19°34′N 155°30′W EXPLORE OUR IN-DEPTH TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII. WE RECOMMEND USING THIS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU PLAN THE PERFECT ADVENTURE TRIP TO THE BIG ISLAND. While it might be one of the less popular islands in Hawaii to visit and explore, we believe that the Big Island is not to be missed. For starters, the island is incredibly diverse. From lush rainforests and waterfalls on the east side to volcanic lava flows on the west side to rugged green coastal valleys in the north to barren grassy fields in the south, there are so many different biomes that you could spend months on just the Big Island and still not see everything. And that isn't even considering all of the amazing adventures to be had once you leave land behind and head out into the ocean to snorkel, dive and fish. If you are looking to base yourself in one place and still be able to do so many different things - hiking, snorkeling, surfing, and boating - while still getting an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience then the Big Island might be the perfect place to head to. Our in-depth Big Island Travel Guide below covers pretty much everything you need to know to have a memorable adventure; including where to stay, what to do and even some helpful Hawaiian terms to help you feel more like a local. BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII | THE NITTY-GRITTY NAME The Island of Hawaiʻi or Hawaiʻi Island. It is also referred to as simply "the Big Island" so as not to be confusing. Most people tend to call it the Big Island. LOCATION The Big Island is the southeasternmost of the Hawaiian Islands - which are a chain of 8 volcanic islands found in the North Pacific Ocean. The Hawaiian Islands are often touted as one of the most remote locations in the world. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the Hawaiian Islands are in the GMT-10 time zone. This means they are 3 hours behind Los Angeles and Seattle, 6 hours behind New York City and 19 hours behind Tokyo. POPULATION 200,629 people live on the whole Big Island, and many of those people live in the two main towns of Kona and Hilo. This number accounts for only 13% of the entire state of Hawaii's population, even though the island encompasses 63% of its total amount of land. WEATHER Sunny and hot at lower elevations (near the coast), and then colder and cloudier at higher elevations. Also, the east side (near Hilo) is much wetter than the west side (where Kona is located). In fact, the western side of the island is one of the driest places in the whole island chain. LANGUAGE English, but the traditional Hawaiian language is becoming more commonly used (you will see many signs in both languages). CURRENCY AND COST The United States Dollar (USD) is used throughout the island (major credit cards are almost always taken). The Big Island is pretty expensive - especially when it comes to food and lodging. If you can, try to purchase local foods (including produce) to cut down on your overall costs and to be a more sustainable traveler. SAFETY The island is very safe. Really the only major concerns are from the two active volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Kilauea) and the ocean itself (like riptides and marine life). Though as always, remember to be a smart tourist: don't leave things sitting out, lock your vehicles, etc. \\ Basic History and Culture of the Big Island The name "Hawaii" is thought to have two possible origin stories. The first believes the island was named after Hawaiʻiloa, the legendary Polynesian navigator who first discovered the archipelago. The second origin story attributes the name to the legendary realm of Hawaiki, which is a place where some Polynesian people are said to have originated, a place where they transition to the afterlife or even a realm of the gods and goddesses. Captain James Cook, an English explorer and navigator who was the captain of the first European expedition that came upon the Hawaiian Islands, called the islands O-Why-hee as well as the "Sandwich Islands" after his patron, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. While Cook is often touted as the discoverer of the Hawaiian Islands, in fact, the Polynesians are believed to have landed on the island's coasts around 1219 and 1266 A.D. The Hawaiian population grew steadily until Cook's landing in 1778, where, with his landing, disease quickly decimated the population. Within a year, Cook would be murdered on the Big Island (where the large Captain Cook Monument stands today) after a disagreement about a boat being stolen. Fast forward to 1795 and the famous ruler Kamehameha the Great (original name: Pai'ea Kamehameha) has officially united all of the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. This is when the island chain would "officially" become known as the Hawaiian Islands after the name of his home island (you can actually visit his birth site, which is located on the far northern part of the Big Island). In 1822 the missionary William Ellis arrived on the island and eventually did a full tour - which included visiting some notable places as the crater of Kilauea and the Waipi'o Valley. He used this trip around the island to scout for possible missionary sites (which would indeed eventually be built). More recent history on the Big Island includes the building of the Mauna Kea astronomical observatories on the summit of the tallest mountain on the island, which began in 1967 and is still ongoing. ➳ Learn more about the history of the Big Island here. HELPFUL HAWAIIAN TERMS TO KNOW 7 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE BIG ISLAND 1 | The island of Hawaiʻi is the third largest island in Polynesia, behind the two main islands of New Zealand. Likewise, the Big Island is the largest island in the whole USA. It also encompasses more land than all of the other Hawaiian islands combined. 2 | Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on Earth. The summit of the mountain stands 33,500 feet above the ocean floor (and 13,675 feet above sea level) - which also makes it one of the tallest mountains on the planet (just behind its neighbor Mauna Kea). 3 | Lake Wai’au on the side of Mauna Kea (the tallest mountain on the island at 13,796 feet) is the third-highest lake in the whole USA. It sits at 13,020 feet above sea level. 4 | You can see 90% of all visible stars from the summit of Mauna Kea. This is why there are 13 world-class telescopes - including the Keck Observatory (the second largest observatory in the world) - sitting on the top. 5 | Kilauea - located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - is considered one of the world’s most active volcanoes. 6 | Along the Big Islands' 266 miles of coastline, you can find 100+ beaches; including black sand and green sand beaches. 7 | The island of Hawaiʻi is built from 5 separate shield volcanoes - though only two are still active. These are Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The other three are located on the far northern side of the island. They are Kohala, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai. \\ The Best Time to Visit The Big Island While there isn't a bad time to visit the Big Island - the weather is pretty consistent year-round - if you are looking for smaller crowds and quieter beaches (and cheaper airfare and lodging) then consider visiting between the months of April and May (before the large summer crowds arrive and after the winter holidays) or between August and October (after the summer crowds leave and before the winter holidays arrive). In fact, the busiest months for tourists on the Big Island are the months of July and December. During these shoulder periods you can still expect beautiful weather - mid-70s to 80s with lots of sunshine - and far fewer crowds; especially in the towns, on the beaches and at the best snorkeling spots. Plus, you will find slightly cheaper airfare and lodging outside of the busy season. 💬 INSIDER TIP: when planning to visit the Big Island during the fall, make sure to check when the annual Ironman World Championships are taking place in Kona. During that time - usually around the first week of October - flights and lodging can get really expensive. If you don't have to visit that exact weekend/part of the month, then we suggest either visiting slightly earlier or later. \\ How to Get To & Around The Big Island Even though the greater Hawaiian Islands are considered to be one of the most remote places in the world, they are still not super difficult to reach. Thanks to modern transportation methods you can now easily fly to the Big Island from many major cities; including, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles in the USA and Tokyo in Japan. Below is some helpful information on how to reach the Big Island and then how to get around once you finally make it to paradise. GETTING TO THE BIG ISLAND There are two international airports on the Big Island: one in Kona (Kona International Airport) and one in Hilo (Hilo International Airport). From both airports there are regular flights to the USA mainland - especially from cities on the West Coast. Likewise, there are commonly non-stop flights to Hawaii from two airports in Tokyo. Flights to both Kona and Hilo are quite long: from the USA mainland, flights on average are around 6 hours long; while from Tokyo the flights are closer to 7.5 hours long. Besides flying, you also have the opportunity to land on the Big Island via one of the major Hawaiian cruise routes. The most common cruises take passengers from one Hawaiian island to another, with usually a day or two on each island in between. Though if you choose to go this route, you will more than likely have an itinerary planned for you for each island ahead of time. GETTING AROUND THE BIG ISLAND The biggest cities on the island are Kona on the west side and Hilo on the east side. Besides those two metropolitan areas, there are many smaller settlements that often have a few services and things worth seeing. These towns include Waimea, Hawi, Captain Cook, Pahoa, and Volcano. Most of the major lodging options will be found in either Kona or Hilo. Luckily, it only takes an hour and a half to cross the island (and 5 hours to drive around the island completely). The best way therefore to explore the Big Island is to rent a car. We recommend getting one with a bit higher clearance and even a 4x4 - especially if you are looking to adventure along some of the backroads of the island (or head up to the top of Mauna Kea). You can pick up and drop off a car from either airport, which makes it super easy to land, grab your vehicle and start adventuring right away. ➳ We recommend checking out Discover Cars to find the best car rental rates for your Hawaiian adventure. You can explore their entire car catalog here. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you instead want to focus on renting a car that will definitely make it up to the top of Mauna Kea (4x4 is absolutely required) then consider checking out Big Island Jeep Rental. This locally owned, family-run shop provides Jeeps specifically for driving up Mauna Kea. Definitely check them out if you want a more off-road focused Big Island adventure. \\ Where to Stay on the Big Island There are many options when it comes to finding a place to stay on the Big Island. From luxurious all-inclusive resorts, to smaller hotels near the beach, to Airbnb's with all of the comforts of home, you can really book every type of place to call your adventure basecamp. Below are a few recommended places in both the towns of Kona and Hilo. WHERE TO STAY IN KONA Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: this all-inclusive resort is located 15 miles north of downtown Kona. The resort, which is situated right on the water and within a short distance of numerous snorkeling spots, includes a top-notch golf course, 7 pools, and some amazing ocean views. Plus, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Rated Resort in Hawaii. | BOOK YOUR STAY Shell Vacations Club Kona Coast Resort: located a bit closer to town is this tropical resort situated on 21 acres of lush coastline. The resort includes 250+ individual villas (each with their own kitchen), numerous pools and hot tubs and easy access to local swimming and snorkeling spots. | BOOK YOUR STAY Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kailua-Kona: for a much cheaper lodging option with still a high level of amenities, consider booking a night in this centrally located hotel that is right in downtown Kona and within easy walking distance to the Kona Farmers Market, Kailua Bay, and the historic Hulihe‘e Palace. | BOOK YOUR STAY Newly Renovated Condo in Downtown Kona: this modern Airbnb is located only 2 blocks from downtown Kona and the ocean. It includes a common area pool and BBQs, a fully stocked kitchen, parking and Wi-Fi. | BOOK YOUR STAY Kona Beach Hostel: for a more down-to-earth Hawaiian vibe, consider booking a night at this quaint hostel located in downtown Kona. The hostel is for adults only and offers easy access to various restaurants, bars, the local farmer's market and numerous ocean destinations. | BOOK YOUR STAY WHERE TO STAY IN IN HILO SCP Hotel: this upscale hotel offers guests the opportunity to connect with the local Hawaiian culture through authentic and genuine experiences that also focus heavily on sustainability. This lodging spot is located on the outskirts of town near the coast - but still within easy walking distance of all the downtown amenities. | BOOK YOUR STAY Hilo Honu Inn: this cute, recently renovated bed and breakfast is located just blocks from downtown Hilo - making it easy to base yourself here and explore all the amazing things the east side of the island has to offer (including waterfalls and tropical gardens). The BnB also offers fast internet, free breakfast and parking.| BOOK YOUR STAY Cottage Next to a Waterfall: this traditional-style cottage is situated on the outskirts of Hilo on a private riverfront nature preserve and within a short walk of an amazing waterfall and midnight blue swimming hole. This Airbnb can house up to 6 people and includes 2 bedrooms, a sizeable kitchen, laundry facilities and internet. | BOOK YOUR STAY Hilo Bay Hostel: this centrally located, old-school hostel (it is located in a restored 1913 hotel) is within walking distance to many top sites on the east side of the island - including the farmer's market, Hilo Bay, the Lyman Museum and the bus terminal (which allows you to go almost anywhere else on the island). | BOOK YOUR STAY \\ Top Adventures on the Big Island There are a ton of things to do on the Big Island - so much so that even after spending 2 weeks there we still felt like we only scratched the surface. Below are some of the top adventures on the island. SNORKELING There are a ton of snorkeling spots within a short drive of downtown Kona. During our 14 days on the island we probably snorkeled 12 of them - and almost every one of those day trips was to a different snorkeling spot. In our opinion some of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island are: TWO STEP This snorkeling spot is a popular place to view dolphins - especially in the mornings. To reach this beautiful coastal destination, head south of Kona on Highway 11 until you reach the turn off for Road 160/Keala O Keawe Road. Take that road down towards the coast. Finally, turn left onto Honaunau Beach Road (follow signs for Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park). Park on the side of the road and then walk about two minutes down to the beach (exact location). This snorkeling spot gets its name from the very easy entrance into the water. On the left side of the large rock outcropping near the beach there is a small natural set of stairs that you can step off of to get into the water. Do be aware that this location is pretty popular so you likely will not have it to yourself. BEST FOR: coral, dolphins and fish CRESCENT BEACH/DOG BEACH This smaller cove is more of a local's hidden gem. Because it doesn't appear on many maps - and if it does it comes up as a small beach where you can take your dog - it usually stays under the radar in terms of snorkeling. But if you are looking for great coral and a high probability of seeing larger marine wildlife (including sharks) then this could be a great snorkeling option. To reach this snorkeling spot, drive north of Kona towards the boat marina (just before the airport). Park at the large marina parking lot and then walk about 5 minutes down towards the beach (exact location). There is a small bit of sand where you can easily hop in and start snorkeling. We recommend heading out and then turning left to follow the coast. Do be aware that boats come and go from the marina regularly, so always keep an eye out for them approaching while out in the water. BEST FOR: fish and sharks MILE MARKER 4 One of the closest snorkeling spots to Kona is this smaller beach located right off of Ali'i Drive (the main coastal road, exact location). This spot gets its name thanks to it being located right at mile marker 4 on the road (super handy). You can park along the road or in the small parking lot nearby. This is a great snorkeling spot on a calm day when visibility is at its best. Come here if you want a high chance of spotting sea turtles, fish and colorful coral. 💬 INSIDER TIP: this beach is also very close to the popular swimming and surfing beach, Magic Sands. If you want to combine both into a fun ocean-focused day, then we suggest parking nearby, hanging out at Magic Sands during the heat of the day and then snorkeling closer to dusk (this is when the marine life really comes alive). BEST FOR: fish, sea turtles CAPTAIN COOK One of the farthest snorkeling spots from Kona is this beautiful destination that does require a bit of a hike to reach. In fact, the hike - which is 4 miles round-trip - is a great adventure by itself (really the snorkeling is the cherry on top). To start the hike, head south towards the town of Captain Cook. When you get to the intersection of Highway 11 and Road 160 park on the side (exact location of parking here). The trail starts right along the road (there is a clear sign with useful information). Be aware that the hike is relatively intense. You will hike down 2 miles, but lose 2,000 feet of elevation (meaning you will have to gain that back on the way up). Come prepared with plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Also, consider doing the hike either in the morning or later in the day and NOT during the heat of the day (10 AM - 3 PM). Once at the bottom of the trail you will see the Captain Cook Monument and a clear spot to hop into the water to start snorkeling. Once in the water, head to the left (towards the cove). While snorkeling keep an eye out for sea turtles and eels. BEST FOR: sea turtles, coral, fish and great views of the coast HIKING While water sports are definitely the most popular type of adventure to get up to on the Big Island there are also a few great adventures to be had on land; including, some sweet hiking trails along the coast and also up in the forests. Below are a few top hiking trails to explore. POLOLU BEACH If you want a shorter hike with a big pay-off, then head up north to the small town of Hawi (pronounced "ha-vi") and explore the stunning Pololu Beach and lookout. The hike itself is only about 1 mile total, but there is quite a bit of elevation change (luckily it is quite shaded). Do note that this area is a very sacred place for the local Hawaiians so make sure to follow all protocol - including wiping your feet before and after the hike, only wandering around the beach and not into the private property, and respecting all Leave No Trace Principles. 📌 LOCATION COST: free! GREEN SAND BEACH For a bit bigger adventure - but one with an equally awesome pay-off, head in the opposite direction and hike out to the famous Green Sand Beach, which is located just a bit further south of the most southern point of the entire USA (see below). Green Sand Beach, also known as Papakolea, is a small beach with uniquely colored sand. Due to the high amount of olivine (a common mineral found on the Big Island), the sand on this beach is more greenish than brown or black. What also makes this a cool hiking destination is the fact that the beach is actually cut out of Puʻu Mahana, a volcanic cinder cone that erupted roughly 50,000 years ago. The hike to the beach is about 5 miles round-trip. But while the trail is easy to follow (it is 99% on road) it is almost totally unshaded. And the sun on the Big Island is intense. Definitely come prepared with plenty of sunscreen, sun protection - including a hat and sunglasses - and water. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: if you don't feel like doing the hike but still want to visit the beach, then you also have the option to ride in the back of a truck. We don't know how much this costs as we decided to do the hike instead, but we would expect it to be around $10 - $20 per person. 📌 LOCATION COST: free! Unless you choose to ride on one of the trucks. MAKUALA O'OMA TRAIL For a totally different type of hike, drive about 20 minutes out of Kona and check out this trail that loops around a lush cloud forest. Because the Big Island has so many different biomes, it is really easy to explore the numerous unique landscapes within a short drive of the major towns. One of those awesome landscapes is found on this roughly 4 mile hike. Along the trail, you can see lots of birds (like parrots), different plants - including some very weird looking ferns, and escape the heat of the sun in the dense forest. Besides being very pretty, this hiking trail is also dog friendly. 📌 LOCATION COST: free! OTHER TOP ADVENTURES ON THE BIG ISLAND TOUR GREENWELL FARMS This historic family-owned coffee farm offers free tours plus tastings of their delicious coffee. If you want to learn more about the history of the island - or if you are just really into tasty coffee - then this 1.5 hour tour is a great thing to do. 📌 LOCATION COST: free! VISIT THE SOUTHERNMOST POINT IN THE USA While the Florida Keys might have the most southern point on the continental USA, the Big Island has the absolute most southern point in the whole USA. To reach this scenic point - which happens to be really close to a pretty green sand beach (see above) drive down Highway 11 all the way until you see the turn off for South Point Road (approximately 53 miles away). Drive down this narrow road until it ends at a dirt lot (you will likely see many other cars parked here). Surprisingly, the southernmost point isn't super well-marked. In fact, while there is a tall tower there, we couldn't gather if that was the official marker or not. Either way, this part of the island feels really different than other areas and is definitely worth visiting for the ocean views alone. 📌 LOCATION COST: free! HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK As you might have gathered from our past adventures and writings we are big fans of national parks (you can explore all of our guides here). So we definitely made sure to put aside some time to head up into the mountains to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This beautiful national park was established in 1916 to protect its outstanding natural values - including the summit of Mauna Loa (a still active volcano and one of the largest mountains in the world by overall size), Kilauea (maybe the most active volcano in the world), the southern coast of the Big Island and numerous endangered plants and animals. Besides being a national park, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is also a designated International Biosphere Reserve (as of 1980) and a World Heritage Site. If you have the time and the desire to learn more about volcanoes, then we definitely recommend making the drive up to the national park. From Kona it is roughly 2 hours to the main visitor center and from Hilo it is about 45 minutes away. 📌 LOCATION COST: $30 /vehicle (valid for 7 days) The Big Island is an incredibly diverse place with so much to offer the adventurous traveler. From snorkeling in crystal clear water to hiking around active volcanoes this tropical destination has so much to do that it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming! If you have any questions about traveling and exploring the Big Island then please leave a question or comment below or reach out to us directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS HAWAII TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE EVEN MORE TRAVEL GUIDES THE ULTIMATE COLOMBIA TRAVEL GUIDE | Everything You Need to Know to Visit this Diverse South American Country A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO EXPLORING FLAGSTAFF AND SEDONA IN ARIZONA | Our In-Depth Guide to the Top Adventures and Sites THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO VISITING MONUMENT VALLEY | An In-Depth Guide to What to See and Where to Go

