312-foot Rainbow Falls (Stehekin) © Liang/NPS
Most visitors drive through the park via North Cascades Highway or take a ferry ride to Stehekin. There’s very little visitation to any of the areas in between. Lodging facilities are available at both locations, and campgrounds are rarely full. Nearby dining, grocery stores, lodging, festivals, and attractions are listed in the What’s Nearby section. Provided below is a sample one-day itinerary for each destination. Cascade Pass (accessed via Cascade River Road from Marblemount) is one of the best attractions, but it’s been omitted because many visitors are uncomfortable or unwilling to traverse the gravel road leading into this region.
Day 1 (North Cascades Highway): Beeline for the Visitor Center (Milepost 120) where you can ask a ranger any questions, check a schedule of the day’s ranger programs, watch an introductory film, browse exhibits, and use the restrooms. If you’d like to stretch your legs, Sterling Munro and River Loop Trails are available nearby. However, there are better hikes ahead. Stop at Gorge Creek Falls and Overlook to hike a couple of short interpretive trails. Continuing east, stop at Diablo Lake Overlook for the views. Next, stop at East Bank Trailhead (Milepost 138). To the north, East Bank Trail is great for families. It’s a flat and easy path following the shoreline of Ross Lake. To the southwest is Panther Creek Trail. It is more rigorous (and more beautiful). Hike 6.5-miles (one-way) to 4th of July Pass. Alternatively, you can continue along North Cascades Highway outside the park to Rainy Pass. The 7.5-mile Maple Pass Loop found here features stunning scenery.
Day 1 (Stehekin): This remote community of 80 or so year-round residents is completely disconnected from society. No roads lead in or out of the quiet mountain retreat. That’s one of the biggest draws, not to mention the fact that you’re surrounded by glaciated mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and pristine water. From Stehekin Landing, begin by stopping in at Golden West Visitor Center where you can view exhibits of the area’s natural and cultural history. When it comes to exploring the region you have three choices: hike, bike, or shuttle. To get right after the hiking, head into the mountains to Juanita Lake via Purple Creek Trail. Energetic hikers can combine Purple Creek Trail with Boulder Creek Trail, which loops back to Stehekin Valley Road at Rainbow Falls. In fall, stroll over to Buckner Orchard to pick an apple or two.