North Cascades National Park doesn’t show its full beauty right away. Sure, driving along Highway 20 is nice, and the viewpoints over the lakes and mountains are amazing. But to really experience this park, you need to spend time hiking its trails.
If you only stick to the viewpoints along the highway, you’ll miss out on the true magic of the North Cascades.
To see the park’s full beauty and power, you have to hike, and many of the best trails involve climbing high into the mountains. It’s challenging, but trust me, it’s worth it. When you reach the top, the view of glacier-covered mountains stretching out before you will take your breath away. The only way to enjoy these sights is by hiking.
Here are 6 of the best hikes in the North Cascades National Park Complex.
1. Agnes Gorge Trail
- Distance: 5.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 300 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
This short but exciting trail takes you into a deep gorge surrounded by tall cliffs. The trail starts at High Bridge and goes through thick forests until you see Agnes Creek and waterfalls splashing down the rocky cliffs. It’s a great hike for families, and it’s dog-friendly too. Just be careful near the edge of the gorge!
2. Copper Ridge Trail to Copper Lake
- Distance: 23 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 4,200 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
If you’re ready for a long backpacking trip, this trail is a fantastic choice. The hike gives you incredible views of snow-covered mountains, thick forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Along the way, you’ll pass through wildflower meadows and hike along ridges with amazing views of Mount Shuksan and the Picket Range. Copper Lake, surrounded by sharp mountain peaks, is a great spot to set up camp for the night.
3. Mount Shuksan Sulphide Glacier
- Distance: 10 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
One of the most famous hikes in the North Cascades is the trail to the Sulphide Glacier on Mount Shuksan. This hike is for advanced hikers because it involves traveling on a glacier, and you need special equipment like crampons and ice axes. You’ll hike through old forests and then climb up to the glacier, where you’ll get amazing views of Mount Baker and the surrounding mountains. It’s best to go with a guide if you don’t have glacier experience.
4. Monogram Lake Trail
- Distance: 10 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
This steep trail is tough, but the view of Monogram Lake at the end makes it worth it. As you hike up, the forest thins out, and you’ll start seeing wide views of the Cascade Range. Monogram Lake, with its peaceful setting under towering peaks, is a great place for a picnic or a rest. This trail is perfect for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.
5. Mount Shuksan via the Fischer Chimneys Approach
- Distance: 11 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 5,400 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
Mount Shuksan is one of the most photographed mountains in the world, and the Fischer Chimneys route is one of the most challenging ways to reach it. This hike involves scrambling over rocks and even climbing, so it’s for experienced mountaineers only. The views at the top, overlooking the entire North Cascades, are incredible. Make sure to bring a guide unless you are an expert climber.
6. McAlester Pass and Rainbow Lake Loop
- Distance: 26.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,800 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
This long loop trail gives hikers a mix of meadows, forests, and beautiful lakes. The McAlester Pass and Rainbow Lake Loop is a tough multi-day hike that takes you through the heart of North Cascades National Park. You’ll hike over high ridges, cross streams, and pass meadows filled with wildflowers on your way to Rainbow Lake, a perfect camping spot. The trail is also great for spotting wildlife, including black bears and marmots. It’s a top choice for hikers who want to explore the park’s backcountry.