48°49′58″N 121°20′51″W ARE YOU HOPING TO BACKPACK IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO? DON'T WORRY - WE FELT THE SAME WAY. HERE ARE 5 BACKPACKING TRAILS WE WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHECKING OUT. North Cascades National Park is an absolute adventurer's paradise. Imagine hundreds of glaciers, dozens of crystal clear alpine lakes, beautiful and rugged mountains and the highest degree of flora biodiversity than any other national park in the USA, which can all be easily explored by simply heading out on one of the park's numerous trails. But with so many options available, it understandably can get a little overwhelming when trying to figure out exactly where you want to explore. Luckily, we have compiled (in our opinion) a list of the 5 best backpacking trails within North Cascades National Park. These 5 trails - most of which are loops - will give you the opportunity to check out the park's famously rugged wilderness as well as a chance to totally disconnect from the outside world. Plus, all of them are just absolutely beautiful. Keep reading to learn more about these 5 top backpacking routes and if you have any further questions, consider checking out our North Cascades Backpacking Planning Guide or reaching out to us directly - we are always happy to help you plan an epic adventure! ➳ Also, make sure to reserve your backcountry camping permits before heading out onto the trails. An overnight permit is required for all backpacking adventures no matter the time of year. You can reserve your permit ahead of time (here) or do it in person at the park's Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount (located on the west side of the national park). THE TOP 5 BACKPACKING ROUTES IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK 1 | McAlester Pass and Rainbow Lake Loop DISTANCE: ~28 miles, loop DAYS NEEDED: 3 TRAILHEAD: Bridge Creek Trailhead SHUTTLE: No CAMPSITES: South Fork, Rainbow Lake, High Camp, McAlester Lake This roughly 28-mile loop is actually the backpacking route we chose to do in North Cascades National Park. And let us tell you - it was great. Awesome mountain scenery, numerous alpine lakes, lots of wildflowers (and wild blueberries) and a high chance of spotting various wildlife - including black bears (we saw two), chipmunks, deer and birds - make this relatively easy trail a great option if you want to explore the parks rugged wilderness. You can read our full rundown of the backpacking trail - including what we brought with us and where we camped - in this adventure guide. ➳ Explore the Alltrails route. 2 | Devil's Dome Loop DISTANCE: 38.5 miles, loop DAYS NEEDED: 4-5 TRAILHEAD: East Bank Trailhead SHUTTLE: No CAMPSITES: May Creek, Rainbow Point, Devil's Junction or Devil's Point Due to it being one of the tougher trails in the park - both for its elevation profile (you climb 10,498 feet) and its more rugged trail system (it is usually more overgrown than most other trails in the park) - the Devil's Dome Loop should likely only be done by people with plenty of backcountry experience. This longer loop connects the East Bank Trail with the Devil's Ridge Trail and then ends with the Jackita Ridge Trail and Ruby Creek Trail. There are numerous campsites along the East Bank Trail to choose from, though only a few once you leave that popular trail behind. Likewise, one of the biggest concerns with this backpacking trail is the utter lack of available water (especially later in the season). Therefore, you will want to make sure to plan ahead if you are thinking of taking this route on. While the loop can sometimes be called a "sufferfest," it does reward you with incredible views of the surrounding mountains - including Mount Baker on a clear day. ➳ Explore the Alltrails route. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE PLANNING GUIDE FOR BACKPACKING IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK 3 | Stehekin (via the PCT) DISTANCE: ~19 miles to Stehekin, one-way DAYS NEEDED: 2 to reach the town, 4 to do the full out-and-back trail TRAILHEAD: Rainy Pass Trailhead SHUTTLE: Yes, if only going out one-way CAMPSITES: High Bridge, Bridge Creek, South Fork and Fireweed If the Devil's Dome Loop seems a bit too intense, then consider this out-and-back trail that starts near Rainy Pass and then follows the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) all the way down to the cute lakeside town of Stehekin. While it is a bit of a longer push - 19 miles one-way - if you plan it right, you can likely spend one of the nights in an actual bed in the town of Stehekin (there are a few options available, including staying at the lakeside North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin). Likewise, you can also hike into Stehekin and then take a ferry out or do the opposite and ferry into town and hike out towards Rainy Pass. Whichever way you choose to go, you will need to book a ride on one of the town's ferries ahead of time. While hiking along the PCT, you will have great views of the surrounding mountains and multiple bubbling creeks, as well as the chance to spot lots of wildflowers and numerous types of wildlife (including black bears). ➳ Explore the Alltrails route. READ MORE | HOW TO SPEND 2 DAYS IN NOTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK: THE TOP TRAVEL ITINERARY 4 | Golden Horn Trail DISTANCE: 31.2 miles, out and back (option to exit on a different trail) DAYS NEEDED: 3-4 TRAILHEAD: Rainy Pass Trailhead SHUTTLE: No, unless you choose to exit on a different trail CAMPSITES: as it is along the PCT, you can camp in undesignated campsites (ask a ranger for more information) Another fun backpacking route in North Cascades National Park is this roughly 31-mile out-and-back trail that also heads north on the PCT. To start the hike, you will need to park at the Rainy Pass Trailhead and then head up the PCT all the way to the top of Rainy Pass (elevation: 6,798 feet). This trail is pretty popular so be prepared to see many other adventurers along the way (especially PCT thru-hikers). Even though this trail is outlined as an out-and-back, there are many options to change it up a bit. For example, you can take a side trip from the main trail up to the Snow Lakes and then head back down (this will end up being around 20 miles total), or you can hike all the way out and then take the East Creek Trail down instead of returning the way you came (for this you will need a shuttle as the East Creek Trail doesn't meet back up at the Rainy Pass Trailhead). You can also hike up the PCT and then split off at Cutthroat Pass and hike down to Cutthroat Lake via the Cutthroat Creek Trail (you will also need a shuttle for this route). If you choose to go the straightforward Golden Horn Trail route (the standard 31.2 mile out and back trail) then expect 6,167 feet of elevation gain overall. ➳ Explore the Alltrails route. 5 | Cascade Pass to Cottonwood Camp DISTANCE: ~18 miles, out and back (with the option to go longer) DAYS NEEDED: 2-3 TRAILHEAD: Cascade Pass SHUTTLE: No CAMPSITES: Pelton Basin Camp, Basin Creek Camp and Cottonwood Camp Located in one of the more popular areas of the national park, the Cascade Pass Trail heads out away from the famous Sahale Glacier/Boston Glacier area and down into the Stehekin Valley (you will follow the Stehekin River most of the way). If you are looking for a shorter backpacking trail that affords you great views and the opportunity to explore the Sahale Glacier area, then this roughly 18-mile route is a great option to consider. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: while you can simply turn around once you get to Cottonwood Camp, you can also keep hiking out along the trail until you reach either Flat Creek or Park Creek Camps, both of which are an extra 4 miles each way. ➳ Explore the Alltrails route. EXPLORE MORE | OUR EXPERIENCE THRU-HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS IN WASHINGTON Backpacking in North Cascades National Park is a fantastic way to explore the national park's stunningly rugged backcountry. Plus, it is one of the best ways to disconnect and just get back to nature - which is not just good for your body, but for your soul as well. If you are looking to plan an epic backpacking trip in North Cascades National Park then we highly recommend checking out these five routes. You can learn more about backpacking in the park in our in-depth planning guide and also just more about the national park in general in our Ultimate Adventure Guide to North Cascades National Park. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THESE TRAILS FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE BACKPACKING TRAILS AND NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURES REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK | The Ultimate Adventure Guide OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK | The Ultimate Adventure Guide NECKLACE VALLEY TRAIL | An In-Depth Hiking and Backpacking Guide 4 OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH BACKPACKING ROUTES IN CALIFORNIA HOW TO STAY SAFE BACKPACKING IN BEAR COUNTRY

48°49′58″N 121°20′51″W LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR OWN EXPERIENCE BACKPACKING FOR 3 DAYS IN THE RUGGED BACKCOUNTRY OF NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK. We knew that a backpacking trip into the rugged wilderness of North Cascades National Park was a must-do - especially when we planned on visiting during a long weekend late in the summer (aka a prime time in the park). While we showed up to the ranger station without really a plan - most of our ideas got kiboshed when we saw how much smoke there was from nearby forest fires - in the end, we ended up reserving two epic wilderness zone backcountry camping permits and planning one beautiful 3-day adventure. Below is a breakdown of our own experience backpacking in North Cascades National Park - home to the greatest number of glaciers in the lower 48 states, some of the highest numbers of plant species in the whole USA park system, and just some truly magical hiking trails. GETTING YOUR BACKCOUNTRY PERMIT FOR NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK One of the most important things to know about backpacking in North Cascades National Park is that you will need a backcountry permit for every night you are planning to spend in the backcountry. There are two ways to get a backcountry permit: with an advanced reservation or by walking up the day before or the day of your trip. The main difference here is that the advanced reservation can be made up to two days before your trip, whereas the walk-up reservations are only available the day before or the day of your trip's start date. Whichever way you do it, you will need to stop by the Wilderness Information Center to pick up your permit in person. The Wilderness Information Center is located in the town of Marblemount, which is approximately 7.5 miles from the west entrance to the national park. 📌 EXACT ADDRESS: 7280 Ranger Station Rd, Marblemount, WA 98267 🕝 HOURS: 7 AM - 4 PM, 7 days a week ➳ Learn more about North Cascades National Park Backcountry Permits here. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK OUR 3 DAY BACKPACKING ADVENTURE IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK After talking to a ranger at the Wilderness Information Center we decided to head out on a backpacking route that started at the Bridge Creek Trailhead and then looped around the mountains and over Rainbow Pass and McAlester Pass before ending at the same trailhead. Along this 30+ mile route we were able to get two wilderness backcountry camping permits - meaning we weren't going to be camping in an established camping area, but instead we would just have to hike into the specific wilderness zones and we could camp anywhere there (obviously within reason, always follow all Leave No Trace Principles when backcountry camping). Below is a breakdown of our 3-day backpacking adventure in North Cascades National Park. OUR BACKPACKING ROUTE DAY 1 | Mileage: 14 miles / 22.5 kilometers | Elevation Change: ~ 4,000 feet of gain, ~2,000 feet of loss (1,218 meters up, 620 meters down) | Time on Trail: ~9 hours | Bridge Creek Trailhead --> Rainbow Pass (Gaia GPS Route) Our backpacking adventure started out by going south on the PCT. Within the first 15 minutes of hiking we actually saw a bear (we would see two during the whole 3 day trip). The first couple of miles were mostly downhill and along a pretty thick trail (there were bushes and berries thick on both sides). Along the PCT section of the loop the way, we passed the Fireweed, Hideaway, and South Fork Campgrounds (the latter two had bathrooms available which was nice). Like most trails in North Cascades National Park, water was easily available for filtering as the trail crossed many rivers and streams (meaning you likely won't have to pack much water with you). We had our first snack break and refilled our two water bladders at the South Fork Campground. Obviously, while water is usually easily available, make sure to always check your map to see how far you have distance-wise between water refill stations. Once across Bridge Creek, we left the PCT behind and started hiking up the Rainbow Creek Trail (the PCT does continue south towards Stehekin - which is roughly 18 miles from the Bridge Creek Trailhead). Rainbow Creek Trail - though a bit less traveled than the PCT - was still quite nice. The trail crossed multiple meadows and pass through numerous pine forests. In truth, we really didn’t see anyone until we got just below Rainbow Pass - which was at least 3 miles from the turn-off. 💬 INSIDER TIP: due to the national park's high number of bears (mostly black bears) it is important to always stay bear-aware while hiking. Learn more about this in our handy Bear Safety article. Along the trail, there are usually (depending on the season of course) a lot of wild berries growing, including, blackberries, blueberries and thimbleberries (which are a light pink or red color and taste kind of like a strawberry). We suggest slowing down and spending a bit of time eating these berries (or adding them to your oatmeal in the morning like we did). They are seriously 100x better than any store bought berry. Soon enough we passed Dan’s Camp (where there is a bathroom you can use) and then started the long uphill climb that culminated with crossing Rainbow Pass (elevation: 6,238 feet). Towards the base of the final push to the top of the pass, we took another snack break and refilled our water bladders in a small stream. When backpacking, it is important to know the signs of dehydration or low blood sugar (aka you need to take a quick snack break). These signs include feeling sluggish, hangry, lightheaded and a grumbling tummy. When we start to feel like a snack or water break is needed we usually reach for something with a good dose of sugar (like gummy candies) or something with a high level of salt/electrolytes (pickles are great). The climb up to the top of Rainbow Pass ended up being pretty easy (there was a nice set of switchbacks that made the hike up feel pretty gradual overall). At the top of the pass, you will get some truly stunning views of the surrounding mountains; including the 7,000+ foot Bowan Mountain. Once at the top, we turned right and left the main trail behind. This was because from Rainbow Pass it was relatively easy to hike out into the McGregor Wilderness, which is where our Night 1 camping permit was for. The wilderness area included multiple mountain lakes - including an unnamed one that we ended up camping along. We set up camp near the bank of the rather large unnamed lake and promptly jumped in to cool off and scrub off some of the dirt and ash (our first day on the trail was rather smoky). Then we started making a delicious dinner of teriyaki noodles with Thai chili tuna and some instant mashed potatoes (not combined). Once done eating, we made sure to leave all of our smelly cooking stuff and our packed bear box quite a distance from our tent (a key bear-safe practice). Once the sun went down behind the mountains we pretty much headed straight to bed. We don't know if it was because of the long day on the trail or because of the whole camping paradox of getting in tune with the sun, but once it got totally dark out we were suddenly really tired and soon enough we were fast asleep. DAY 2 | Mileage: ~14.5 miles / 23 kilometers | Elevation Change: 3,854 feet gained, 4,032 feet lost (1,775 meters up, 1,229 meters down) | Time on Trail: ~10.5 hours | Rainbow Pass --> South Pass (Gaia GPS Route) We woke up pretty early on the second day, even though the sun didn't hit our tent until much later than expected due to Bowan Mountain blocking the rays of the rising sun. Once up, we started boiling water for oatmeal and instant coffee. Then we filtered water from the lake, packed up our stuff and started making our way back out to the main Rainbow Lake Trail. Though it took us a bit longer to make it back to the established trail, we were pleasantly surprised to find that much of the smoke had dissipated from the day before and we could now see Lake Chelan down in one of the valleys to the south. Starting from the top of Rainbow Pass, it took us about 45 minutes to hike down to Rainbow Lake where we took a quick break to make some more coffee and go for a quick swim (it was already starting to warm up). From Rainbow Lake it is about 4.5 miles to the next major water refill station of Bench Creek, so we made sure to fill both of our water bladders and also chug a lot of water before setting off down the trail. Between Rainbow Lake and Bench Creek you do lose a lot of elevation - especially during the switchback section right after the lake. While the Alltrails route suggests going clockwise, we instead think going counterclockwise is a little less challenging mainly because of this section (though you do end up climbing another set of switchbacks later in the day, but we'll get to that in a second). If you decide to follow our counterclockwise route, we suggest taking your time on these switchbacks as they are a bit rocky and can get slippery - especially after any rain or snow. Along this section of the trail - which is almost entirely downhill or flat - you will pass three backcountry camping areas for Rainbow Meadows (one of them is a stock site). And then once you get to the river you will see Bench Creek, another campsite. From what we remember, there was at least one bathroom available in the Rainbow Meadows camping area. Once you cross Bench Creek, where you can easily filter water and find some shade for lunch, you will start the climb up to the top of McAlester Pass along the Rainbow Creek Trail. For the most part, the trail up to the pass is pretty chill until you get to Bowan Camp, which is roughly 1.5 miles up the trail (in total, you climb just over 700 feet during that section). At Bowan you can use the bathroom and take a break before the real climbing begins. From the camp - which is pretty small and nondescript - you will hike up just under 3 miles and gain 1,614 feet of elevation gain to reach the top of McAlester Pass (elevation: 6,004 feet). Most of that elevation gain comes near the end when you begin a fun hike up 22 switchbacks (luckily they are all pretty short). From the top of the switchbacks you have amazing views of the surrounding peaks; including, Rainbow Ridge, South Pass Peak, Dee Dee Peak and McAlester Mountain. You will know you have reached McAlester Pass when you enter a large open mountain meadow. From the meadow you have the option to hike down to McAlester Lake (where there is a campground), or stay up near the pass at High Camp. We decided to instead hike another 1.4 miles to the top of South Pass, which is located off to the right of the meadow on a nice, established trail and spend the night there (after making a quick trip to the stunning Dee Dee Lakes for dinner). South Pass gives you great views of the surrounding peaks - though there are no amenities (it is another wilderness zone camp) so make sure to come prepared with everything you would need (including a bear box). 💬 INSIDER TIP: we were allowed to camp up and away from the main campgrounds once again because we got a permit specifically for that area at the Wilderness Information Center. If you are confident in your backcountry skills and know how to follow all Leave No Trace Principles, then we recommend trying to get one of those specific campsites yourself. Once camp was set up and dinner was made (another round of tasty mushroom pasta with a side of instant mashed potatoes and tuna), we packed away all of our smelly stuff into the bear box and stored it nice and far from the tent (we had already seen one bear on the trail up to the pass). Day 2 on the trail was a bit longer than Day 1 - though it didn't necessarily feel harder(even though there was a bit more elevation gain overall). Maybe it was because we started out by losing a lot of elevation during the hottest part of the day and then gaining it all back once clouds began to roll in (we luckily missed most of the rain), or maybe it was because we were a bit more hydrated overall. Either way, we both really enjoyed the second day on the trail as it gave us numerous chances to see wildlife and flowers as well as a lot of awesome viewpoints. READ MORE | THE ULTIMATE PLANNING GUIDE TO BACKPACKING IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK DAY 3 | Mileage: 9.9 kilometers / 16 kilometers | Elevation Change: 1,391 feet gained, 3,077 feet lost (424 meters up, 938 meters down) | Time on Trail: ~5 hours | South Pass --> Bridge Creek Trailhead (Gaia GPS Route) We got a pretty late start on our third morning. After a relatively quiet night, we decided to get up nice and early to watch the sunrise over the nearby mountains. Just after dawn broke we crawled out of our sleeping bags, pulled on our warmest layers and started boiling water. That morning we were in for a real treat as we had picked about a cup's worth of wild blueberries along the hike the day before. While instant oatmeal is pretty okay by itself, it really is something special once you add delicious wild blueberries to it. Once food and coffee were made we walked up to a little overlook and waited for the sky to start changing colors. For the next hour or so we just marveled at the quickly lightening landscape - the sky went from a pale peach to a vibrant orange and then back to a calming blue. Soon enough we were full, caffeinated and a little sore from sitting on the rocks. So we made our way back to camp, packed up everything and then very slowly started hiking back to the main Rainbow Creek Trail (we probably ate another cup's worth of wild blueberries each along this 1.5 mile section of trail). By the time we made it back to the sign for McAlester Pass the sun was high in the sky and we were ready to get moving down the trail. We ended up packing just enough food for the last day on the trail: by the time we got about halfway back to the beginning of the loop we ate the last of our tuna and tortillas. Now all that was left in our packs were a couple of victory gummy candies. The 3rd day on the trail was overall pretty chill. The trail was mostly downhill and along a river - meaning we could fill up whenever necessary and not worry about running out of water. Plus, for the most part, the whole trail was in the forest so the sun never felt too intense. Near the end of the loop we decided to take a spur trail back to the start instead of hiking back on the PCT (which we had hiked in on). The spur trail (known as the Stiletto Spur Trail) ran parallel to the main PCT trail and was much quieter and a bit more rugged (aka overgrown). Along this part of the hike we found numerous blackberry and thimbleberry bushes, which of course we took full advantage of. Soon enough we popped back onto the PCT and hiked the last mile or so through the thick pine forest until we started hearing the sounds of the highway. About 30 minutes later we were back at the van, a bit tired and very much ready for some chips and salsa and mac and cheese. Day 3 was by far the easiest day of the whole backpacking adventure. We made sure that our final day on the trail would be the shortest, as we didn't want to stress about getting back to the trailhead late in the day (we had obligations the next day we couldn't miss). When planning your own backpacking trip we recommend organizing it similarly, as this set-up allows for some wiggle room during your previous days on the trail (i.e. you might have been over gumptious in planning and you end up not making it to the campsite you had originally hoped to reach the night before). Plus, it is just nice to know that your last day (the final stretch) will likely be nice and easy. Overall, we would say this Rainbow Pass - McAlester Pass Loop is a great way to get into the rugged backcountry that makes North Cascades National Park so famous. The loop is pretty straightforward and really easy to follow (signage along the trail was top-notch). Plus, there was plenty of water available to filter from, meaning you can really decrease your pack weight by only carrying a couple of water bottles and a water filter (like this one). Throughout the three days we couldn't stop marveling at the mountainous landscape - especially on days 2 and 3 when the smoke cleared and the whole landscape came into sharper focus. Plus, the flowers and wild blueberries really lit up the whole trail - especially near the top of the passes. If you are looking for a fun 3-day backpacking adventure then we cannot recommend the Rainbow Pass - McAlester Pass Loop enough. ► Check out our adventure film on the whole trail for a better idea of what we mean. \\ Our Backpacking Tips Below are a few backpacking tricks and tips we have learned over the years: | Consider bringing a nicer breakfast to eat on the first day of your backpacking adventure. We usually go with nice, hearty pancakes with lots of stuff mixed in (nuts, fruit, chocolate, etc.). We then pack them in a large Ziploc bag and eat them along the trail. By the end we are stuffed, happy and now have a handy plastic bag to store stuff in (like trash we find and pick up along the trail). | Similarly, think about bringing some food with you on the first day of the trail that will “spoil”. What we mean is on your first day of backpacking pack something to eat that is a bit nicer than just tortillas and tuna (our go-to backpacking lunch). For example, we brought a packet of crackers and cheese and some plums to eat for lunch on Day 1. All three of those things won't last for long on the trail, so we made sure to eat all of it by the end of the day. This once again allows you a bit of luxury along the trail (plus cheese and crackers taste better out in nature). | Another handy tip we have learned is to have a specific towel just for when you rinse your face. This is definitely not a necessity, but for us there are few things nicer than finishing a hard (sweaty) day on the trail and rinsing off all of the dirt and grime in an ice cold alpine lake. We enjoy having a specific towel for our face (a small reusable paper towel - like this one - works great) just so we don't have to worry about cross-contamination (this sounds so bougie we know). | The final backpacking tip we have learned is to always have a couple of different maps on you. In the case of this backcountry adventure in North Cascades National Park, we packed a large paper map from Green Trails (find it here), the small national park wilderness map (which had information on campsite locations) and then also two electronic maps: one on Gaia GPS on Luke's phone and the second on Alltrails on Madalyne's phone. While this might seem like overkill - especially when the trails are so well-marked, it is more for peace of mind than anything else. Plus, then we can mark specific points of interest that we can go back to and look at later (like when we are writing these adventure trip guides). EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO STAY SAFE BACKPACKING AND HIKING IN BEAR COUNTRY \\ What We Brought With Us on the Trail Below is a basic outline of what we packed with us on our 3-day backpacking adventure. You can learn more about what we packed in our super handy backpacking planning guide. FOOD BREAKFAST | Oatmeal packets (we usually go with a variety pack) | Individual instant coffee | Wild blueberries (picked fresh near our camps) | Pancakes (delicious and nutritious) LUNCH & SNACKS | Tortillas (the larger flour ones work best) | Various flavored tuna packets | Pickles | Gummy candy | Granola bars | Crackers (for Day 1) | Brie (for Day 1) | Baked goods (mainly day olds from a local bakery) | Mandarin oranges DINNER | Instant mashed potatoes (we like the family-sized ones) | Instant noodles (there are many flavors available, we like the Knorr brand) | Flavored tuna packets GEAR We did not pack very light for this trip. In fact, we packed a lot of our heavier-duty/winter kind of gear just because that is what we had in the van. Even though our bags were a bit heavier than we would have originally liked, it wasn’t too, too terrible. Below is everything we had stuffed into our two backpacking bags: SLEEPING | 2 person/4 season tent | 2-person sleeping bag (great for conserving energy) | Light down blanket (great if it packs down easily) | 2 mediocre sleeping pads (this was our weakest link) COOKING & EATING | Jetboil stove and pot | Green propane bottle (1 full bottle should be enough for 3 days in the backcountry) | Plastic bowls for food | Set of camping silverware | Katadyn water filter | Camelbak water bladders (2, each 5 liters) | Bear box (this is a must when backpacking in the area) CLOTHING Besides the regular set of hiking clothes we usually wear, we also made sure to pack... | A rain jacket (this is Washington after all) | A puffy jacket (especially nice if it packs down really tight) | Lightweight winter hat | Extra pair of tights/warm pants to wear at camp | Extra pair of socks to wear around camp | Sandals/another set of comfortable shoes to wear at camp | A quick drying towel (we like this one from Packtowl) EXTRA | Sunscreen | Bug spray (the mosquitos can be fierce at night) | Fabric face wipe | Headlamps (at least two, we like this one from Petzl) | Extra headlamp batteries | Hand sanitizer | Ibuprofen | Band-Aids/First-Aid Kit | Bear spray (black bears are quite common in North Cascades National Park) All of these things could easily be packed into our two Deuter backpacking bags (like this one). Though we did end up having to strap our sleeping pads on the outside, which was totally fine. At the start of our hike we would say our bags weighed between 20 - 35 pounds which is a bit heavier than most people would probably like. If you are looking for a fun and beautiful adventure in North Cascades National Park, then we cannot recommend spending a couple of days in the backcountry hiking and camping enough. Backpacking in this national park - which is known for its rugged wilderness and majestic peaks - is a great way to disconnect and get back to nature. Plus, the trail system and amenities are top-notch. Hopefully, reading about our own experience helps inspire you to get out there and explore for yourself. If you have any questions about backpacking in North Cascades National Park - or just backpacking in general - please leave a comment or question below or reach out to us directly! Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS BACKPACKING ADVENTURE GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE EVEN MORE ADVENTURE GUIDES THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK HOW TO SPEND 2 DAYS IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK | TOP TRAVEL ITINERARY HOW TO FOLLOW ALL 7 LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES WHILE BACKPACKING HIKING YOUR FIRST 14ER: WHAT TO KNOW + TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESS

