“Where the mountains meet the sky, and the wild runs free.”
The North Cascades are a land of extremes—towering peaks, glaciers that have carved the land for millennia, and vibrant, turquoise waters that reflect it all. This is a place where nature’s raw beauty is on full display, from pristine lakes to rugged ridgelines. Here, the earth hasn’t been shaped by man but by the forces of time, ice, and rock.
On this self-guided driving tour, you’ll explore one of the most awe-inspiring corners of the Pacific Northwest. Each stop unveils something new, from the emerald blues of Diablo Lake to the sprawling views at Washington Pass. Experience the wild heart of the Cascades, where stories of glaciers, Sasquatch legends, and the secrets of an untamed landscape await.
Along the way, you’ll experience:
Diablo Lake, where the waters glimmer like emeralds, is surrounded by towering mountains
Ross Lake is a tranquil expanse where the reflection of the peaks blurs the lines between land and sky
Washington Pass Observation Site offers panoramic views of the jagged Cascades, almost too grand to take in at once
Rasar State Park, where lush forests meet the peaceful currents of the Skagit River
Winthrop, a charming Old West town that captures the essence of the rugged frontier
The road weaves through the heart of the Cascades, where each stop tells a piece of the region’s story– stories of glacial power, ancient ecosystems, and the natural forces that have shaped this landscape for eons.
A heads-up: The North Cascades might seem like a peaceful escape, but they are anything but tame. From the towering peaks to the raging rivers, every twist in the road brings you closer to nature’s untamed wilderness.
A heads-up: The North Cascades might seem like a peaceful escape, but they are anything but tame. From the towering peaks to the raging rivers, every twist in the road brings you closer to nature’s untamed wilderness.
Download the North Cascades National Park Trip Planner for more details on how to reach the park, must-see stops, best places to stay, when to visit, activities to do, packing tips, and more!
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Know Before You Go
Note: For all road closure updates and more, please visit the National Park Service website.
Nearby Tours
Walking 25+ Stories 0.5 - 1 Hrs 
Driving Per Entrance 85+ Stories 2 - 3 Hrs 
Driving 33+ Stories 2 - 3 Hrs 
Walking 15+ Stories 1 - 2 Hrs 
Driving 60+ Stories 7 - 8 Hrs North Cascades National Park Trail Map
Where To Start?
We recommend Starting From: 24260 Moore St Or 27 State Rte 20
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The park is located in northern Washington State, along the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), approximately 3 hours northeast of Seattle.
The park is open year-round, but access to certain areas, especially along the North Cascades Highway (SR 20), is limited in winter due to snow. The highway is typically closed between Ross Dam Trailhead and Lone Fir Campground from November to April or May.
The best time to visit for hiking and general access is typically from mid-June to late September, when the weather is milder, and most trails are snow-free.
Fall (late September to early October) offers beautiful fall colors, especially the golden larches.
The North Cascades is an amazingly rugged mountain landscape. As the mixing ground of many habitats, it is one of the most ecologically diverse national park areas in the United States. Hiking, mountaineering, sightseeing, and camping are popular add-ons to your self-guided road trip.
Pets are allowed in the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas and on the Pacific Crest Trail within the park complex, but they have restrictions. They are generally not allowed on trails within the national park itself or in the Stehekin Valley. Service animals are permitted in most areas. Check the park’s pet regulations for specific details.
Campsite occupancy is limited to eight people, three tents, and two vehicles per site. Camping is limited to 14 days from July 1 through Labor Day and to 30 days the rest of the year.
The National Park Service website has detailed information about day hiking and backpacking trails, including descriptions, distances, elevation gains, and difficulty levels. You can also find trail guides at visitor centers.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours. Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever. Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators. At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace. Offline use: No cell signal or Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction. Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems. Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks. Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route. Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station. 