both day trippers, and those who want to spend more time in the park. Definitely worth a visit!
Safe travels, friends!