48°49′58″N 121°20′51″W LOOKING FOR AN EPIC BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE IN THE RUGGED MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK? GREAT! THEN THIS BACKPACKING PLANNING GUIDE IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO START. North Cascades National Park in northern Washington state is an absolute adventurer's paradise. With hundreds of glaciers, dozens of alpine lakes, beautiful rugged mountains and the highest degree of flora biodiversity than any other national park in the USA, it is easy to get a little overwhelmed by the adventure possibilities. In our opinion, one of the best ways to explore this stunning national park is to head out into its backcountry for a couple of days. If you have the energy and the gear, we truly cannot recommend backpacking along its miles and miles of trails enough. Below you will find everything you need to know to plan one epic backpacking adventure - including, information on how to get a wilderness permit, what backpacking gear you will need to bring, and what trails you should explore. So with that, keep reading for our in-depth North Cascades Backpacking Planning Guide! ► Pssst, also consider checking out our comprehensive adventure guide to the national park. Explore it here. \\ Planning Your Backpacking Route There are a few things you need to figure out before you plan your backpacking route in North Cascades National Park. First, what do you actually want to see? Are you hoping to spot some glaciers, or are you more into alpine lakes. Obviously, each trail is different, so you will want to have a basic idea of what kind of landscape you want to hike through before actually looking at a map. A few other important questions you need to ask yourself is whether you want to go somewhere busy/popular or somewhere a bit more off-the-beaten-path. Some trails in the park are going to be relatively busy, so if you are looking for some solitude maybe steer clear of those (the PCT is a great example of a busier trail). Likewise, what kind of camping amenities do you want or need? Do you want a campground with bear lockers and pit toilets or are you okay "roughing" it and staying somewhere with less to offer (or even in one of the wilderness areas where there are no amenities). Finally, the last thing you need to think about when picking your backpacking route is how far you actually want to hike to reach your campsite. Remember, your backpack is going to be heavy, so if you aren't in the best shape or if you haven't been backpacking in a while (or ever) maybe consider picking a camping spot that isn't too far away from the trailhead. So remember, when figuring out your backpacking route make sure to answer these questions: | What do you want to see? | How many people do you want to see? | What kind of camping amenities do you want/need? | How far can you reasonably/comfortably hike in a day? By answering these questions, you can really narrow down your route options until you find the perfect backpacking trail for you. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE PLANNING GUIDE TO HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS IN WASHINGTON \\ How Many Days Do You Need for Backpacking You will need at least 2 days / 1 night in the North Cascades National Park backcountry. Though we highly suggest putting aside 3 days / 2 nights for the trip so you can really head into the rugged wilderness and have a true backcountry experience. Many of the top trails require a couple of days of hiking - though of course if you only have 2 days definitely still get a permit and hit the trails. Curious to see what it is like to backpack in North Cascades National Park? Then check out this video we made on our own backpacking adventure. See it here. \\ North Cascades National Park Backcountry Permits There are two ways to get a backcountry permit: with an advanced reservation or by walking up the day before or the day of your trip. The main difference here is that the advanced reservation can be made up to two days before your trip, whereas the walk-up reservations are only available the day before or the day of your trip's start date. Whichever way you do it, you will still need to stop by the Wilderness Information Center to pick up your permit in person. The Wilderness Information Center is located in the town of Marblemount, which is approximately 7.5 miles from the west entrance to the national park. 📌 EXACT ADDRESS: 7280 Ranger Station Rd, Marblemount, WA 98267 🕝 HOURS: 7 AM - 4 PM, 7 days a week ➳ Learn more about North Cascades National Park Backcountry Permits here. ADVANCED RESERVATION PERMITS For the advanced reservations, you will need to head to reacreation.gov to secure your campsite of choice. Once you reserve your spot, you will still need to visit the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount to pick up your permit in person. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: there is also the opportunity to reserve a spot in the park's early-access lottery. You will need to apply to participate in the lottery (which starts on March 3rd). You can apply for the lottery at the start of the year and if you are successful you will then be given a specific time slot to make your reservation. WALK-UP PERMITS If you can't make a reservation online, either during the lottery or 2 days before your trip, then you will need to go to the Wilderness Information Center the day before or the day of your adventure to get your permit. Roughly 40% of backcountry permits are put aside for walk-ups so don't worry too much about getting one (obviously still come early - especially on weekends or holidays). If you are unsure if the campsite you want is available for walk-ups (or if it is already 100% full), simply go onto reacreation.gov to see if it says 0 (zero = full) or W, which means walk-up sites available. Some helpful tips in securing a backcountry site are to arrive at the Wilderness Information Center early in the day (it opens at 7 AM) OR come near the end of the day before and grab a number tag so you are then first in line the next day, be flexible with your trip planning and have a couple of alternative routes/sites in mind, and finally, if possible, try to begin your backpacking trip during a less busy day (like during the workweek). 💬 INSIDER TIP: we were told by a park ranger that a good way to secure a backcountry permit for some of the busier areas is to show up at 11 AM to see if there are any "no show" permits available. This pretty much means that if someone doesn't show up to pick up their reserved permit by 11 AM, that permit goes back into the availability pool. If you show up around that time, you have a pretty good chance of getting one of those spots. ➳ Check out North Cascades National Park's backcountry permit availability here. \\ Backpacking Safety Concerns There are a few key safety concerns you need to keep in mind when backpacking in North Cascades National Park. Below are a few of the main ones. WEATHER The weather can change quickly in the mountains - especially at higher elevations. Make sure to pay attention to the sky and make plans in case a storm rolls in. Also, come prepared with any gear you might need - including rain jackets, a waterproof fly for your tent and a cover for your backpack. If you find yourself above tree line when a thunderstorm rolls in, make sure to quickly head for lower elevations. Lightning strikes do happen, so make sure you are below the trees to decrease your chances of getting hit. ANIMALS The main animal you need to be aware of while backpacking in North Cascades National Park is black bears. Some key safety measures you need to take are to always use the provided metal bear storage boxes or wires at camp (if available), and/or come prepared with a bear-proof container just in case (we carried a bear box like this). Bear spray is also not a bad idea. Though it is definitely more important to make sure you are being bear aware - which means focusing on taking steps while hiking so you don't run into and startle any bears. These steps include always being aware of your surroundings and making plenty of noise in areas where bears might be (including dense forests and shrubbery, near bodies of water, and close to sources of food - like berry plants). Also, keep an eye out for signs of bears. This can include fresh bear scat (like the pile below) and tracks, recently scratched up trees, and even carcasses of animals. Just remember that wild animals are wild and they needed to be treated with respect. Never approach an animal or threaten it in any way. 99% of the time an animal doesn't want to hurt you - so don't give it cause to. READ MORE | HOW TO STAY SAFE HIKING AND BACKPACKING IN BEAR COUNTRY DEHYDRATION For the most part, there is plenty of freshwater available along the hiking trails in North Cascades National Park. As long as you pack a water filter or some filtration apparatus and study your map to make sure you are refilling often enough, you shouldn't have an issue with dehydration. That being said, it can get hot and the sun can be intense up at higher elevations. So if you aren't paying attention to how much water you are drinking you could find yourself a bit thirstier than is likely healthy. Some other signs of dehydration you need to be aware of are dark yellow or smelly urine, dizziness or feeling lightheaded, dry mouth, lips and eyes, and feeling overly tired. \\ Extra Tips on Backpacking in North Cascades National Park Below are a few more key things you should know before heading out on your exciting backpacking adventure. BATHROOMS For the most part, within North Cascades National Park you can easily find backcountry bathrooms available. The majority of campsites will have a toilet nearby that you can use. Just look for a wooden sign with an outhouse on it (see photo below). Using these backcountry toilets instead of just going anywhere is an important way to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. Obviously, if you are in a desperate situation and there isn't a toilet nearby, then just go for it. BUT, remember when peeing to always be at least 200 feet away from any body of water and if you are in the alpine where mountain goats may live (like in North Cascades National Park) then it is also recommended that you pee on a hard surface - like a rock - and not plants (goats love urine and they will lick plants until they are destroyed). For number 2, it is even more important to try to use the provided backcountry toilets while backpacking. But if duty calls and you aren't near one, then make sure to be far enough away from water (again 200 feet), dig a deep enough cat-hole (6-8 inches is good), and then cover it with dirt and/or rocks. If you use toilet paper, make sure to pack it ALL out with you (a handy Ziploc bag works great). LEARN MORE | HOW TO FOLLOW THE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES WHILE HIKING AND BACKPACKING MAPS While the hiking trails are pretty well-marked in North Cascades National Park - especially in the popular areas - it is still a good idea to come with at least one map source. Some people like paper maps, while others only use their phones. We tend to do both, just in case something happens to either. Having a map will give you the knowledge and peace of mind when out in the backcountry. Even if you have a really good idea of where you are going, it is still smart to have some sort of mapping source just in case something happens (you never know in the backcountry). We used Gaia GPS for our online map (we downloaded the area beforehand) and then we bought a Green Trails Map that was specifically for the national park (buy yours here). While hiking, we mostly looked at the online map to make sure we were going the right way, to see how far we still had to go, and to check out where we actually needed to hike when we were looking for a good campsite for the night (we stayed in two wilderness zones in the park - meaning there weren't really any established trails or campsites to head to). 💬 INSIDER TIP: always check to see if you need to download your electronic map before heading into the backcountry. Service is usually spotty at best, so make sure you have everything offline before hitting the trails. At camp is when we would break out the paper map. While this was more for enjoyment than really planning (we just love looking at maps), it was still nice to have the option to use a large paper map in case the phone died. EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO SPEND 3 AMAZING DAYS IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK - OUR IN-DEPTH TRAVEL ITINERARY Along the trail, you will likely see some key wooden markers. These include the above bathroom sign, a simple tent icon (the sign for a campsite), a bright white and turquoise sign (the symbol for the Pacific Crest Trail) and maybe a yellow and black sign (the symbol for the Pacific Northwest Trail, which runs from Montana to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington). You will likely also see signs with information be intense up at higher elevations. So if you aren't paying attention to how much water you are drinking you could find yourself a bit thirstier than is likely healthy. Some other signs of dehydration you need to be aware of a dark yellow or smelly urine, dizziness or feeling lightheaded, dry mouth, lips and eyes, and feeling overly tired. BACKCOUNTRY PACKING GUIDE | WHAT GEAR & FOOD TO BRING Below is what we brought with us on our 3-day backpacking adventure in North Cascades National Park. COOKING COOKING STOVE We have been using a Jetboil for years now and it is still our go-to when it comes to backpacking. This mini stove packs down easily, is super fast at cooking food (very important when you are starving), its lid doubles as a strainer, while the bottom cover doubles as a bowl; and finally, its easy ignition offers a simple, match-and lighter-free operation. Recommended Jetboil cook stove. EATING UTENSILS A basic cooking set should get you through most meals in the backcountry. This 3-piece eating set by Hydro Flask is super lightweight, made of stainless steel so it lasts longer, and comes with a serrated knife that can cut most food. Recommended eating utensils. EATING CONTAINERS Backpacking is all about being as minimal as possible. If you don’t absolutely need it - it likely is not worth the extra weight. With that idea in mind, we present the Stoic Collapsible Food Container which includes two separate compartments, an easy clip lid and even a handy sport (spoon/fork combo). Altogether, this eating setup weighs around 12 oz. Recommended backpack eating setup. BIODEGRADABLE CAMP SOAP While soap is definitely not a necessity while out backpacking - especially if you are only planning on going for a couple of days. If you are someone who likes things to be clean (like dishes), then consider packing this biodegradable soap from Sea to Summit. Just remember, even though it is biodegradable, it still is not safe to use directly in water. Always use soap at least 200 feet from any water source. Recommended camp soap. ULTRALITE REUSABLE TOWEL One of the best things about backpacking in North Cascades National Park is the wide array of beautiful alpine lakes. If you are someone who likes cooling off after a hot day on the trail, consider packing a super lite reusable towel - like this one from Packtowl, which weighs only 1.5 ounces. Recommended camping towel. We also like to pack a small, reusable towel to use to clean up after cooking. Having a small towel that can easily be grabbed while hiking is surprisingly helpful. The one below we picked up in a pack of 12 from a bulk, no waste store. BEAR CANISTER Because bears are quite common in North Cascades National Park, you will want to make sure you have a safe and secure way to store your food and other smelly items. A bear canister is likely the easiest way to do this - plus it also works great as a stool. This one from REI is what we have and it works great. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: if you don't have your own bear canister you can rent some from the Wilderness Information Center. When getting your permit the rangers will ask you about how you are going to store your food, so make sure to have a plan in mind. SLEEPING 3-SEASON TENT A good backpacking tent focuses on two things: it is lightweight enough to easily be carried for miles on end, and it is sturdy enough to handle all kinds of different landscapes and weather. This 3-season, 2-person tent by the North Face pretty much checks both boxes. It weighs just under 6 pounds when packed (which is a bit on the heavier side), but its strong double walls and sturdy design make it great for even the windiest day. Recommended backpacking and camping tent. SLEEPING PAD Weighing less than a pound, this super comfortable and efficient sleeping pad by Therm-a-Rest is an awesome addition to your backpacking repertoire. Plus, its ThermaCapture lining helps reflect body heat back your way - which makes sleeping up in the high alpine a nice cozy affair. Recommended backpacking sleeping pad. SLEEPING BAG After a long day on the trail you will likely be dreaming of a cozy sack to curl up in. This one by Marmot is perfect for evenings spent in the forest - no matter the weather (it is good down to 15° F). The sleeping bag's streamlined waved construction insulates without adding extra bulk, while the large roomy footbox helps your feet stay nice and warm. Recommended backpacking sleeping bag. OPTIONAL: CAMPING PILLOW If you are someone who can't imagine sleeping without a pillow - or if you are someone who frankly just can't fall asleep without a pillow - then consider also packing a handy, lightweight camping pillow. You can find many options either online or in most outdoor stores (like REI). This one by Nemo packs down to be about the size of a water bottle and weighs under a pound. Recommended camping pillow. ODSS AND ENDS HEADLAMP A handy headlamp is a true adventure necessity - especially when the adventure requires you to start hiking early in the morning or into the late evening. This headlamp by Black Diamond is a personal favorite because it is relatively affordable, it has multiple light settings and it is rechargeable. Recommended headlamp. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you can, also bring one set of extra batteries for your headlamp just in case your batteries die halfway through your trip. BACKPACKING BAG For longer trips on the trails - including adventures that last multiple days at a time - you will want a bag that not only carries all of your gear but is also comfortable to wear for hours and miles on end. This large 65-liter backpacking bag by Osprey does just that. Its Anti-Gravity suspension is well-ventilated and has plenty of cushions, and its shoulder straps adjust up and down the back panel for a totally custom fit. The bag also comes with a built-in sleeve for a 3-liter hydration bladder and bottom straps for securing a sleeping pad (super handy). Recommended backpacking bag. WATER FILTER You will probably want to get an actual water filter system when backpacking - especially if you are going with other people. This one by Katadyn allows you to filter lots of water at once in a relatively short amount of time. This filter has actually been our go-to for all hiking and backpacking adventures for many years. Plus, it takes up very little space and is super easy to clean. Recommended Katadyn water filter. HIKING FIRST AID KIT This is one of those items that you don't realize you need until it is too late. Luckily, this lightweight pack comes with (almost) everything you could need if an accident does unfortunately occur on the trail. Recommended hiking first aid kit. BEAR SPRAY This is another safety thing to have on you just in case something bad happens (the likelihood is very, very low). We carried a can of bear spray with us (for the first time) while backpacking in North Cascades National Park more for the peace of mind than anything else. Find a can of it here. Another key thing to remember when it comes to hiking in bear country (which the national park definitely is) is to always keep an eye on your food and gear just in case a bear (or another animal, like a squirrel) is around and is a bit hungry. Likewise, when hiking through dense brush, always make noises and keep an eye on your surroundings. ► Read more about hiking and backpacking in bear country in our super handy safety guide. SUNSCREEN & HYGIENIC PRODUCTS Definitely don't head out to backpack without packing at least one bottle of sunscreen - especially if your backcountry route includes heading up to higher elevations or across many wide open spaces (this is where you will get the most sun exposure). Other things you might want to consider packing is Chapstick, bug spray, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and maybe some hand sanitizer. Do remember that because most hygienic products have a scent, you will need to put ALL of them into your bear box/storage container at the end of the day. You do not want ANY smelly products with you in the tent while backpacking in bear country (this will attract all kinds of animals). FOOD Below is a quick breakdown of what food we brought with us on our 3-day, 2 night backpacking adventure. BREAKFAST We packed 10 individual oatmeal packets and 6 instant coffee packets for breakfast. Both items just required hot water to use (super easy and lightweight). 💬 INSIDER TIP: we always try to make pancakes the night before our trip so that we have a yummy and filling breakfast for our first day on the trail. LUNCH When backpacking, we like to pack lunch food that is filling and also really easy to prepare. During this trip we packed tortillas (12), flavored tuna packets (10), strawberry granola bars (12), pickles (2 small packets), some mandarin oranges, and gummy candy (2 packets). We also packed some crackers and cheese and a scone to eat on our first day on the trail. DINNER We like to end our day on the trail with a nice hot meal. Luckily, with the Jetboil we can quickly boil water and make some pretty alright dinners - including one of our favorite backpacking meals of instant mashed potatoes with tuna. For this 3-day backpacking adventure we packed instant mashed potatoes (2 family size packets), 4 instant noodle packets of varying flavors, and 4 extra flavored tuna packets. Backpacking in North Cascades National Park is an absolutely amazing adventure. If you have the desire to head into the park's stunning backcountry and really get back to nature, then we cannot recommend backpacking enough. Plus, it is really easy to plan your route since there are so many options available. Hopefully, this comprehensive guide helps you plan an epic backpacking adventure in North Cascades National Park. If you have any further questions please leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. Happy adventuring! CHECK OUT OUR CINEMATIC ADVENTURE VIDEO ON BACKPACKING IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK WANT TO SAVE THIS NORTH CASCADES BACKPACKING PLANNING GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE BACKPACKING AND HIKING ADVENTURE GUIDES THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS THE ULTIIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK HIKING YOUR FIRST 14ER: WHAT TO KNOW + SUPER HELPFUL TIPS THE ULTIMATE ADRENALINE SPORT: CANYONEERING IN UTAH THRU-HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS IN WASHINGTON: OUR EXPERIENCE & TIPS

38.0877° N, 111.1355° W CHECK OUT THESE 8 NATIONAL PARKS THAT ARE THE PERFECT DESTINATIONS TO VISIT ONCE THE FALL SEASON ROLLS AROUND. While summer is usually the most popular time to visit the USA's numerous national parks, we instead believe that fall is one of the absolute best times of the year for an exciting outdoor adventure. This is mostly due to the fact that during fall, you usually have cooler temperatures, fewer people, and colorful fall foliage (depending on where you are exploring of course). If you are considering heading out on a fall adventure in the USA, then we cannot recommend these 8 destinations enough. Below you will find (in our opinion) the 8 best national parks to visit in the fall, as well as information on what to see and do, and how to get there. Happy adventuring! 1 | Capitol Reef National Park The state of Utah is full of incredible sites to see. From the mountains in the north, to the Great Salt Lake, to the red rocks of canyon country, the Beehive State sure knows how to pack a punch. And this includes one of our all-time favorite destinations, Capitol Reef National Park. This national park is located in the middle of famed Canyon Country (think large red-rock canyons) and is truly gorgeous: colorful striped rock walls, massive arches, wide open desert vistas, exciting canyons and even a historic pioneer town; which, if you come during the fall, has fruit trees you can pick and homemade pies. So if you are looking for a real off-the-beaten-path fall desert adventure, then definitely consider adding Capitol Reef National Park to your list. DETAILS WHERE: Utah COST TO ENTER: $20 /vehicle (valid for 7 days) THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK When the temperatures start to cool off, you know it is time to head out on the many desert trails in this beautiful national park. Below are some of the best hiking trails to explore in the fall, as well as some of our favorite canyoneering routes - for those of you feeling even more adventurous. HIKING Capitol Reef National Park has a large number of hiking trails available, from the easy to the more difficult and all the way to multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the best trails to head out on include: | Cassidy Arch (also see for canyoneering): 1.7 miles roundtrip, moderate difficulty, great views of a massive natural arch | Chimney Rock Loop: 3.6 miles roundtrip, moderate difficulty, great views of Waterpocket Fold cliffs and excellent for sunset | Hickman Bridge: 0.9 miles roundtrip (but there is an option to go farther), an overall easy hike with good views of Fruita below | Halls Creek Narrows: 3.8 miles roundtrip, multi-day backpacking route that follows Halls Creek Drainage, a year-round stream of water. While the distance is not crazy long, there is a lot to explore in the area - so take your time. Learn about other backpacking routes here. One thing to remember about hiking in Capitol Reef is to always come prepared for the oftentimes intense sun (even in the fall). Make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat - for there is very little shade to be found out in the desert. We always try to hit the trails as early as possible, not only to avoid the heat of the day, but more so to avoid other people. Plus, during the early morning hours you are more likely to see wildlife. CANYONEERING We really fell in love with this national park because of all the incredible canyoneering opportunities that can be found within its boundaries. For us, canyoneering is one of the best ways to get off-the-beaten-path and explore an area that is likely to be way more wild and untouched. Some of our favorite canyons in the park are: | Cassidy Arch: while it is a great hike on its own, what makes Cassidy Arch so special is the first rappel. You actually hike up to the very edge of the natural arch and then hook in and rappel along its edge. It is a free hang (meaning you don’t “walk” down the wall) and while it is a bit nerve wracking at first (it is a tall rappel) it is also just incredibly fun. Highly, highly recommend this one. | Stegosaur Slot: What makes this canyon so fun, and 100% worth doing, is not the rappels, but the crazy tight slot canyon that doesn’t require a harness, but instead some grippy shoes, strong knees and a daring attitude. | The Wives: consisting of 7 shorter canyons, all of which are side drainages of the larger Cohab Canyon, The Wives really only takes about an hour or so to do once the approach is made. The best one is Wife 5, though if you have the time Wife 3 is good as well. One thing to note about Wife 5 is that some of the downclimbs can be a bit tricky (higher jumps than you might feel comfortable with). Learn about other canyoneering options, as well as more information on these three routes here. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: permits are required for canyoneering. Free day-use permits can be obtained in person at the visitor center or via email. A separate permit is required for each canyoneering route. HOW TO GET TO CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK What makes Capitol Reef National Park so special is the feeling that you are way off in the middle of nowhere Utah desert. In fact, you really are. This park is not easy to get to, which in our books, only adds to its appeal. The closest airports (with driving times) are found in Salt Lake City, Utah (3.5 hours), Denver, Colorado (6.5 hours) and Las Vegas, Nevada (5 hours). Your best option is to probably fly into one of those cities and then rent a car (find a good one here). Or if you have a car and are looking to instead road trip to Capitol Reef National Park, then you are actually quite central in Southern Utah - Moab is 2 hours away, Lake Powell is 4 hours away and Zion National Park is only 3 hours away. READ MORE | THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK IN UTAH 2 | Acadia National Park Acadia National Park is located in the far northeastern state of Maine. The national park protects the stunning natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the whole Atlantic coastline of the USA, as well as an abundance of habitats and a rich cultural heritage. Even though the park is pretty far north, it still sees, on average, 4 million visitors a year - making it one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Each fall, once the temperatures start to cool down, Acadia National Park's forests begin bursting with color; including, bright yellows, reds, and oranges. The peak of fall foliage generally comes in mid-October, but this can vary year to year. Whether you are planning to explore the national park by foot, car, bike, or boat, you are sure to have a memorable fall experience. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the park's visitor center closes on November 1st (and then reopens in May). But many of Acadia National Park's facilities begin to close in mid-October. Make sure to check what is open before arriving at the park. DETAILS WHERE: Maine COST TO ENTER: $30 /vehicle (valid for 7 days) THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK Once summer starts to wind down, Acadia National Park begins to light up in fall colors. Some of the best places to experience the fall foliage are along the Bubbles Nubble Loop (2.6 miles total), the Jesup and Hemlock Path Loop (1.5 miles total), and the Jordan Pond Path (3.3 miles total) and Jordan Cliffs Loop (5 miles total). All of these hiking trails will give you an up-close view of the fall colors as well as just some beautiful Northeast scenery. Other great fall adventures in Acadia National Park include driving the Scenic Park Loop Road (27 miles) and paddling around Jordan Pond. HOW TO GET TO ACADIA NATIONAL PARK The closest town to the national park is Bar Harbor - an adorable seaside town with lots of character and charm. The park entrance is roughly 1.4 miles from downtown Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park is just over 2 hours from Augusta, Maine - the capital of the state - and just under 3 hours from Portland, Maine - the largest city in the state. If arriving in either city, you will likely need to rent a car to reach the national park. Find a car rental here. 3 | Isle Royale National Park Head up north to explore this rugged, isolated island. Isle Royale National Park - which is located in Lake Superior off the coast of the states of Minnesota and Michigan (technically it is in the latter) - offers numerous adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers - especially in the fall when the temperatures begin to cool, the bugs start to disappear and the leaves slowly change colors. Once summer starts to wind down, Acadia National Park begins to light up in fall colors. Some of the best places to experience the fall foliage a along the over 450 smaller islands. Together, they encompass a total area of 850 square miles (including submerged land, which extends 4 1/2 miles out into Lake Superior, aka the largest fresharewater lake in the world). One important thing to keep in mind about this national park, is that it is actually NOT open year-round. Due to the winter weather, the park actually closes on October 31st and doesn't open until the middle of April (usually the 15th). Similarly, the ferry and seaplane services to the island usually only run from mid-May to the end of September. DETAILS WHERE: Michigan COST TO ENTER: $7 /person a day THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK You really have two choices when it comes to exploring Isle Royale: hike/backpack around the island on its 165 miles of trails, or stick to the coast and explore its many bays and beaches (learn about the national park's boating regulations). Whichever one you choose, you are sure to have a memorable experience - especially in the fall when the leaves change colors and the coast gets all moody. HIKING AND BACKPACKING There are plenty of trails to choose from depending on how long you have to explore the national park. If you are just looking at doing a day hike, then you will need to explore the trails that start from either the harbor of Windigo on the west end or Rock Harbor on the east end. If you land in Windigo, consider checking out the Windigo Nature Trail for great views (1.2 miles total) or the Minong Ridge Overlook Trail (6.6 miles total). As for backpacking, you do have a lot of options depending on how far you want to go. One popular route is to head out on the Greenstone Ridge Trail all the way out to Malone Bay, which is just under 22 miles one-way. Some great trails to check out in Rock Harbor are Suzy's Cave (3.8 miles total), Mount Franklin (9.4 miles total), and the Scoville Point via the Stoll Trail (4.7 mile loop). If you are looking to backpack from Rock Harbor, then your best bet is to hike out to either Moskey Basin Campground (10.2 miles one-way) or all the way down to Windigo via the Greenstone Ridge Trail (39.6 miles one-way). ➳ Find even more trails on Isle Royal National Park. HOW TO GET TO ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK Isle Royale National Park might just be one of the hardest national parks to reach - at least in the lower 48 states. To start, you cannot drive (or even take a car) to the park due to it being an island in Lake Superior (one of the Great Lakes). Instead you will need to ride a ferry, hop on a seaplane or have your own private boat (or know someone that does). The best places on the mainland to start your journey from are Copper Harbor and Houghton in Michigan or Grand Portage and Grand Marais in Minnesota. Learn more about how to reach this beautiful island national park here. EXPLORE MORE | THE TOP 8 NATIONAL PARKS TO EXPLORE IN WINTER 4 | Voyageurs National Park With over 218,000 acres of land, Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota is an adventurer's playground all year long. The park, which was established in 1975, is full of exposed rock ridges, high cliffs, wetlands, forests, streams and lakes. This is a unique place where you can observe the transition between land and aquatic ecosystems, between southern boreal and northern hardwood forests, and between wild and developed areas. While the national park has 3 visitor centers you can explore on your own, it is highly recommended that for the full Voyageurs experience you need to head out and explore the islands. You can do this either with a private boat or with a tour company (there are numerous outfitters near the national park). DETAILS WHERE: Minnesota COST TO ENTER: free! THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK Your options for adventure within this northern national park depend heavily on what kind of transportation you have. For example, if you only have a car and aren't looking to join a guided boat tour run by the park, then your only option is really to do the few hikes located near the park's three visitor centers (these are still great, don't worry). But if you are down to join a ranger-led tour (which costs up to $85 a person, though often much less), then you should definitely try to check out some of the more iconic places the park has to offer - including the Historic Kettle Falls Hotel. You can also take a private boat or book a charter from a nearby outfitter to head out to the islands for some hiking or backpacking adventures. ➳ Book your guided boat tours here. HOW TO GET TO VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK Voyageurs National Park is located approximately 5 hours north of the cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul (where you can easily fly into and rent a car), 3 hours north of the cool town of Duluth on Highway 53, and 4 hours south of Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada. Depending on which of the three visitor centers you want to visit, your driving time will either increase or decrease. 5 | Grand Canyon National Park Grand Canyon National Park, located in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and its adjacent uplands. The stunning and iconic national park is actually located in the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Native American Tribes. The canyon itself is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world (it is a mind-boggling mile deep). During the fall, the scorching desert temperatures begin to wane - making it much safer to head out on various adventures, including hiking around the canyon rim or down to the canyon bottom. Obviously, even with the temperatures falling, you will still want to plan ahead and focus on staying safe (read more about this below). DETAILS WHERE: Arizona COST TO ENTER: $35 /vehicle (valid for 7 days) THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Go hiking! Once you get your fill of views from the canyon rim, consider setting out for an exciting hiking or backpacking adventure. In the fall, the weather starts to cool down and the sun becomes a bit less harsh. But, this is also when the park gets to be the busiest, so to avoid the hordes of people, consider hiking away from the main visitor points - especially on the South Rim, where 90% of visitors go - and getting into the backcountry (if only for a couple of hours). Some top backcountry hikes include the Bright Angel Trail (up to 12 miles total) and Hermit Trail (up to 7 miles total, for experienced desert hikers) on the South Rim and the North Kaibab Trail (up to 9.4 miles total) and Widforss Trail (up to 10 miles total) on the North Rim. DESERT HIKING SAFETY CONCERNS Due to the rugged and unforgiving conditions in Grand Canyon National Park, it is super important to come prepared and to understand basic safety measures that need to be taken. A few key ones to keep in mind are: bring plenty of water and food, avoid the heat of the day (middle of the day usually), know your body's limits and don't push yourself too hard, carry only what you need and make sure to take plenty of breaks. ► Explore more desert hiking tips in this in-depth guide. HOW TO GET TO GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK Grand Canyon National Park is located in the northwest corner of Arizona, close to the borders of the states of Utah and Nevada. There are two parts of the national park: the North and South Rims. About 90% of people visit the South Rim due to it being a lot easier to reach - it is approximately 1.5 hours from the town of Flagstaff and 4 hours from Phoenix (a major metropolis with an international airport). The South Rim is also open year-round. The North Rim is much, much quieter. To reach this part of the national park, you will need to drive 44 miles from the nearest town of Jacob Lake (and 123 miles from the town of Page, which has the most services). Also remember that due to weather, this half of the park is closed to vehicles from December 1st to May 15th, though most services actually close on October 15. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE SOUTHERN UTAH ROAD TRIP (HOW TO SEE THE BIG 5 NATIONAL PARKS) 6 | Big Bend National Park There is a slightly mythical place in the far western half of Texas where night skies are as dark as coal and rumbling rivers carve canyons into ancient limestone. Here, at the end of the road (not even a joke), hundreds of various bird species take refuge - including the iconic Southwestern bird: the roadrunner. In Big Bend National Park, fall is quite pleasant. The temperatures are mild and the days are still usually sunny (although periods of cloudy weather and freezing cold do occur sometimes occur). The rainy season - which runs from May through September - is coming to an end, though still be prepared for some late-season thunderstorms. DETAILS WHERE: Texas COST TO ENTER: $30 /vehicle (valid for 7 days) THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK Big Bend National Park is really too big to see in a single day (it is roughly 1,250 square miles in size). So definitely try to put aside a couple of days for exploring this amazing desert national park - especially in the fall when the weather is really nice. With 150 miles of dirt roads and about 200 miles of hiking trails, this park offers nearly limitless opportunities for scenic driving, hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, bird watching, and stargazing. We recommend doing at least one adventure in the park's many areas: a hike up in the Chisos Mountains, a soak in the historic hot springs down by the Rio Grande and a short walk out to Santa Elena Canyon. If time permits, also consider taking a trip across the Rio to the small Mexican town of Boquillas (passports are required). Likewise, if weather permits, try to stay up late enough to view the stars. For due to Big Bend's super remote location (see below) the park has some of the darkest skies in all of North America. HOW TO GET TO BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK While the isolation of Big Bend National Park is a draw for many visitors - especially those interested in astronomy and star-gazing, it also means your trip must be well prepared and carefully planned. The national park is located in the far corner of Southwest Texas (it butts up against the USA-Mexico border) and is a considerable distance from any major city and/or transportation hub. In fact, the national park is 4.5 hours away from the closest major airport - which is located in El Paso, Texas. To reach the national park, you will definitely need your own vehicle (no public transportation heads to the park). If you are planning to fly in and drive, either book a ticket to El Paso, Texas, or San Antonio (nearly 6 hours away). ➳ Check out rental car rates here. READ MORE | WHERE TO FIND THE DARKEST SKIES IN THE USA 7 | Glacier National Park This mountainous national park in northern Montana is a truly spectacular place to behold and by far one of the absolute best places to adventure in the whole USA - especially once the season begins to change and fall starts to roll in. With its showcase of melting glaciers, glowing alpine meadows, rugged carved valleys, and spectacular lakes, Glacier National Park might just be the best national park to explore once the weather begins to cool down a bit and crowds begin to dissipate. Plus, with over 700 miles of trails to explore, 130 mountain lakes, and hundreds of animals (including grizzly bears, lynx, moose, wolves, and mountain goats) to see, you are sure to not get bored during your visit. During the fall season, you have a good chance of seeing the trees in the park change colors - especially the larches, which turn a golden shade of yellow. Plus, this time of year is a bit less busy than the summer (when thousands of people visit Glacier). If you are fine layering up a bit, then fall might just be the best time to explore this "Crown of the Continent." DETAILS WHERE: Montana COST TO ENTER: $35 /vehicle (valid for 7 days) THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK While Glacier National Park definitely has plenty of trails to explore (about 700 miles of them), we instead suggest planning a trip into the backcountry for a wilder wilderness experience. One important thing you need to know when choosing a specific backpacking area to explore is that the park is pretty much divided into two parts: the west side, which is more forested, and the east side, which is a bit more sparsely vegetated and open. The west side is usually quieter, so if you want some solitude, we suggest backpacking in that area of the park (the West Lakes Trail might be a good option). You can find a map of all the backcountry campsites here. If you are short on time - or if you just aren't looking to camp out in the backcountry - then we suggest checking out these three days hikes. All three of which will give you the opportunity to spot amazing fall colors. | Apikuni Falls (1.7 miles total), trail starts at the Poia Lake Trailhead | Bullhead Lake (7.2 miles total), trail starts at the Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead | Pitamakan Pass (15.4 miles total), trail starts at Two Medicine Campground HOW TO GET TO GLACIER NATIONAL PARK The closest sizeable town to Glacier National Park is Kalispell, which is located just under an hour from the West Glacier entrance station. To reach the west entrance of the park, which is where the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road begins, you will need to head out either on Highway 2 or Highway 35 from downtown Kalispell. There is a small airport in Kalispell (the Glacier Park International Airport) that you can also fly into and then rent a car at. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: there is also the option to take a train into Glacier National Park. The main train line, which is run by Amtrak, is known as the Empire Builder. The route starts/ends in Chicago and heads to either Seattle, Washington or Portland, Oregon. The best train stop in Glacier National Park is the West Glacier (Belton) station. 8 | North Cascades National Park So what makes North Cascades National Park so special? Well for starters, it is home to the most expansive glacial system in the USA outside of Alaska as well as the highest degree of flora biodiversity of any American national park. It is also just incredibly beautiful - the rivers and creeks are a vibrant turquoise color due to them being primarily fed from glacier run-off, the forests are healthy and large due to a lack of logging, and the animal life is thriving (this includes even a small resident grizzly bear population). We were completely taken aback by the park's beauty - as well as its numerous adventure opportunities (the park is a mecca for mountaineering). This is especially true in the fall when the larch trees begin to change, the number of visitors starts to lower, and the various plan life begins to change colors and go dormant. Plus, during fall, you have a good chance of seeing the many mountain peaks get a light dusting of snow - which only adds to the beauty of the park. DETAILS WHERE: Washington COST TO ENTER: free! THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK There are numerous adventures to be had in North Cascades National Park - especially in the fall when the larch trees are changing colors and the weather gets a bit "moody." Below are a few key things to do in the national park. VISIT ROSS LAKE AND DIABLO LAKE One truly must-see spot in North Cascades National Park are these two man-made bodies of water that lie right next to each other. Both lakes (or reservoirs) were created by building two dams - the Ross Dam and Diablo Dam - along the mighty Skagit River (which eventually flows into Puget Sound). Both dams were built by the Seattle City Lights to generate hydroelectricity for the metropolis of Seattle. You can see both dams either via a short hiking trail (including the Ross Dam Trail) or by simply driving along Highway 20 (the main road through the park). You also have the option to pull off the highway and take in views of the entire lake complex via a couple of viewpoints, including the amazing Diablo Lake Overlook. Similarly, you can hike out along Ross Lake via the East Bank Trail all the way up the right side until you reach the Hozomeen Campground and boat launch. GO FOR AN EPIC MOUNTAIN HIKE One of the more well-known areas to explore within North Cascades National Park is the stunning Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm area. This popularity is due to its amazing views and the fact that it is the shortest and "easiest" access to the park's beautiful alpine environment. While the Cascade Pass Trail is a good place to start, if you have the energy, we recommend you keep going all the way up to Sahale Arm and even up to the top of Boston Peak (elevation: 8,547 feet). Along the way, you are afforded some amazing views of the surrounding peaks - including Sahale Mountain, Forbidden Mountain and Buckner Mountain. From the trailhead to the end of the trail near Boston Peak the trail measures around 13 miles. Two other top hikes in North Cascades National Park - especially during the fall - are: CUTTHROAT PASS VIA THE PCT This10(ish) mile trail heads north on the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). From Cutthroat Pass you can continue hiking as long as you want - even all the way to Canada - or you can head down to Cutthroat Lake. This is a great trail to day hike or backpack, especially in the fall when the larch trees and plants are changing colors. MAPLE PASS LOOP Another popular trail in North Cascades National Park is this 7.4 mile loop that takes you up and over a pass (Maple Pass) and along some ridgelines - which affords you amazing views of various mountain peaks as well as two alpine lakes. This is another A+ trail to hike along during the fall for the larch trees are numerous along the route. HOW TO GET TO NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK While the national park is located in the far northern half of the state (it borders the USA-Canada border) it is still relatively easy to reach - especially if you have your own private vehicle or if you are planning to rent one. The easiest way to reach North Cascades National Park from the major hub of Seattle (where there is a large international airport) is to head north on Interstate 5 up to Highway 20 just outside of Bellingham. Once on Highway 20, you will drive east for about 45 miles until you get to the town of Marblemount. From Marblemount, it is about 6 miles to the main national park entrance and the start of the national park. In total, it takes about 2 hours to reach the national park from downtown Seattle. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK \\ Other Awesome National Parks to Visit in the Fall While these 8 national parks are going to give you some epic fall colors and adventures, they aren't the only ones. In many places across the USA, fall means cooler temperatures, fewer people and more colorful forests. For example, in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, the fall means mountains are lighting up in a golden haze and the constant sound of bugling elk. While in Yosemite National Park (in California), the coming of fall means fewer people, cooler temperatures and colorful mountain meadows. Finally, once the season changes out east, Shenandoah National Park completely becomes a kaleidoscope of colors. ► Check out our full adventure guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. FIND MORE | DOWNLOAD OUR NATIONAL PARK CHECKLIST TO KEEP TRACK OF WHERE YOU HAVE ALREADY ADVENTURED Have we convinced you to head out on a stunning fall foliage national park adventure this autumn? We definitely hope so - we know we cannot wait! We are positive that these 8 national parks will surely help you have one amazing fall national park adventure. If you have any questions about these national parks, or are just curious to learn more about the USA's epic national park system (which is home to 400+ sites!) then please leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. ► Also, consider subscribing to Backroad Packers so you never miss an adventure dispatch! WANT TO SAVE THIS NATIONAL PARK GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE EVEN MORE NATIONAL PARK INSPIRATION EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE SEQUOIA + KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ARCHES NATIONAL PARK | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE THE TOP 8 NATIONAL PARKS TO EXPLORE IN WINTER THE TOP 8 NATIONAL PARKS TO EXPLORE IN SPRING TOP 8 NATIONAL PARKS TO EXPLORE IN SUMMER

48°49′58″N 121°20′51″W EXPLORE OUR 1 DAY, 2 DAY AND 3 DAY TRAVEL ITINERARIES FOR BEAUTIFUL NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK IN WASHINGTON STATE. SAVE THESE TRAVEL ITINERARIES FOR WHEN YOU START PLANNING YOUR EPIC ADVENTURE. North Cascades National Park is a special hidden gem way up in the northern half of the state of Washington. The park - which is actually made up of three different "sections" (Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and North Cascades National Park) - is home to the most expansive glacial system in the USA outside of Alaska as well as the highest degree of flora biodiversity of any American national park. All of this put together, 100% makes North Cascades National Park worth visiting! It is also just incredibly beautiful - the rivers and creeks are a vibrant turquoise color due to them being primarily fed from glacier run-off, the forests are healthy and large due to the lack of logging (historically, the landscape was too rugged to make logging an economically viable option), and the animal life is thriving (this includes even a small resident grizzly bear population). If you are looking for an amazing alpine adventure and are considering exploring North Cascades National Park for yourself, then make sure to check out our 1 Day, 2 Day and 3 Day Travel Itineraries below for all your planning needs. ► You can find even more information on the national park in our comprehensive North Cascades National Park Adventure Guide! NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK PARK MAP 3 PERFECT NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL ITINERARIES Due to North Cascades National Park's size (504,654 acres), we suggest splitting up your days into exploring just the west side and then just the east side. While there isn't really a clear split between each side, we consider the edge of Ross Lake to be the divider. This division is in our opinion a more efficient way to see the park, for it is quite large and you can spend a good deal of time just simply driving across it. We suggest starting on the west side and then heading over to the east side, since the west side is closer to Seattle and the coast (and Interstate 5, the main north-south corridor across the state), has the main park visitor center and all four of the park campgrounds. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the closest grocery store to the park is going to be in the town of Concrete (which is located along Highway 20 and only 35 minutes from the park's west entrance). Otherwise, if you need any big box stores your best bet is to stock up in the town of Burlington, which is right at the intersection of Interstate 5 and Highway 20. There you have a Walmart, Fred Meyer, and Costco. NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK 1 DAY ITINERARY If you only have one day in North Cascades National Park then your best bet is to head out on a nice hike in the morning and then try to check out either Ross or Diablo Lakes (or both) in the afternoon and into the evening (its a great sunset spot). Below are some of the top hikes in North Cascades National Park. CASCADE PASS AND SAHALE ARM One of the more well-known areas to explore within North Cascades National Park is the stunning Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm area. In fact, the Cascade Pass Trail is the most popular hiking trail in the entire national park complex - aka it gets really busy on summer weekends - due to its amazing views and the fact that it is the shortest and "easiest" access to the park's beautiful alpine environment. If you are looking for a tough but super rewarding hike, then definitely try to get up to the Cascade Pass Trailhead in the early morning and start hiking out before it gets too busy. The whole trail (out to Sahale Mountain) is 12.1 miles round-trip with just over 5,000 feet of elevation gain. FULL TRAIL REPORT HIDDEN LAKE LOOKOUT Another great option if you are someone who wants to combine great views - some say the best in the entire park - with a bit of history, is to hike up to the Hidden Lake Lookout, which was built in 1932 and decommissioned by the Forest Service sometime around 1953. The hiking trail measures roughly 8 miles round trip with around 3,300 feet of elevation gain. If you are someone who wants those epic mountain top views, then this is definitely the trail to do. FULL TRAIL REPORT MAPLE PASS LOOP Another popular trail in North Cascades National Park is this 7.4 mile loop that takes you up and over a pass (Maple Pass) and along some ridgelines - which affords you amazing views of various mountain peaks as well as two alpine lakes. This is an A+ trail to hike along during the fall for there are tons of larch trees along the route. FULL TRAIL REPORT Other recommended hikes to explore (depending on your location within the park and how far you want to go) are: Thornton Lakes Trail (10.9 miles total, west side of the park), Lake Ann Trail (3.4 miles total, east side of the park) and Blue Lake Trail (4.6 miles total, east side of the park). EXPLORE MORE | THE COMPLETE HIKING GUIDE TO THE KENDALL KATWALK TRAIL IN WASHINGTON Once you are done hiking, head over to either Ross Lake or Diablo Lake (or both since they are so close to each other) for a chance to check out the turquoise water. To reach either, simply drive out on Highway 20/North Cascades Highway until you start to see the beautiful water below you. You can check out either of the lake's dams (they were both built in the 1930s in order to bring power to Seattle) or just pull over at one of the many viewpoints to get a better view of the colorful water and the rugged mountain valleys. 💬 INSIDER TIP: we definitely recommend stopping off at the Diablo Lake Overlook for one of the best views in the park (especially during sunrise or sunset). NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK 2 DAY ITINERARY As mentioned above, if you have two days to spend in the national park then we suggest splitting it up into spending day one on the west side and then the second day on the east side. This makes it super easy to see the main points of interest - including the two lakes and the visitor center - without adding a lot of excess driving time. DAY 1 Start your first day by hiking along one of the trails located on the west side of the park - namely the Cascade Pass or Ross and Diablo Lakes area. We recommend checking out the Cascade Pass Trail if you are looking for amazing alpine views, or the Lookout Mountain Lookout if you want to combine great views, history and a bit of solitude. Both of those trails are located off of Cascade River Road, which you can reach from the town of Marblemount (which is roughly 6.5 miles from the west side entrance). This scenic road has numerous other hiking trails along it, so don't worry about finding a spot to adventure. Closer to Ross and Diablo Lakes you can find many other hiking trails to explore - including the East Bank Trail which follows the east side of Ross Lake and goes for miles and miles (all the way to Canada actually), the Pyramid Lake Trail, which is roughly 4 miles round-trip and takes you to a super clear blue lake; or the Thunder Knob Trail, which heads out towards the water and affords you with amazing views of Diablo Lake. Once done hiking, and if time permits, stop in at the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center (located in Newhalem) to learn more about the park's glacier system - there are 310 glaciers, the most of any place in the lower 48 states - and the 8 diverse ecosystems. You can also talk to a ranger, watch a short film and purchase national park postcards and stickers. As for sleeping, we recommend trying to reserve a campsite at one of the four national park campgrounds (all are located near the visitor center or the two lakes). The four campgrounds come with various amenities, though none of them have electrical hook-ups (some also don't have drinking water, so do your research ahead of time). If you are planning to visit during the park's busy season - May to early September - you will need to make a reservation beforehand. ➳ Make your camping reservations here. DAY 2 On the second day, we suggest getting up decently early, making a nice breakfast and heading out for another day on the trail. If on Day 1 you stayed on the west side of the park then on Day 2 head on over to the east side for some even more epic mountain views. There are numerous hiking options along Highway 20, but we recommend either starting at Easy Pass or Rainy Pass. 💬 INSIDER TIP: we definitely suggest checking out and following North Cascade National Park's Instagram page for that is where they post all of the latest park updates (including road closures and fire risks). HIKES AT EASY PASS TRAILHEAD | Easy Pass Trail: the synonymous trail at the pass is this 7.7 mile round-trip hike that heads out into the forest and along a creek before climbing up for some great high mountain views. FULL TRAIL REPORT | Fisher Creek to Thunder Creek: usually done as a backpacking route or a trail run, this 22.6 mile hike heads over Easy Pass and down along Thunder Creek and back north towards the lakes. If you have the gumption and are looking to combine forest hiking and alpine views, then this could be a really great choice. Do know that unless you have two cars (to shuttle) you will need to hitchhike back up to the Easy Pass Trailhead. FULL TRAIL REPORT HIKES AT RAINY PASS TRAILHEAD | Maple Pass Loop: as mentioned in the 1 Day Itinerary, this is an excellent hike to do if you want mountain views, beautiful forests (especially in the fall when the leaves change colors), and alpine lakes all packaged into one trail. FULL TRAIL REPORT | Cutthroat Pass: a great 10(ish) mile trail to head out on is this gorgeous section of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). From Cutthroat Pass, you can continue hiking as long as you want on the PCT or head down some switchbacks to Cutthroat Lake. This is a great trail to day hike or backpack, especially in the fall when the larch trees and plants are changing colors. The pass sits at 6,798 feet above sea level. FULL TRAIL REPORT | Wing Lake and Black Peak: the Rainy Pass Trailhead can get pretty busy, so if you are looking to check out some alpine lakes and get high up for some epic mountain views - all without hordes of people - then this 11.1 mile trail might just be perfect. The hike starts from the same trail as the Maple Pass Loop trail before splitting off at Heather Pass to head more northwest towards Lewis Lake and Wing Lake (the trail split will be named Wing Lake). ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the final push up to the top of Black Peak does require a bit of mountaineering gear and some skill/comfort with Class 3/4 climbing and scrambling. The peak tops out at 8,970 feet above sea level. FULL TRAIL REPORT After your hiking adventure, consider stopping off at the Washington Pass Overlook (just down the highway from both trailheads) for even more epic mountain views. Then either turn around and head back west towards the coast and Seattle or east towards the towns of Mazama (home to the delicious Mazama Store) and Winthrop. NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK 3 DAY ITINERARY If you happen to have 3 days to spend in North Cascades National Park and you are looking for even more epic adventures, then we cannot recommend backpacking in the rugged wilderness enough. ► Check out our cinematic adventure film on backpacking for 3 days in the park here. Seriously. We have backpacked in numerous parts of the USA (including in many national parks) and we both agree that North Cascades might just be the prettiest. If you have the knowledge, the gumption and the gear, then definitely, definitely try to spend at least one night in the backcountry. Just remember that you will need to get a backcountry permit no matter when you are heading out to backpack. You will need to pick up your permits at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount (NOT the main park visitor center). There you can also talk to a ranger about any questions or concerns you might have, figure out the best campsites and routes to explore, and just learn more about the national park in general. ➳ Learn more about getting a backcountry permit here. EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO FOLLOW ALL LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES WHEN OUT ON THE TRAIL North Cascades National Park is full of epic adventures and stunning natural scenery. While we always suggest putting aside more time for exploring, we also understand that sometimes it isn't feasible to spend weeks visiting one place. Hopefully, these 1 Day, 2 Day and 3 Day Travel Itineraries help you plan some amazing adventures in North Cascades National Park. If you have any questions, please leave them below or reach out to us directly. ► Also, make sure to check out and save our Ultimate North Cascades National Park Adventure Guide, which covers everything you need to know about visiting the park. EVEN MORE HELPFUL NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK PLANNING INFORMATION \\ Where to Stay in North Cascades National Park There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to staying near North Cascades National Park (or in it). From upscale mountain and lake resorts to beautiful forested campsites, there is the perfect lodging option available depending on what kind of trip you are looking to have. LODGING IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK If you are hoping to stay within North Cascades National Park then you have a couple of options - both of which require a bit of extra planning. The first is the Ross Lake Resort, which is located on the bank of the massive Ross Lake in the heart of the national park. The second is the North Cascades Lodge in the historic town of Stehekin (located on Lake Chelan). For both, you will need to plan ahead for transportation because you cannot drive to either one. ROSS LAKE RESORT Opened back in 1952, the Ross Lake Resort is located in the center of the North Cascade Mountains. The resort includes fifteen floating cabins and a marina. Every cabin is furnished and includes a small kitchen, bathroom, electricity, and hot and cold running water. Likewise, towels, bedding, tableware, and cooking ware are also included. Do know that you will need to bring your own food for there is no restaurant or store on-site. The best way to reach the resort is to park at the Ross Lake/Dam Trailhead (off Highway 20) and then walk down the trail for one mile until you reach the lake's edge (where you will be able to see the resort across the water). Once there, call the resort using the provided phone. They will then send a boat over to pick you up. It costs $3 /person each way. LEARN MORE NORTH CASCADES LODGE AT STEHEKIN Another awesome lodging option in North Cascades National Park is to book a night (or multiple) at the quaint North Cascades Lodge in the small lake town of Stehekin. Like the Ross Lake Resort, you will not be able to drive to the lodge. Instead, you will either need to boat in on the Lady of the Lake Ferry or the Stehekin Ferry from the town of Chelan, or hike in on one of the many trails available (including the PCT). The lodge has many different rooms and styles to choose from depending on your party size and preferences. There is also a small restaurant and store onsite, easy access to Lake Chelan and surrounding hiking trails, bike and kayak rentals and guided trips. LEARN MORE LODGING NEAR NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK As mentioned above, the closest towns to North Cascades National Park with any type of lodging are going to be Marblemount and Concrete on the west side and Winthrop and Mazama on the east side. Below are a couple of great lodging options if you are looking to base yourself close to the national park. WEST SIDE | Glacier Peak Resort & Eatery: this cute family-run resort is located just outside of Marblemount (and about 8 miles from the west side park entrance). There is an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, hot tubs, cute cabins, walking trails and laundry services. Pets are also allowed. BOOK YOUR STAY | Buffalo Run Inn: located in the heart of Marblemount, this old-timey inn (it began as a meeting place for miners and lumberjacks in 1884) is easy walking distance to the few restaurants and services found in the mountain town. Amenities include free parking, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and small kitchenettes. BOOK YOUR STAY | Mount Baker Hotel: the farthest hotel from the west side entrance to the park is this family run establishment in Concrete that has fast Wi-Fi, small kitchenettes, and free parking. It is also easy walking distance to everything in downtown Concrete - including restaurants, stores, bike trails and cafes. BOOK YOUR STAY EAST SIDE | Sun Mountain Lodge: if you want to combine adventure with luxury, then look no further than this stunning mountain lodge located outside of the cute town of Winthrop. Amenities at this outdoorsy resort include an outdoor pool, hot tubs, horseback riding, ski school and rentals, boats, and a spa. BOOK YOUR STAY | Methow River Lodge: located in the heart of Winthrop, this lodge includes regular hotel rooms and private cabins. Amenities include free parking, high-speed internet, in-room kitchenettes, and in the winter easy access to local ski trails. BOOK YOUR STAY | Brown's Farm: if you are looking for more privacy and space - or if you just want to totally escape the hubbub of people, then consider booking this super cute wooden cabin near the small town of Mazama. The cabin comes with multiple bedrooms, a very well-stocked kitchen and amazing mountain views. BOOK YOUR STAY CAMPING IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK There are four campgrounds within the North Cascades National Park Complex. There are also two group campsites: Lower Goodell and Upper Goodell. During the peak season (May 23 - September 10) all campgrounds have a reservation system in place. You will need to visit recreation.gov to reserve your spot. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: all campgrounds are non-electric (aka there are NO electrical hookups). Similarly, there are no shower facilities available. GOODELL CREEK CAMPGROUND This campground is small, yet comfortable and close to the town of Newhalem (and the park visitor center). It is located along the beautiful Skagit River and is surrounded by dense forest. PRICE: $20 /night SITES: 19 AMENITIES: drinking water, vault toilets, campfire rings, a boat ramp, pets allowed, picnic tables and food storage lockers (for animals). There are NO electrical hookups. RESERVE A NIGHT GORGE LAKE CAMPGROUND Located on the bank of Gorge Lake and right next to the cascading Stetattle Creek, this small campground is a great place to base yourself if looking to check out Ross and Diablo Lakes. PRICE: $20 /night SITES: 8 AMENITIES: vault toilets, boat ramp, fire pits, pets allowed, waterfront sites, and picnic tables. There is NO drinking water available or electrical hook-ups. RESERVE A NIGHT NEWHALEM CAMPGROUND This campground is a comfortable facility close to the town of Newhalem (and the park visitor center) as well as the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forests that can be explored through the area's numerous hiking trails. PRICE: $24 /night for both the hike-to and standard campsites; $75 / night for the group sites SITES: 100+ and 2 different group sites AMENITIES: flush toilets, picnic shelters, drinking water, pets allowed, picnic tables, campfire rings, food storage lockers, accessible sites. RESERVE A NIGHT Newhalem Group Sites: the two group sites (upper and lower) are located across the road from the main campground. There is NO water available at either of the group sites (you will need to cross over to the main campground). Each group site can easily fit 10-20 people. COLONIAL CREEK CAMPGROUND This sizeable campground is in a remote, yet bustling spot nestled within an old-growth forest. Diablo Lake is within a short walk or drive from both the north and south campgrounds. PRICE: $24 /night for both the north and south sides SITES: 41 on the north side and 94 on the south side AMENITIES: drinking water, flush toilets, food storage lockers, pets allowed, picnic tables, fire rings, tent pads, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier on the south side. RESERVE A NIGHT (NORTH) or (SOUTH) ➳ Learn more about backcountry camping - including how to get backcountry permits - here. If you are not able to secure a campground within North Cascades National Park - or if you are looking for something with more amenities (like electricity) then your best bet is to stay at the Alpine RV Park and Campground, located on the east side of Marblemount (and only 4 miles from the west side park entrance). This small, locally owned RV park includes sizeable parking spots, water and electricity, decent internet, showers and laundry facilities. BOOK YOUR STAY 💬 INSIDER TIP: we stayed here for a night after backpacking in North Cascades National Park and while it is very much a no-frills kind of place, it definitely gets the job done. Plus, for $20 a night (for a smaller van, no hook ups) you get access to the showers and laundry facilities, a picnic table and fire grate, and good enough Wi-Fi to work off of. LEARN MORE | HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES ACROSS THE USA \\ What to Bring With You to North Cascades National Park Due to the North Cascades National Park's more rugged and northerly location, be prepared for rougher weather year-round. Also, as with any high mountain adventure, be ready for quickly changing weather. Below are a few of the key things to bring with you when adventuring in North Cascades National Park. HIKING BOOTS You will want to wear a pair of sturdy boots that can handle all kinds of terrain: from steep rocky scree fields to slick river crossings to just miles upon miles of trail pounding. These hiking boots by Vasque seem to be a jack of all trades and therefore should be able to handle whatever the trails throws at you. Recommended hiking boot. HIKING SOCKS These socks can easily go from hitting the trails to hanging out at camp due to their moisture-wicking properties and slightly elastic stretch. Plus, they are made partially of recycled materials - meaning they are good for you and the planet. Recommended hiking socks from Smartwool. WARM JACKET This lightweight fleece jacket works great as both a mid-layer for winter hiking adventures or as a solo jacket once the season starts to warm up. Plus, the raglan-style sleeves on this one provide seam-free comfort when you are carrying a backpack. Finally, this fleece jacket is made of recycled fabrics and is Bluesign approved (its sewing was also Fair Trade Certified). Recommended hiking jacket. RAIN JACKET While a nice cozy jacket will help keep you nice and warm on those chilly mornings or late-season days, usually the best jacket to have with you while hiking is an easy-to-pack rain jacket. This one by Patagonia checks all of the boxes: it is super lightweight and can pack down into its own little pouch, it has underarm zips that let you vent air even when hiking, it also has an adjustable elastic draw cord hem that allows fine-tuning for the perfect fit, and finally, it is also Bluesign approved and its sewing is Fair Trade Certified. Recommended rain jacket. SUNSCREEN While a sun hat definitely helps protect your face from the sun's harmful rays, it is still important to give your skin that extra bit of protection - especially your shoulders, feet and hands. These sunscreens not only protect you against the sun but are also environmentally safe. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the sun is incredibly strong in the mountains, especially at higher elevations. Always remember to reapply sunscreen during the entire hike. HEADLAMP A handy headlamp is a true adventure necessity - especially when the adventure requires you to start hiking early in the morning or into the late evening. We tend to have about 5 headlamps scattered around our van just in case we lose one or the batteries die (which somehow happens quite often). This headlamp by Black Diamond is a personal favorite because it is relatively affordable, it has multiple light settings and it is rechargeable. Recommended headlamp. HIKING DAY PACK By far one of the most important items in your hiking repertoire is going to be your backpack. Because you will be carrying this bag all day on the trail - including sometimes up and down some steep and sketchy sections - you will want to make sure it is really comfortable. This bag by Osprey holds 24 liters of gear, while still having plenty of straps to allow it to fit perfectly to your body. Plus, it is made of a nice Durable nylon construction that can withstand tons of trail abuse. It also has a specific place to attach your trekking poles or ice ax - which will help you free up your hands. Recommended day pack. WATER FILTER One of the best ways to cut back on your hiking load is to bring along a water filter. This super easy one by Grayl combines a water filter inside an actual water bottle - meaning less gear to carry and less time actually filtering. A true win-win. Recommended water filter. Or if you want to get an actual water filter system that allows you to filter lots of water at once, we recommend this top-notch Katadyn water filter. This filter has been our go-to for all hiking and backpacking adventures for many years. It takes up very little space, is easy to clean and works pretty darn fast. Recommended Katadyn water filter. HIKING FIRST AID KIT This is one of those items that you don't realize you need until it is too late. Luckily, this lightweight pack comes with (almost) everything you could need if an accident does unfortunately occur on the trail. Recommended hiking first aid kit. BEAR SPRAY This is another safety thing to have on you just in case something bad happens (the likelihood is very, very low). We carried a can of bear spray with us (for the first time) while backpacking in North Cascades National Park more for the peace of mind than anything else. Find a can of it here. Another key thing to remember when it comes to hiking in bear country (which the national park definitely is) is to always keep an eye on your food and gear just in case a bear (or another animal, like a squirrel) is around and is a bit hungry. Likewise, when hiking through dense brush, always make noises and keep an eye on your surroundings. ► Read more about hiking and backpacking in bear country in our super handy safety guide. TREKKING POLES We personally have never been the type of hikers to use trekking poles, but we have friends who absolutely swear by them. This set by Black Diamond can handle all kinds of terrain, are super lightweight and pack down small enough to be stored easily on the side of your backpack. Recommended trekking poles. WANT TO SAVE THIS NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDES THE ULTIMATE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL ITINERARIES | 1,2 & 3 DAYS THE ULTIMATE REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL ITINERARIES | 2 & 3 DAYS THE ULTIMATE LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE THE ULTIMATE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE THE ULTIMATE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE

48°49′58″N 121°20′51″W EXPLORE OUR IN-DEPTH, COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE ON THE STUNNING NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK IN NORTHERN WASHINGTON. THIS GUIDE COVERS EVERTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HAVE A GRAND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE. We first come across North Cascades National Park after reading a list about the least-visited national parks in the whole USA. While most of the parks on that list were located in the far north state of Alaska (which made sense) we were surprised to see that a park in the great state of Washington had somehow been included. After doing a bit of digging, we realized we had to make a trip up to that ruggedly beautiful mountain national park. Fast forward a couple of years (and a fair bit of planning later) and we finally found ourselves standing atop one of the many mountain passes staring out at glacier-carved valleys and epically sharp mountain peaks. We had finally made it to the heart of North Cascades National Park. If you are like us and are looking for your own high alpine adventure, then we cannot recommend this national park enough. Seriously, we grew up with Rocky Mountain National Park in our backyard and we were still awe-struck by the views and the adventures. So what makes North Cascades National Park so special? Well for starters, it is home to the most expansive glacial system in the USA outside of Alaska (take that Glacier National Park) as well as the highest degree of flora biodiversity of any American national park. It is also just incredibly beautiful - the rivers and creeks are a vibrant turquoise color due to them being primarily fed from glacier run-off, the forests are healthy and large due to the lack of logging, and the animal life is thriving (this includes even a small resident grizzly bear population). We were completely taken aback by the park's beauty - as well as its numerous adventure opportunities (the park is a mecca for mountaineering). Upon visiting, we decided to spend some time in the front country as well as in the backcountry (namely backpacking for 3 days - see the video we made on this here). Along our trip we learned a few things - which you will find below. So if you are looking to add this stunning national park to your travel itinerary, then make sure to read and save this full, in-depth North Cascades National Park Guide which covers everything you need to know. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the national park is actually made up of three different sections = Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and North Cascades National Park. All are run by the national park service, but do have somewhat different regulations (like pets being allowed in the NRA's). You can stop by the main visitor center to learn more. \\ Fast Facts About North Cascades National Park | Year Established: 1968 | Where is North Cascades National Park: northern Washington state | Size: 504,654 acres | Number of Annual Visitors (2021): 30,885 in just North Cascades National Park, and a combined 896,437 people in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the Ross Lake National Recreation Areas. | Cost to Enter North Cascades National Park: it is free to enter! There are no entrance stations - though you will still need to pay for camping. | Best For: hiking, backpacking and mountaineering ► Check out our 1, 2 and 3 Day Travel Itineraries for North Cascades National Park. NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK MAP \\ A Brief History of North Cascades National Park Human history in North Cascades National Park and the surrounding region began 8–10,000 years ago, after the end of the last glacial period. Paleo-Indians slowly advanced from the Puget Sound into the interior mountain region as the glacial ice retreated. The first white explorer to enter the North Cascades was most likely a Scotsman named Alexander Ross, who was in the employ of the American-owned Pacific Fur Company. To the southeast of the modern park boundary, Ross and other members of the company constructed Fort Okanogan in 1811 as a base from which to operate during the early period of the Pacific Northwest fur trade. Fort Okanogan was actually the first American settlement in present-day Washington State. Unlike in many other regions of the Pacific Northwest, due to the ruggedness of the terrain, logging had little impact on the future park. Washingtonians submitted a petition in 1892 to establish a national park to the north of Lake Chelan, as many who had visited the region believed it to have scenery "greater than Switzerland's." A couple of years later (in 1897) the Washington Forest Reserve was created and set aside. This designation preserved the forestland that would later become the park. But it wouldn't be until 1968 that the reserve officially became a national park. The North Cascades National Park Act at the same time also created Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas as well as Redwood National Park down in California. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK \\ When to Visit North Cascades National Park The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is generally between mid-June and late September. During this time of year, you can expect really nice weather, sunshine and clear days. Though, recently fall and spring are becoming more popular times for visitors since car tours of the Skagit, Okanogan and Stehekin Valleys are enticing for color and wildlife during the less busy "shoulder seasons." A few things to know about weather in North Cascades National Park: the east side of the Cascade Mountains (such as n Stehekin) is usually drier and warmer in the summer than the west side. Similarly, snow is usually melted completely by early July. And finally, because of the higher elevation and location between the mountains and the coast, the park's weather can change rapidly from hot and sunny to cold and rainy/snowy. Always come prepared for any and all types of weather (check out our packing guide below). ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) that runs across the national park seasonally closes during the winter due to avalanche danger. While you can still explore North Cascades National Park during the winter, it is recommended to only do so if you are completely prepared and knowledgeable about avalanche dangers. The North Cascades Highway usually closes for the season in mid-November. EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO SPEND 2 DAYS IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK \\ How to Get to North Cascades National Park While the national park is located in the far northern half of the state (it borders the USA-Canada border) it is still relatively easy to reach - especially if you have your own private vehicle. FROM SEATTLE The easiest way to reach North Cascades National Park from Seattle is to head north on Interstate 5 up to Highway 20 just outside of Bellingham. Once on Highway 20, you will drive east for about 45 miles until you get to the town of Marblemount. From Marblemount, it is about 6 miles to the main national park entrance and the start of the national park. The closest major airport to North Cascades National Park is going to be Sea-Tac, which is located between Seattle and Tacoma. It is roughly 120 miles from the airport to the national park entrance. 📌 TOTAL DISTANCE: around 2 hours, ~100 miles LEARN MORE | THE COMPLETE PLANNING GUIDE TO THRU-HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS IN WASHINGTON GETTING AROUND NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK You will need to have your own form of transportation to explore North Cascades National Park for there is NO park shuttle. The whole park complex is quite large so expect a decent amount of time traveling between the different areas - especially if you are looking to explore some of the more remote parts (like Cascade Pass and the Sahale Glacier). Similarly, there are numerous areas within the park that you cannot reach via car. For example, if you are hoping to check out Stehekin, you will need to either hike in (23 miles minimum) or take a boat from the town of Chelan. ➳ Read more on Stehekin below. WHERE TO STAY NEAR NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK If you are looking to stay outside of the national park, then your best bases are going to be either Marblemount and Concrete on the west side or Winthrop and Mazama on the east side. Marblemount has the national park wilderness office (where you need to pick up your backcountry permits), a few lodging options and a couple of small, local restaurants. Concrete is a bit bigger - though a bit farther from the national park entrance. There you can find a small downtown with a couple of restaurants and cafes, a number of hotels and motels and two grocery stores. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you stay in Concrete - or just pass through on your way to or from the national park - we highly recommend checking out Birdsview Diner, a small locally owned burger joint with delicious food and a fun outdoor area. On the east side of the national park you have two options of places to choose from: the very small but cute hamlet of Mazama or the slightly larger, more "touristy" town of Winthrop. Both are located in beautiful places with plenty of things to do - though if you want more services and options to choose from, we definitely recommend staying in Winthrop (which looks a lot like an old West town). 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you stay in Mazama or just drive by, definitely take the time to pull into the Mazama Store, a cute locally run spot (see photos above) with a delicious bakery (the baguettes are amazing), a small coffee shop, and healthy selection of food and gear (especially outdoor-focused gear). NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTER There is one main North Cascades National Park Visitor Center, which is located near the town of Newhalem (the last town on the west side of the park). The main park visitor center has a nice exhibit covering the various biomes found in the park (as well as the human history). There is also a small gift shop and rangers on duty to answer your questions. 🕝 HOURS: 9 AM - 5 PM BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS If you are hoping to spend the night out in the North Cascades wilderness (like when backpacking) then you will first need to get a backcountry permit. Permits are required year-round for all overnight stays in the backcountry within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas). Walk-up permits are available in person the day before or the day of your desired trip on a first-come, first-served basis. For all backcountry permits, you will need to go to the North Cascades National Park Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount, NOT the main Visitor Center. The Wilderness Center is located about 25 minutes west of the visitor center. Learn more about getting a backcountry permit here. EXPLORE MORE | TREKKING IN LOS NEVADOS NATIONAL PARK IN COLOMBIA: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW \\ Where to Stay in North Cascades National Park There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to staying near North Cascades National Park (or in it). From upscale mountain and lake resorts to beautiful forested campsites, there is the perfect lodging option available depending on what kind of trip you are looking to have. LODGING IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK If you are hoping to stay within North Cascades National Park then you have a couple of options - both of which require a bit of extra planning. The first is the Ross Lake Resort, which is located on the bank of the massive Ross Lake in the heart of the national park. The second is the North Cascades Lodge in the historic town of Stehekin (located on Lake Chelan). For both, you will need to plan ahead for transportation because you cannot drive to either one. ROSS LAKE RESORT Opened back in 1952, the Ross Lake Resort is located in the center of the North Cascade Mountains. The resort includes fifteen floating cabins and a marina. Every cabin is furnished and includes a small kitchen, bathroom, electricity, and hot and cold running water. Likewise, towels, bedding, tableware, and cooking ware are also included. Do know that you will need to bring your own food for there is no restaurant or store on-site. The best way to reach the resort is to park at the Ross Lake/Dam Trailhead (off Highway 20) and then walk down the trail for one mile until you reach the lake's edge (where you will be able to see the resort across the water). Once there, call the resort using the provided phone. They will then send a boat over to pick you up. It costs $3 /person each way. LEARN MORE NORTH CASCADES LODGE AT STEHEKIN Another awesome lodging option in North Cascades National Park is to book a night (or multiple) at the quaint North Cascades Lodge in the small lake town of Stehekin. Like the Ross Lake Resort, you will not be able to drive to the lodge. Instead, you will either need to boat in on the Lady of the Lake Ferry or the Stehekin Ferry from the town of Chelan, or hike in on one of the many trails available (including the PCT). The lodge has many different rooms and styles to choose from depending on your party size and preferences. There is also a small restaurant and store onsite, easy access to Lake Chelan and surrounding hiking trails, bike and kayak rentals and guided trips. LEARN MORE LODGING NEAR NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK As mentioned above, the closest towns to North Cascades National Park with any type of lodging are going to be Marblemount and Concrete on the west side and Winthrop and Mazama on the east side. Below are a couple of great lodging options if you are looking to base yourself close to the national park. WEST SIDE | Glacier Peak Resort & Eatery: this cute family-run resort is located just outside of Marblemount (and about 8 miles from the west side park entrance). There is an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, hot tubs, cute cabins, walking trails and laundry services. Pets are also allowed. BOOK YOUR STAY | Buffalo Run Inn: located in the heart of Marblemount, this old-timey inn (it began as a meeting place for miners and lumberjacks in 1884) is easy walking distance to the few restaurants and services found in the mountain town. Amenities include free parking, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and small kitchenettes. BOOK YOUR STAY | Mount Baker Hotel: the farthest hotel from the west side entrance to the park is this family run establishment in Concrete that has fast Wi-Fi, small kitchenettes, and free parking. It is also easy walking distance to everything in downtown Concrete - including restaurants, stores, bike trails and cafes. BOOK YOUR STAY READ MORE | HOW TO SPEND A LONG WEEKEND IN ESTES PARK, COLORADO - THE GATEWAY TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK EAST SIDE | Sun Mountain Lodge: if you want to combine adventure with luxury, then look no further than this stunning mountain lodge located outside of the cute town of Winthrop. Amenities at this outdoorsy resort include an outdoor pool, hot tubs, horseback riding, ski school and rentals, boats, and a spa. BOOK YOUR STAY | Methow River Lodge: located in the heart of Winthrop, this lodge includes regular hotel rooms and private cabins. Amenities include free parking, high-speed internet, in-room kitchenettes, and in the winter easy access to local ski trails. BOOK YOUR STAY | Brown's Farm: if you are looking for more privacy and space - or if you just want to totally escape the hubbub of people, then consider booking this super cute wooden cabin near the small town of Mazama. The cabin comes with multiple bedrooms, a very well-stocked kitchen and amazing mountain views. BOOK YOUR STAY CAMPING IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK There are four campgrounds within the North Cascades National Park Complex. There are also two group campsites: Lower Goodell and Upper Goodell. During the peak season (May 23 - September 10) all campgrounds have a reservation system in place. You will need to visit recreation.gov to reserve your spot. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: all campgrounds are non-electrical (aka there are NO electrical hookups). Similarly, there are no shower facilities available. GOODELL CREEK CAMPGROUND This campground is small, yet comfortable and close to the town of Newhalem (and the park visitor center). It is located along the beautiful Skagit River and is surrounded by dense forest. PRICE: $20 /night SITES: 19 AMENITIES: drinking water, vault toilets, campfire rings, a boat ramp, pets allowed, picnic tables and food storage lockers (for animals). There are NO electrical hookups. RESERVE A NIGHT GORGE LAKE CAMPGROUND Located on the bank of Gorge Lake and right next to the cascading Stetattle Creek, this small campground is a great place to base yourself if looking to check out Ross and Diablo Lakes. PRICE: $20 /night SITES: 8 AMENITIES: vault toilets, boat ramp, fire pits, pets allowed, waterfront sites, and picnic tables. There is NO drinking water available or electrical hook-ups. RESERVE A NIGHT NEWHALEM CAMPGROUND This campground is a comfortable facility close to the town of Newhalem (and the park visitor center) as well as the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forests that can be explored through the area's numerous hiking trails. PRICE: $24 /night for both the hike-to and standard campsites; $75 / night for the group sites SITES: 100+ and 2 different group sites AMENITIES: flush toilets, picnic shelters, drinking water, pets allowed, picnic tables, campfire rings, food storage lockers, accessible sites. RESERVE A NIGHT Newhalem Group Sites: the two group sites (upper and lower) are located across the road from the main campground. There is NO water available at either of the group sites (you will need to cross over to the main campground). Each group site can easily fit 10-20 people. COLONIAL CREEK CAMPGROUND This sizeable campground is in a remote, yet bustling spot nestled within an old-growth forest. Diablo Lake is within a short walk or drive from both the north and south campgrounds. PRICE: $24 /night for both the north and south sides SITES: 41 on the north side and 94 on the south side AMENITIES: drinking water, flush toilets, food storage lockers, pets allowed, picnic tables, fire rings, tent pads, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier on the south side. RESERVE A NIGHT (NORTH) or (SOUTH) If you are not able to secure a campground within North Cascades National Park - or if you are looking for something with more amenities (like electricity) then your best bet is to stay at the Alpine RV Park and Campground, located on the east side of Marblemount (and only 4 miles from the west side park entrance). This small, locally owned RV park includes sizeable parking spots, water and electricity, decent internet, showers and laundry facilities. BOOK YOUR STAY 💬 INSIDER TIP: we stayed here for a night after backpacking in North Cascades National Park and while it is very much a no-frills kind of place, it definitely gets the job done. Plus, for $20 a night (for a smaller van, no hook ups) you get access to the showers and laundry facilities, a picnic table and fire grate, and good enough Wi-Fi to work off of. \\ What to Bring With You to North Cascades National Park Due to the North Cascades National Park's rugged and northerly location, be prepared for rougher weather year-round. Also, as with any high mountain adventure, be ready for quickly changing weather. Below are a few of the key things to bring with you when adventuring in North Cascades National Park. HIKING BOOTS You will want to wear a pair of sturdy boots that can handle all kinds of terrain: from steep rocky scree fields to slick river crossings to just miles upon miles of trail pounding. These hiking boots by Vasque seem to be a jack of all trades and therefore should be able to handle whatever the trails throws at you. Recommended hiking boot. HIKING SOCKS These socks can easily go from hitting the trails to hanging out at camp due to their moisture-wicking properties and slightly elastic stretch. Plus, they are made partially of recycled materials - meaning they are good for you and the planet. Recommended hiking socks from Smartwool. WARM JACKET This lightweight fleece jacket works great as both a mid-layer for winter hiking adventures or as a solo jacket once the season starts to warm up. Plus, the raglan-style sleeves on this one provide seam-free comfort when you are carrying a backpack. Finally, this fleece jacket is made of recycled fabrics and is Bluesign approved (its sewing was also Fair Trade Certified). Recommended hiking jacket. RAIN JACKET While a nice cozy jacket will help keep you nice and warm on those chilly mornings or late-season days, usually the best jacket to have with you while hiking is an easy-to-pack rain jacket. This one by Patagonia checks all of the boxes: it is super lightweight and can pack down into its own little pouch, it has underarm zips that let you vent air even when hiking, it also has an adjustable elastic draw cord hem that allows fine-tuning for the perfect fit, and finally, it is also Bluesign approved and its sewing is Fair Trade Certified. Recommended rain jacket. EXPLORE MORE | CHECK OUT OUR CINEMATIC ADVENTURE FILM ON BACKPACKING IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK HIKING SHORTS When it's a nice warm day, we usually reach for some easy, breathable, comfortable shorts. This pair by Mountain Hardwear is simple but gets the job done. Plus, they are made of a nice breathable ripstop fabric that resists wear and tear and has nice hand and thigh pockets that allow you to stash small essentials like snacks, your phone and some Chapstick. Recommended hiking shorts. HIKING PANTS Depending on the time of year, you will likely choose to gravitate towards wearing either full-length hiking pants or a set of lightweight active shorts. We tend to veer more towards wearing pants while hiking unless it is absolutely scorching out - just for the sun protection and less likelihood of getting scratches and cuts from plants. These pants by Black Diamond, are durable enough for all kinds of trails, while also being comfortable enough to wear even when the temperature starts to pick up. Recommended hiking pants here. SUN HAT Because most hiking is done out in the sun (even in Washington), you will want to make sure you have a nice comfortable, wide-brimmed hat to help keep your face shaded and the sun out of your eyes. This wide-brim hat by Patagonia is easy to adjust, lightweight and moisture-wicking - plus, like almost all Patagonia gear, it is made of eco-friendly recycled materials. Recommended sun hat. SUNSCREEN While a sun hat definitely helps protect your face from the sun's harmful rays, it is still important to give your skin that extra bit of protection - especially your shoulders, feet and hands. These sunscreens not only protect you against the sun but are also environmentally safe. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the sun is incredibly strong in the mountains, especially at higher elevations. Remember to reapply sunscreen during the entire hike. HEADLAMP A handy headlamp is a true adventure necessity - especially when the adventure requires you to start hiking early in the morning or into the late evening. We tend to have about 5 headlamps scattered around our van just in case we lose one or the batteries die (which somehow happens quite often). This headlamp by Black Diamond is a personal favorite because it is relatively affordable, it has multiple light settings and it is rechargeable. Recommended headlamp. HIKING DAY PACK By far one of the most important items in your hiking repertoire is going to be your backpack. Because you will be carrying this bag all day on the trail - including sometimes up and down some steep and sketchy sections - you will want to make sure it is really comfortable. This bag by Osprey holds 24 liters of gear, while still having plenty of straps to allow it to fit perfectly to your body. Plus, it is made of a nice Durable nylon construction that can withstand tons of trail abuse. It also has a specific place to attach your trekking poles or ice ax - which will help you free up your hands. Recommended day pack. WATER FILTER One of the best ways to cut back on your hiking load is to bring along a water filter. This super easy one by Grayl combines a water filter inside an actual water bottle - meaning less gear to carry and less time actually filtering. A true win-win. Recommended water filter. Or if you want to get an actual water filter system that allows you to filter lots of water at once, we recommend this top-notch Katadyn water filter. This filter has been our go-to for all hiking and backpacking adventures for many years. It takes up very little space, is easy to clean and works pretty darn fast. Recommended Katadyn water filter. HIKING FIRST AID KIT This is one of those items that you don't realize you need until it is too late. Luckily, this lightweight pack comes with (almost) everything you could need if an accident does unfortunately occur on the trail. Recommended hiking first aid kit. TREKKING POLES We personally have never been the type of hikers to use trekking poles, but we have friends who absolutely swear by them. This set by Black Diamond can handle all kinds of terrain, are super lightweight and pack down small enough to be stored easily on the side of your backpack. Recommended trekking poles. BEAR SPRAY This is another safety thing to have on you just in case something bad happens (the likelihood is very, very low). We carried a can of bear spray with us (for the first time) while backpacking in North Cascades National Park more for the peace of mind than anything else. Find a can of it here. Another key thing to remember when it comes to hiking in bear country (which the national park definitely is) is to always keep an eye on your food and gear just in case a bear (or another animal, like a squirrel) is around and is a bit hungry. Likewise, when hiking through dense brush, always make noises and keep an eye on your surroundings. ► Read more about hiking and backpacking in bear country in our super handy safety guide. READ MORE | HOW TO STAY SAFE HIKING AND BACKPACKING IN BEAR COUNTRY POST-HIKE SANDALS Once you make it back to your base camp (your car, your tent, your house) make sure to take off those boots, stretch out your arches and let your feet breathe. Seriously, this might be one of the best feelings ever. After you do that, slip on a pair of these comfortable Teva sandals (we won’t judge if you add socks too). Recommended post-hike sandals. POST-HIKE COZY SHIRT Likewise, there are few things nicer than taking off your sweaty shirt and putting on a nice cozy, clean one after a long hike. This one by the Parks Project is made of a nice durable, soft cotton fabric and cut into a very vintage style. Recommend post-hike shirt. THE LAY OF THE LAND | THE TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK 1 | Visit Ross Lake and Diablo Lake One truly must-see spot in North Cascades National Park are these two man-made bodies of water that lie right next to each other. Both lakes (or reservoirs) were created by building two dams - the Ross Dam and Diablo Dam - along the mighty Skagit River (which eventually flows into Puget Sound). Both dams were built by the Seattle City Lights to generate hydroelectricity for the metropolis of Seattle. You can see both dams either via a short hiking trail (including the Ross Dam Trail) or by simply driving along Highway 20 (the main road through the park). You also have the option to pull off the highway and take in views of the entire lake complex via a couple of viewpoints, including the amazing Diablo Lake Overlook. Similarly, you can hike out along Ross Lake via the East Bank Trail all the way up the right side until you reach the Hozomeen Campground and boat launch. HOW TO GET TO ROSS AND DIABLO LAKES The easiest way to reach both turquoise lakes is to simply drive along Highway 20/The North Cascades Highway (this is the road that crosses the national park) and pull off when you see a good viewpoint (there are many). Do know that the two lakes are closer to the western entrance - only about 7 miles from the town of Newhalem (where you can actually learn more about the Seattle City Lights company) - than the east side entrance. 2 | Check Out a Fire Lookout There are a couple of fire lookouts that you can hike up to and explore in North Cascades National Park; including, the famous Desolation Peak Fire Lookout which author Jack Kerouac worked at for a time (63 days to be exact). This fire lookout (which can be reached via a 9.4 mile round-trip hike) is only one of many towers that dot the North Cascades region and the entire western half of the USA (check even more of them out here). Below are three other fire towers that you can hike to within the national park complex. SOURDOUGH MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT Sourdough Mountain Lookout was actually one of the first lookouts established by the U.S. Forest Service. The current lookout tower, which was built in 1933 and restored in 1998, is today listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. The hike up to the tower is just over 10 miles round-trip with 4,870 feet of elevation gain. FULL TRAIL REPORT HIDDEN LAKE LOOKOUT Another great option if you are someone who wants to combine great views - some say the best in the entire park - with a bit of history, is to hike up to the Hidden Lake Lookout, which was built in 1932 and decommissioned by the Forest Service sometime around 1953 (it would later be used by the Skagit Alpine Club as a mountain base until 1980). The hiking trail measures roughly 8 miles round trip and only 3,300 feet of elevation gain. If you are someone who wants those epic mountain top views, then this is definitely the trail to do. FULL TRAIL REPORT LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT While the name might be a tad redundant, this picturesque lookout tower located on the west side of the park is a great hiking destination for someone wanting amazing 360° views without the crowds. That is because this trail is completely overshadowed by its more popular neighbors (including the lookout mentioned above). But that is a bit of a blessing, especially for someone who wants solitude and is fine working up a sweat on the trail. In total, the hike is 9.4 miles round-trip with 4,500 feet of elevation gain. FULL TRAIL REPORT EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE TO THE NECKLACE VALLEY TRAIL IN WASHINGTON 3 | Hike Up to the Sahale Glacier One of the more well-known areas to explore within North Cascades National Park is the stunning Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm area. In fact, Cascade Pass Trail (6.7 miles) is the most popular hiking trail in the entire national park complex (aka it gets really busy on summer weekends) due to its amazing views and the fact that it is the shortest and "easiest" access to the park's beautiful alpine environment. While the Cascade Pass Trail is a good place to start, if you have the energy, we recommend you keep going all the way up to Sahale Arm and even up to the top of Boston Peak (elevation: 8,547 feet). Along the way, you are afforded some amazing views of the surrounding peaks - including Sahale Mountain, Forbidden Mountain and Buckner Mountain. From the trailhead to the end of the trail near Boston Peak the trail measures around 13 miles. If you are fine dealing with people or you are able to visit on an off-day, then definitely add this part of the park to your travel itinerary. HOW TO GET TO CASCADE PASS AND THE SAHALE ARM TRAIL The Cascade Pass Trailhead is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes from the town of Marblemount. To reach the trailhead, you will need to drive out of Marblemount on the Cascade River Road (located right across the river from Marblemount). Once on the Cascade River Road you will keep driving for around 24 miles until you reach the trailhead (which has a large parking lot and picnic tables). 4 | Visit the Town of Stehekin Stehekin is a small community (population: 75) located along the bank of Lake Chelan. The name "Stehekin" comes from a word in the Salishan language meaning "the way through." Stehekin is a popular tourist destination - especially in the summer months when the town grows in size due to visiting travelers and hikers along the PCT (the trail runs right through town). Today, you can find a couple of places to spend the night, a post office, some historic buildings - including an old orchard, the Stehekin Pastry Company (which we have heard is delicious), a bike rental shop and some awesome lake views. Similarly, there is the Golden West Visitor Center, which is part of the North Cascades National Park complex. The visitor center is open noon to 4 PM, and offers exhibits, maps, and a small bookstore. GETTING TO STEHEKIN Although there are 22 miles of road within the town, no roads connect Stehekin to the wider Washington area. Instead, you will need to either hike in (via the PCT or another area trail - there are a couple options), ride the Lady of the Lake passenger ferry ($10 one-way /adult) or the Stehekin Ferry ($39 one-way /adult), take a private boat, or hop on a plane (either floatplane or a regular plane that can land on the small grass airstrip near town). 5 | Go For a Hike There are hundreds of miles of trails to choose from within North Cascades National Park. This means that there is likely a perfect trail for whatever type of scenery or distance you are looking for. Below are a few of the top hiking trails in North Cascades National Park. But as always, we recommend doing a bit of research before heading out, or better yet, asking a park ranger what they recommend (they always have the best tips). ➳ Find a full list of hiking trails in North Cascades National Park here. THE BEST HIKING TRAILS IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK PIERCE MOUNTAIN CAMP (VIA SOURDOUGH TRAIL) This 10.5 mile out and back trail gives you stunning views of the nearby Ross and Diablo Lakes as well as some of the higher peaks in the park. Depending on the time of year, you have a good chance of seeing various wildlife (including numerous birds) and wildflowers. There is also a historic lookout tower along the way. FULL TRAIL REPORT CUTTHROAT PASS VIA THE PCT Another great 10(ish) mile trail to head out on is this section of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). Cutthroat Pass is just north of Rainy Pass (where you will begin your hike). From Cutthroat you can continue hiking as long as you want - even all the way to Canada. This is a great trail to day hike or backpack, especially in the fall when the larch trees and plants are changing colors. FULL TRAIL REPORT MAPLE PASS LOOP One of the more popular trails in North Cascades National Park is this 7.4 mile loop that takes you up and over a pass (Maple Pass) and along some ridgelines - which affords you amazing views of various mountain peaks as well as two alpine lakes. This is another A+ trail to hike along during the fall for the larch trees are numerous along the route. FULL TRAIL REPORT Or, if you are feeling really adventurous and you have the time (and the gear), consider going backpacking instead! Just remember to stop by the wilderness office in Marblemount to grab your permit beforehand. ► Curious what it is like backpacking in North Cascades National Park? Check out our cinematic adventure film that covers our 3-day backcountry trip. LEARN MORE | HOW TO FOLLOW ALL LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES WHILE OUT ON THE TRAIL \\ Must-See Spots Near North Cascades National Park While North Cascades National Park is relatively remote - especially compared to some other national parks in the USA, it is still located in an absolutely amazing place with a lot of other adventures to do nearby. This includes Mount Baker - another iconic snowcapped mountain that can be seen from the Seattle metropolis on a clear day - and the San Juan Islands, which are a group of rugged, forested coastal islands near the town of Anacortes. The San Juan Islands includes such notable places as Orcas Island, Lopez Island and San Juan Island (home to the town of Friday Harbor). Finally, if you are willing to drive a bit farther (and take a ferry), then definitely consider exploring another Washington national park, Olympic National Park, which is located on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. You can check out our Comprehensive Adventure Guide to Olympic National Park for all of your planning needs. | NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK --> MOUNT BAKER // 2.5 hours, 109 miles | NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK --> SAN JUAN ISLANDS // 3 hours and 10 minutes, ~90 miles (includes a ferry) | NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK --> OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK // ~ 4 hours, 147 miles (includes a ferry) EXPLORE OUR INTERACTIVE MAP OF NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK North Cascades National Park should be on every mountain-loving, outdoor adventurer's bucket list. The rugged mountains, bountiful wildlife, colorful alpine meadows and crystal clear waters are absolutely stunning - and completely worth making the long drive for. Hopefully, this in-depth national park adventure guide covers everything you need to know about the park, but if you have any further questions, please leave them below or reach out to us directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS NATIONAL PARK GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE EVEN MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES Redwood National Park | ULTIMATE GUIDE Rocky Mountain National Park | ULTIMATE GUIDE Everglades National Park | ULTIMATE GUIDE Canyonlands National Park | ULTIMATE GUIDE

WHILE MOUNTAIN BIKING IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR OUTDOOR SPORTS AROUND, IT CAN ALSO BE A BIT DAUNTING. BELOW ARE 6 TIPS ALL BEGINNER MOUNTAIN BIKERS SHOULD KNOW, AS WELL AS SOME HELPFUL TRICKS AND KNOW-HOW FROM TWO LONGTIME RIDERS. Mountain biking is quickly becoming one of the most popular outdoor adventure sports. In fact, according to some studies nearly 40 million people in the US ride mountain bikes (that is just over 10% of the population). While nowadays the two of us are pretty avid mountain bikers, it wasn't always that way. I (Madalyne) had grown up a pretty die-hard road biker and I had never really had the desire to switch from riding pavement to riding technical singletrack trails (I liked how much distance I could cover on the road). It wasn't until Luke came along that I began to see the opportunities that mountain biking presented (mostly the fact that you can explore the same stunning mountain landscapes as you would hiking, but just at a faster speed). But in the beginning I wasn't entirely sold. It was a challenge getting comfortable on the bike and I had a very real fear of falling hard and hurting myself (knock on wood nothing bad has happened yet). And even now, so many years later, I still get a bit nervous on some of the more technical trails and especially on the really steep downhill sections (I am an unashamed walker sometimes). At the end of the day though, I absolutely love mountain biking and am so thankful that I pushed through and really gave it an honest chance when I was first starting out. Mountain biking is challenging - it's harder in many ways than road biking, both physically and mentally. But the payoff is pretty darn amazing. If you are someone who has always considered getting into mountain biking, then I cannot recommend it enough! This article below is for those of you who are still on the fence about mountain biking or who are beginner mountain bikers that are still pretty nervous about riding. These 6 mountain biking tips, though somewhat straightforward, are still very important to keep in mind when you are first starting out - especially if you are like me and are a bit nervous about hitting the trails. ➳ If you are curious to learn more about the technical side of mountain biking, then definitely consider checking out this series that REI made about beginner mountain biking. Check out the series here. MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL RATINGS | WHAT TO KNOW Just like with many other sports - most notably skiing or snowboarding - there is a clear difficulty rating system for mountain bike trails; in this case, the ratings are based on 5 things: | Trail width | Tread surface | Average trail grade | Maximum trail grade | Natural obstacles and technical features Below is a brief outline of what you can expect from each trail rating - which is super helpful to know if you are new to the sport and are trying to figure out what kind of trails you should do (or not do... yet). The trail rating information is according to IMBA (or the International Mountain Biking Association). GREEN CIRCLE | BEGINNER Trails that are labeled as green circle will have 36" trail width, firm and stable surfaces, a 5% or less climbing grade and a max of 15% climbing grade. Also, you can expect some small unavoidable obstacles on the trail (like rocks and logs). BLUE SQUARE | INTERMEDIATE On trails that are labeled as blue square you can expect 24" trail width, mostly stable surfaces with some variability, a climbing grade between 10% and max of 15%, unavoidable obstacles that are max 8" tall and some natural bridges that you cannot avoid. BLACK DIAMOND | EXPERT On trails that are labeled as black diamond you can expect 12" trail width, surfaces that are widely variable, a climbing grade at around 15%, some unavoidable obstacles that are max 15" tall and many loose rocks. Also, there is a likelihood of coming across multiple technical features that can be up to 48" high. DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND | SUPER EXPERT On these expert level trails you can expect routes with 6" trail width, highly variable and unpredictable surfaces, an average trail grade of 20% or more, unavoidable obstacles that are max 15" tall, many sections of loose rocks and unavoidable bridges that may be less than 24" wide. Finally, many trail sections can exceed this criteria and be even more technical (be prepared to test yourself). Besides these four clear trail ratings, you may also find trails that fit in between - like a trail that is rated Green/Blue, or more commonly, a trail that is rated Blue/Black. ➳ Find the full guide on trail difficulty ratings here. 6 BEGINNER MOUNTAIN BIKING TIPS 1 | Understand That it Will Be Hard and That You Will Likely Fall (At Least Once) Just like with any other high adrenaline, slightly dangerous sport, you have to be okay with failing - at least in the beginning. Mountain biking is not like road biking. It is usually a lot more technical - both physically and mentally. Know that and be okay with it (embrace the challenge!). Also, be prepared to struggle… and to fall. But luckily, you very likely will not be riding at such a high speed that your fall will be too painful. Obviously, if you are really afraid of falling and getting hurt make sure to wear proper gear (long shirts and tights, knee and elbow pads) so that if you do fall off you don't get too banged up. We definitely suggest finding a trail that isn’t too technical to start with and to take your time riding over the more technical sections (like steeply banked turns, over rocks and logs, and on the downhill parts). And if you do fall, just get back up, dust yourself off, take a couple of deep breaths and keep riding. 2 | Ride with People of a Similar Skill… and Then Test Yourself Likewise, when you are a beginner mountain biker you should first try to find people that have a similar skill level as you or who are at least okay with riding easier trails (green trails are what you are looking for) in the beginning. When you are first starting out on a mountain bike, it is more about getting comfortable on your bike and being a confident rider than anything else. Once you get there, then start pushing yourself and riding with people that are a bit more skilled than you. One of the best ways to gain more mountain biking skills and to grow your confidence is to slowly start trying harder and harder trails (like a green-blue or just a blue). 3 | Don’t Be Embarrassed to Walk or Go Slow When you are first getting into mountain biking you might be so excited and have so much gumption that you end up going too fast too soon and something bad happens (i.e. a crash). Obviously, we don’t want to be the ones to tell you to take it slow, but we do want to let you know that it is perfectly fine to start out riding more cautiously if you are afraid or worried about falling (or just uncomfortable on your bike). Never be embarrassed to walk those steep sections or dismount (get off your bike) when you get to really technical parts. 4 | Learn How to Use Your Gears Learning the ends and outs of your bike will definitely help you ride better and have even more fun. One of the key things to figure out is what gear works best for you for each situation. For example, you will want to know how and when to lower your gears when you start climbing uphill sections. But also know that as you get stronger and more confident on your bike and on the trail, your gear choice will likely change (you might not need to go into the lowest gear - “granny gear” - when you start a climb). Playing around with your gears, figuring out what works best for you, and just getting comfortable switching between them is a key step in becoming more confident on your mountain bike. 💬 INSIDER TIP: the same goes with your brakes. One of the most important things to learn and get used to while riding a mountain bike is how to handle your brakes. For example, as obvious as it might seem to just hold both your brakes (tightly) while riding downhill, instead, use your body to slow down and just gradually pull on the brakes. By doing this instead, you are less likely to fly over your handlebars (which is definitely not fun). 5 | Come Prepared with the Tools to Succeed There are a few things you need to always carry with you when out mountain biking - especially if you are doing it by yourself. Below are some of the basic things to have in either your backpack (we like this style) or in a bike bag. | A spare tire | A small bike repair kit (like this one) | Water and maybe a snack (depending on your expected distance) | A first aid kit | A phone with a downloaded map (we like using Mountain Bike Project or FATMAP) ► See our full list of mountain biking gear below. Even if you know the area or aren’t planning on being out on the trails for very long, things can happen and you need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario (you get lost, you seriously hurt yourself, etc.). 6 | Know Proper Mountain Biking Trail Etiquette While figuring out how to handle your bike and being comfortable riding on more technical trails is a key part of beginner mountain biking, it is also important to understand key mountain biking trail etiquette (aka how to be a good rider). Some of the most important points to remember and follow are: | Uphill riders get the right of way on trails. This means if you are going downhill and you see a rider coming uphill you need to pull over and let them pass before you keep going. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: sometimes riders going uphill will pull over first in order to take a break or if there is a better spot for them to move aside and let you pass. Obviously, if this happens you can go by them, but for the most part always pull over and slow down if you are going downhill. | If you are riding on a multi-use trail, then you will need to be extra aware of people not on bikes (hikers and horseback riders mainly). Both hikers/walkers and horseback riders have the right of way so you will need to move over and/or audibly let them know that you are coming up behind them so they don’t get spooked. We suggest having a bell on your bike for this exact reason (see our recommended bike bell below). If you don't have a bell, at the very least call out "on your left/right" before you pass them. | If you stop along the trail for a break, make sure to pull over so there is enough space to allow others to ride by you. Don’t hog the trail. | Follow all signs and regulations. If a trail says no bikes, don’t ride there. If it says one-way travel only, follow it. If it says no e-bikes, sorry take your electric bike somewhere else. These rules are put in place for a reason, so don’t be that a**hole that doesn’t follow them and cause problems (or worse, gets the trail closed permanently). | Like other outdoor activities, always follow the key Leave No Trace Principles. In mountain biking, there are a few more LNT Principles to be aware of; including, not riding on muddy trails (this causes long-lasting damage), only staying on existing trails, and not cutting switchbacks. ➳ Learn more about mountain biking trail etiquette here. READ MORE | THE 9 MOST ADVENTUROUS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES IN THE WORLD MOUNTAIN BIKING GEAR | WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU Due to many mountain bike trails rougher terrain, you are going to want to come prepared with plenty of mountain bike gear - especially if you are planning to head out on some more backcountry and rugged routes. Below are a few important things to have with you while mountain biking. LONG SLEEVED SUN SHIRT Nothing ruins a day out on the trails faster than getting too much sun exposure (or worse, a sunburn). Therefore it is definitely recommended that you wear a shirt that helps block the sun's harmful rays. If you are planning to mountain bike in a more exposed area (less tree coverage and/or at higher elevations), make sure to wear a shirt that protects your full upper body - like the one below by Backcountry. Plus, it's also a great idea if you are planning to ride some more technical sections for the long sleeves will give your skin that extra layer of protection in case you take a tumble. See our recommended sun shirt here. BIKE SHORTS Just like too much sun exposure can turn a great day out on the trails into a less than optimal experience, so can riding all day without proper padding on your bum. Because let's be real, bike seats are not very comfortable and after 10+ miles on the saddle your booty will start to feel a little bit tender. Luckily, bike shorts can help curb some of that pain. This pair by PEARL iZUMi is comfortable, breathable and stylish. See our recommended bike shorts here. WATER BLADDER AND BACKPACK Many mountain bike trailheads do NOT have water available so you will definitely want to show up prepared - especially if you are planning to ride during the middle of the day when the sun is at its fullest or if you are looking to do a bigger ride. This water bladder and bag combo from CamelBak holds 9 liters of water and still has plenty of room to spare for stuff like snacks, extra layers of clothes and your phone. See our recommended biking bag here. BIKE TOOLS This handy toolkit comes with everything you could need to fix all kinds of mishaps while out mountain biking. Plus, it is lightweight and can easily be stored in your biking bag or left in your car if you are only planning to do a shorter route. See our recommended mountain biking toolkit here. A BIKE BELL Another helpful thing to have with you while out mountain biking - especially on the more curvy mountain bike trails - is a bike bell. This is just an easier (and slightly more courteous) way to let people know that you are coming down the trail. This one by Knog is simple and efficient. See our recommended bike bell here. BIKE HELMET Rounding out the list of things you should definitely bring with you while mountain biking is a solid helmet that not only keeps your head safe, but is also comfortable enough to wear all day long. This one by Giro comes in a couple of fun colors, is very comfortable and lightweight and has enhanced breathability for when you start to climb and the sweat begins to pour down. See our recommended mountain biking helmet here. EXPLORE MORE | MOUNTAIN BIKING TO THE LARGEST PALM FOREST IN THE WORLD: WHAT TO KNOW Mountain biking is a super fun and exhilarating way to explore this amazing planet. Seeing the world via two wheels allows you to go farther and fast in a shorter amount of time (plus there is something seriously fun about riding those banked turns). If you have been considering getting into this adrenaline sport but don't know where to begin, then let this be the first step in your journey to becoming one badass mountain biker. If you have any questions about mountain biking, then please feel free to leave us a comment or question, or reach out to us directly (we love talking about mountain biking). Also, definitely take a look at some of our mountain biking (and bikepacking) guides below for even more inspiration. See you on the trail! WANT TO SAVE THESE BEGINNER MOUNTAIN BIKING TIPS FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE EVEN MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TIPS AND TRICKS 17 Amazing Mountain Biking Trails in Western Colorado | FULL GUIDE Bikepacking the Kokopelli Trail in Colorado and Utah | FULL ADVENTURE GUIDE (+ OUR EXPERIENCE) Canyoneering 101 | Everything You Need to Know About this Desert Sport What are Adventure Digital Nomads | OUR BREAKDOWN

47.4278, -121.4135 EXPLORE OUR IN-DEPTH HIKING GUIDE ON ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HIKES IN THE SEATTLE AREA: THE FAMOUS KENDALL KATWALK. While the Kendall Katwalk - a 150 yard long narrow pathway that was blasted out of the side of a steep granite mountain face - is the main draw to this scenic hiking trail, we instead recommend checking this hike out for the amazing mountain views and opportunity to swim in turquoise alpine lakes. The Kendall Katwalk Trail is actually a part of the world famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which runs 2,650 miles from the border of Mexico in the south to the border of Canada in the north. Therefore, if you are feeling gumptious, you can really hike as far as you want along the trail (the Kendall Katwalk is around 6 miles from the trailhead). Below is an in-depth hiking guide that covers everything you need to know about one of the best hiking trails in the state of Washington. WHERE: Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest & Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington (it is part of Section J of the PCT) WHAT: hiking and backpacking trail, out and back DISTANCE: 12 miles to the Kendall Katwalk, option to go muuuuuuch farther HIGHEST POINT: 5,400 feet / 1,646 meters, at the top GEAR NEEDED: sturdy hiking shoes, a well-sized day bag or backpacking gear (depending on your distance), sunscreen, lots of snacks, and a water filter TRAIL CONDITIONS: singletrack trail, forested and shaded for 1/3 of it and open for the rest of it, no super steep sections, awesome lake and mountain views DOGS ALLOWED: yes, but they must be leashed PARKING DIFFICULTY: well-sized parking lot, has a bathroom, must have either the Northwest Forest Pass or a National Park Pass (it is federal land); arrive early to secure a parking spot (it gets busy) ➳ You can check out the full Alltrails map to the Kendall Katwalk trail here. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK \\ How to Get to the Kendall Katwalk Trailhead It is really easy to reach the Kendall Katwalk Trailhead if you are coming from either Seattle or from the eastern half of the state of Washington (like from Leavenworth or Spokane). The trailhead is located right off of Interstate 90 near the Snoqualmie Summit (and the Summit at Snoqualmie Ski Resort). Once you reach the pass, which is approximately 23 miles from North Bend (the last major town on the west side) and 32 miles from Cle Elum (the last major town on the east side), the Kendall Katwalk trailhead will be on the opposite side of the interstate as the ski resort. You will see a sign for the trailhead as well as numerous signs for the PCT (which the Katwalk is a part of). There is a large parking lot and bathroom at the trailhead. You will need to have either a National Park Pass (like this one) or a Northwest Forest Pass. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: it takes around 50 minutes to reach the trailhead from downtown Seattle (without much traffic). Due to its closeness to the metropolis, if you are planning to hike on a weekend we definitely recommend arriving to the trailhead nice and early. BIKE If you are looking for an even longer adventure and you don't want to drive up to the trailhead, then you do have the option to bike along the Cascade to Palouse Trail, which starts near North Bend and ends at the Washington-Idaho border. We have biked the whole distance from North Bend to Snoqualmie Pass and absolutely loved it. It is a pretty easy 21 or so miles up the trail to the base of the ski resort and then another 3.5 miles to the actual Kendall Katwalk trailhead. \\ The Best Time to Hike the Kendall Katwalk We recommend hiking the Kendall Katwalk trail in mid to late summer or in the early fall. Because the trail has a good number of narrow sections with steep drop-offs on one side (including the famous Katwalk), you will want to make sure it is completely melted out of snow. We hiked the trail during the last week of August and found it to be absolutely perfect. There was no snow along the trail, the wildflowers were blooming, and the sun was shining. But, with that being said, the trail was also quite busy. So if you are not looking to share the trail with others, we recommend arriving really early (before 8 AM) or visiting on a weekday. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: we have also heard that the Kendall Katwalk is an amazing trail to do once the larch trees start to change colors. Supposedly, the whole mountainside that the trail curves up and around comes alight with shades of red and gold. This usually occurs between late September and mid-October. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE PLANNING GUIDE TO THRU-HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS IN ONE DAY \\ What to Bring With You to Hike the Kendall Katwalk HIKING BOOTS You will want to wear a pair of sturdy boots that can handle all kinds of terrain: from rough talus fields to just miles and miles of trail pounding. These hiking boots by Vasque seem to be a jack of all trades and therefore should be able to handle whatever the trail throws at you. Recommended hiking boot. HIKING SOCKS These socks can easily go from hitting the trails to hanging out at camp due to their moisture-wicking properties and slightly elastic stretch. Plus, they are made partially of recycled materials - meaning they are good for you and the planet. Recommended hiking socks from Smartwool. MOISTURE-WICKING SUN SHIRT No matter the month (or weather) you are planning to hike in, you will likely want to wear a nice lightweight long-sleeved shirt on the trail. This one by Backcountry works perfectly as your base layer for it is lightweight and breathable enough for hot sunny days, but also insulated enough to still be great when the temperature starts to cool down. Recommended long-sleeve shirt. WARM JACKET This lightweight fleece jacket works great as both a mid-layer for winter hiking adventures or as a solo jacket once the season starts to warm up. Plus, the raglan-style sleeves provide seam-free comfort when you are carrying a heavy backpack. Finally, the fleece jacket is made of recycled fabrics and is Bluesign approved (its sewing is also Fair Trade Certified). Recommended hiking jacket. RAIN JACKET While a nice cozy jacket will help keep you nice and warm on those chilly mornings or late-season days, usually the best jacket to have with you while hiking - especially in the PNW - is an easy-to-pack rain jacket. This one by Patagonia checks all of the boxes: it is super lightweight and can pack down into its own little pouch, it has underarm zips that let you vent air even when hiking (and sweating), it has an adjustable elastic draw cord hem that allows fine-tuning for the perfect fit, and finally, it is also Bluesign approved and its sewing is Fair Trade Certified. Recommended rain jacket. HIKING PANTS Depending on the time of year, you will likely choose to gravitate towards wearing either full-length hiking pants or a set of lightweight active shorts. We tend to veer more towards wearing pants while hiking unless it is absolutely scorching out - just for the sun protection and less likelihood of getting scratches and cuts from plants. These pants by Black Diamond, are durable enough for all kinds of trails. Recommended hiking pants here. HIKING DAY PACK By far one of the most important items in your hiking repertoire is going to be your backpack. Because you will be carrying this bag all day on the trail you will want to make sure it is really comfortable. This bag by Osprey holds 24 liters of gear, while still having plenty of straps to allow it to fit perfectly to your body. Plus, it is made of a nice durable nylon construction that can withstand tons of trail abuse. It also has a specific place to attach your trekking poles or ice ax if needed. Recommended day pack. HIKING FIRST AID KIT This is one of those items that you don't realize you need until it is too late. Luckily, this lightweight pack comes with (almost) everything you could need if an accident does unfortunately occur on the trail. Recommended hiking first aid kit. Hiking first aid kit for your dog: because you want to make sure your best friend stays safe on the trail as well. This pack is also very lightweight and doesn’t take up that much space. The perfect doggy first aid kit. TREKKING POLES We personally have never been the type of hikers to use trekking poles but we have friends who absolutely swear by them. This set by Black Diamond can handle all kinds of terrain, are super lightweight and pack down small enough to be stored easily on the side of your backpack. Recommended trekking poles. POST-HIKE SANDALS Once you make it back to your basecamp (your car, your tent, your house) make sure to take off those boots, stretch out your arches and let your feet breathe. Seriously, this might be one of the best feelings ever. After you do that, slip on a pair of these comfortable Teva sandals (we won’t judge if you add socks too). Recommended post-hike sandals. POST-HIKE COZY SHIRT Similarly, there are few things nicer than taking off your sweaty shirt and putting on a nice cozy, clean one after a long day on the trail. This one by Parks Project is made of a nice durable, soft cotton fabric and cut into a very vintage-y style. Recommend post-hike shirt. HIKING THE KENDALL KATWALK | THE ADVENTURE BREAKDOWN TOTAL DISTANCE: 12 miles round trip to the Kendall Katwalk and 15 miles round trip to the two lakes (you can then hike an extra 1 mile or so out for an amazing view!) ELEVATION PROFILE: 3,205 feet gained to Ridge and Gravel Lakes TIME NEEDED: 7-9 hours to the lakes, 6-8 to just the end of the Kendall Katwalk TRAIL CONDITIONS: super nice trail, very easy to follow. Expect wildflowers and awesome valley and mountain views and red and golden larches in the fall. START The trail starts in a small campground that is used by PCT thru-hikers. From the beginning, you will be in a dense, forested section that stays really shaded all day. There is one small trail break-off at the very beginning, though it isn't very well-marked so you probably won't even notice it as you walk by. Keep going on the more established trail, past a small wooden bridge until you reach your first switchback (it takes a sharp left-hand turn). 1 | The first couple of miles is in a dense pine forest. It will be nice and shaded. Hike up to the first talus field where there may be a couple of small water crossings depending on the time of year (likely in the early summer). Make sure to take a look out towards the nearby mountains; including, Guy Mountain and Red Mountain. You will also be able to see the bowl where the Alpental Ski Resort is. 2 | Hike up a few more long, gradual switchbacks until you get to the second talus field. This one is quite a bit higher and more open. You will likely hear the chirps of nearby pika and marmots (and maybe even see a few scurrying around the rocks). Also, if you are hiking on a clear day, this will be your first opportunity for an epic view of Mount Rainier in the distance (see photo below). LEARN MORE | WHAT ARE THE 7 LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES + HOW TO FOLLOW THEM ON THE TRAIL 3 | Your best bet for a water refill (if you are filtering) will be around the 3.2-mile mark. There will be a small waterfall and stream right along the trail. You can easily filter and replenish your supplies here before or after you reach the Katwalk (we did it on the way back). After that, water will only be available at the two lakes (Ridge and Gravel), which are around one mile past Kendall Katwalk (so roughly 7 miles up the trail). 4 | After the stream, you will continue hiking up some more switchbacks until you eventually get out of the dense forest for good. There will be a few narrower sections along the mountain side that are a bit rocky - though nothing too crazy or scary. Take your time and make sure to check out the beautiful surrounding mountains. 5 | You will then circle around a basin and be able to see a sharp, slightly toothed granite mountain in front of you. The Katwalk is on the other side of that. Remember to take in the views of the surrounding mountains and the bowl - especially Red Mountain, which stands out against its more gray-ish counterparts. 6 | The Kendall Katwalk is located at around the ~5.5 mile mark. It is likely that you will not have the trail to yourself (it is quite popular), so just remember to allow other hikers to pass before you step out onto the narrow trail yourself. 💬 INSIDER TIP: definitely be aware of other hikers and especially trail runners along this part of the trail. A good rule of thumb is if someone is going uphill then you give them the right of way. Also, if someone is coming up fast behind you, simply step to the side of the trail (safely of course) and let them pass. 7 | Once across the Katwalk, take in the stunning views of the area, and then continue hiking another mile or so to two beautiful alpine lakes: Gravel and Ridge. This part of the hike is a great spot to take a break, eat a snack or a full lunch, refill your water bottles and just take in the beautiful surroundings. The total distance from the trailhead to Kendall Katwalk = 5.5 miles and then to Gravel and Ridge Lakes = 7 miles. 8 | If you are starting to feel a bit tired, the lakes are a great turnaround spot for the hike (this would end up being a roughly 14-mile round-trip hike). Simply retrace your steps back up to the Katwalk and then down the trail to the parking lot (once past the Katwalk it is all downhill). 9 | But if you still have a bit of energy left, consider hiking about another mile up the trail to a very amazing viewpoint. From the lake to the viewpoint you will get even more amazing views of the surrounding mountains - including, Huckleberry Mountain, Chikamin Peak and Four Brothers. Similarly, you will know you got to the viewpoint once you see Joe Lake (another alpine lake) down in the valley below. You will also have a great view of the PCT trail across the valley. 💬 INSIDER TIP: we decided to hike out to the viewpoint and wow, what a spot. Definitely recommend checking it out if you have the energy to hike another 2 miles (total). We had lunch there and were totally in awe of the views of the surrounding mountains as well as Mount Rainier in the distance. EXPLORE MORE | HIKING YOUR FIRST 14,000+ FOOT MOUNTAIN: TIPS AND TRICKS 10 | No matter where you stop and turn around, you simply have to retrace your steps all the way back to the trailhead. The route down is mostly flat or downhill so you should be able to go a little faster. In terms of water, the only places to fill up your bottles (or give your dog a drink) are at the two lakes (Ridge and Gravel) and then at the stream at the ~3.2 mile mark. EXTRA TIPS FOR HIKING THE KENDALL KATWALK | There is only one trail spur along the whole hike (it is called the Old Commonwealth Trail, funny enough, this was actually the precursor to the PCT). Otherwise, you will just need to keep hiking up the trail (the PCT) as long as you want (seriously, you can hike all the way to Canada if you want). | Because the trail is a part of the PCT, you can technically camp anywhere in the area (no permits required). That being said, definitely make sure to follow ALL Leave No Trace Principles and try to camp in already established sites (there are some fantastic ones by the two alpine lakes). | Dogs are allowed on the trail, though they do need to be on a leash at all times. | It can be quite sunny on the backside (once you hike through the forest), so definitely bring ample sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat). | As with many trails in this part of Washington (less than an hour from Seattle) it can be quite busy during the weekend. We highly recommend showing up nice and early to make sure you get a parking spot. We arrived at the Kendall Katwalk Trailhead around 7 AM and it was about 1/3 full already. READ MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ADVENTURING IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK The Kendall Katwalk Trail is a great introduction to the whole upper section of the PCT. While the actual Katwalk is usually the main selling point, we actually found that the stunning mountain views and colorful wildflowers really stole the show. If you are looking for a decently challenging hike within an hour of Seattle and you don't mind a bit of exposure, then we cannot recommend this trail enough. Hopefully, this hiking guide helps you plan the perfect day out on the trail, but if you have any more questions about hiking the Kendall Katwalk or hiking in Washington in general, then please feel free to leave a comment or question below or reach out to us directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS HIKING GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HIKING AND ADVENTURE GUIDES Our Experience Thru-Hiking the Enchantments in Washington The Ultimate Planning Guide to the Enchantments Trail A Complete Guide to Hiking the Crystal Mountain Loop in Washington How to Stay Safe Hiking and Backpacking in Bear Country: Tips and Tricks

40.3428° N, 105.6836° W LEARN MORE ABOUT 5 AMAZING HIKES IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL THAT WILL GIVE YOU THE BEST CHANCE OF SEEING BEAUTIFUL FALL COLORS. Fall is by far one of the BEST seasons to explore the high country of Colorado; including, the very beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. With over a hundred miles of trails within the national park, there are plenty of places to adventure and discover. But not all of the trails will guarantee you stunning fall foliage once the leaves start to change color. Luckily, these five trails below will not only give you an up close encounter with golden aspens, but also vibrant colored lichen, bushes, river beds and late summer flowers. Seriously, if you want to have a wonderful fall adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park, then you have to add these five hikes to your travel itinerary. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall, as well as even more information on the five stunning hiking trails. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK MAP WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK IN THE FALL The two of us grew up with Rocky Mountain National Park in our backyard. And because of that good fortune, we were able to explore the park during every type of season: from cold, winter days spent snowshoeing to alpine lakes to hot, sunny summer days summitting peaks (including Longs Peak, a 14,000+ mountain). And we can confidently say that the fall season is the best time to explore and adventure within this famous mountain national park. During the fall - which is really between the months of September and October - the crowds are much smaller, the mountains are much moodier, the golden aspens are stunning, and the whole atmosphere is surprisingly cozy. A couple of other important things to keep in mind when planning a fall adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park are: | The trees, including the famous aspens, usually start to change colors by mid-September. The exact timing depends on the previous months weather, but for the most part, you can expect golden and auburn leaves the second half of the month. | Fall is also when the resident elk start to mate (this is known as the "rut"). Bull elk (males) can become quite aggressive during this time so always stay aware of your surroundings (especially if there is a herd of elk nearby). You will likely see some males fighting with their antlers, especially down in the nearby town of Estes Park. Similarly, during your visit you may hear the bulls bugling. This slightly haunting sound is quintessential Rocky Mountain National Park. | There have been instances where an early season snowstorm hits in the fall, so come prepared with plenty of warm clothes (including hats and gloves). Even if snow doesn't fall, the temperature can still be quite chilly - especially during the early morning and at night. | The famous Trail Ridge Road - a beautiful drive along one of the highest roads in North America (it is actually the highest continuous paved road on the continent) - is definitely worth exploring during your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. Just be aware that the top of the road is above tree line and is often quite windy and up to 30° cooler than the lower parts of the park. The scenic road also closes in October, so make sure to check its status before heading out. TOP 5 HIKES FOR SPOTTING FALL COLORS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK 1 | Saint Vrain Mountain Trail Probably one of the least popular trails in the RMNP area (it actually starts in the national forest before crossing into the national park), the Saint Vrain Mountain Trail is an 8.2-mile hike that gives you some outstanding up-close views of golden and red aspen groves. The trail is an out-and-back, though you can actually add on a bit more mileage to make it a nice loop. The second half of the hike - which follows a small creek and cuts through thick forests, is teeming with different colors: burgundy, peach, maroon, gold. And not just in the trees, but also in the thick leaves and bushes that line the forest floor. Follow the singletrack trail, making sure to look for some cairns (rock markers) along the way, until it meets up with Forest Road #116.2 (there will be signs). Then head down that until you get back to the road you drove in on. From there it is an easy half-mile trek back to the car. ➳ Check out the full Alltrails hiking route. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK 2 | Bierstadt Lake Trail This shorter loop hike (3.2 miles total), though there are lots of possibilities to add on mileage, takes you through numerous aspen groves and pine forests - and gives you great views of the surrounding rugged mountains. From the trail, you can also head off towards Bear Lake, Flattop Mountain, and Cub Lake - the last of which is also a great spot to see the changing fall colors. To make a full day out of it, pack a picnic and spend the rest of the afternoon hanging out at the Sprague Lake picnic area - a short walk across Bear Lake Road. This is a somewhat popular spot to see animals, especially moose. ➳ Check out the full Alltrails hiking route. 3 | Sandbeach Lake Trail A somewhat harder hike than Bierstadt Lake, this Rocky Mountain National Park trail is 8.6 miles round-trip and pretty much a gradual climb the whole way to the lake. But, thanks to it being practically 100% in the trees, you will quickly forget about your tired legs as you take in the multiple shades of the fall colors around you. A great way to enjoy this trail even more, is to get a permit to camp at one of the four backcountry sites located near Sandbeach Lake. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy the lake at all hours of the day, spot some wildlife (moose are quite common), and explore the area a bit more. Including, if you have the energy, going a bit higher up and conquering nearby Mount Orton, which sits at 11,730 feet. This trail is also a great route up to the top of Chiefs Head Mountain, which sits at 13,521 feet. ➳ Check out the full Alltrails hiking route. LEARN MORE | THE 4 BEST OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH HIKE IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK (ESCAPE THE CROWDS ON THESE STUNNING ROUTES) 4 | Black Lake Another slightly challenging trail in Rocky Mountain National Park is Black Lake Trail. This 9.1 mile trail is a great spot to get away from the usual crowds that converge on places like Bear Lake and Sky Pond, and also get an amazing view of the national park's many aspen groves (which often turn gold in mid-September). To get to the lake, you first need to head out on the hiking trail towards Mill’s Lake. Along the way, you will pass Alberta Falls, Mill’s and Jewel Lake before heading up one more steep section to reach Black Lake. Once at the top you can keep exploring the bowl, and check out more, smaller alpine lakes - including Frozen and Blue Lake. The whole trail up to Black Lake is beautiful, especially the views of the fall colors across the valley. This is another area that you can spend all day checking out, and even get a permit to spend the night out in the woods at the Glacier Gorge backcountry campsite (located just past Jewel Lake). ➳ Check out the full Alltrails hiking route. EXPLORE MORE | THE BEST CAMPSITES NEAR ESTES PARK, COLORADO 5 | Lumpy Ridge Loop and Gem Lake Also known as the Twin Owls Loop, this roughly 10-mile trail (some say it is 11 miles, but what is one extra mile really?) takes you through various mountain biomes and into the northern backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. Start at the Lumpy Ridge Trailhead north of Estes Park and either head west on the Black Canyon Trail or east on the Gem Lake Trail. If you head west you will quickly enter a beautiful aspen grove (which often burns red in fall colors come September) before entering a nice, large mountain meadow. This trail rises steeply through lodgepole forests before reaching a T in the trail. From here turn right onto Dark Mountain Trail and keep going straight on that, through more forest before intersecting the Cow Creek Trail (there is a nice campsite here if you want to make it into a two-day adventure). Keep going on Cow Creek Trail, staying parallel to Cow Creek (and spotting some nice fall colors) before reaching the Gem Lake Trail. Eventually you will get to the famous Gem Lake, and probably see way more people than you would originally expect (it is a popular park destination). But it is hopping for good reason: a beautiful mountain lake, lots of glowing aspen trees and nice views of the surrounding mountains (including Lumpy Ridge). From here it is a quick, downhill hike back to the parking lot. ➳ Check out the full Alltrails hiking route. These 5 hiking trails are only a couple of the options in the wide array of places to explore in Rocky Mountain National Park. While you are sure to find spectacular fall colors along these hikes (and not just in the form of aspens) in truth, you can’t really go wrong during the fall season. And that goes for the entire Rocky Mountain corridor. If you are looking to explore the mountains and not just Rocky Mountain National Park and see some spectacular colors, then consider checking out these 6 off-the-beaten-path mountain towns and this stunning high mountain pass. EXPLORE MORE HIKING ADVENTURES THE ENCHANTMENTS | The Ultimate Planning Guide to this Stunning Trail in Washington & Our Own Experience Thru-Hiking the 20-Mile Route CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN LOOP | The Complete Hiking Guide to One of the Best Views of Mount Rainier NECKLACE VALLEY TRAIL | The Complete Hiking Guide to this Stunning Alpine Wonderland HIKING FROM CRESTED BUTTE TO ASPEN | Everything You Need to Know About Doing This Bucket List Hike Find even more fall adventure inspiration by subscribing to Backroad Packers.

47.5279, -120.8207 ARE YOU LOOKING TO THRU HIKE THE ENCHANTMENTS IN ONE DAY BUT ARE WORRIED WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE? LUCKILY, WE DID ALL THE HARD WORK FOR YOU - AND WROTE THIS SUPER HELPFUL PERSONAL GUIDE. EXPLORE IT ALL BELOW. Often considered the Crown Jewel of Hiking Trails in Washington State (by the Washington Trails Association at least), the Enchantments are often very high on every outdoorsman and women's bucket list. We ended up hearing about the Enchantments from a friend of ours after planting ourselves in the state for a couple of summer months. Somehow this famously beautiful trail had never hit our radar - but after doing a quick Google search and checking it out on Alltrails we decided it must be pushed to the top our hiking list. The only problem? Permits for backpacking the trail were almost 100% unavailable (the permit lottery opens in February). Feeling slightly deflated, we instead started looking at whether we could just do the whole trail in one day - aka thru hike it. Now, nowhere did we read that the Enchantments trail was in any shape or form easy. In fact, every article talked about the large elevation gain, the long distance and the grueling climb over Aasgard Pass. But we weren't deterred. So we looked at our calendars, did a bit of planning, and headed over to the trailhead to see what it was really like to thru-hike the Enchantments in one day. Below is hopefully everything you need to know about thru-hiking the entire Enchantments trail in one day - including the actual trail data, specific distances to major points of interest and helpful tips on trail safety and what to bring with you. SOME FACTS ABOUT THE ENCHANTMENTS | The trail is located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and is part of the large Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest (read about another fantastic trail in this region here). | There are 700 lakes and ponds in the Enchantments area; including, such popular ones as Colchuk, Inspiration and Isolation. | Similarly, the area is home to the peaks of Cashmere Crags - which rate among some of the best rock-climbing sites in the entire western United States. | The area was first explored by Europeans in the early 1900s. It got its name after one of those men wrote of the area, "It was an enchanting scene. I named the group Enchantment Lakes." Though of course Native American tribes had traveled through and lived in the area loooong before any Europeans arrived. | Dogs are banned from the area by the Forest Service because they hoped their lack of presence would help the local mountain goat and ptarmigan populations to recover (it did). MAP OF THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL CAN YOU THRU-HIKE THE ENCHANTMENTS IN ONE DAY? Yes, you totally can! But, be prepared for a long hard day on the trail. At roughly 20 miles one-way, the Enchantments trail should definitely not to be underestimated. We did the whole thru-hike in one day and it took us about 12 hours to go from Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead. This did include taking a couple of short snack breaks, a swimming break in one of the alpine lakes and then a longer lunch break, so if you are really pushing it and stopping less, you can definitely do the whole thru-hike in less time. Below is a quick breakdown of the entire Enchantments trail, including its elevation profile. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN 🏞 ELEVATION GAIN: around 5,000 feet of elevation gain across the entire 20-mile length of the trail; this includes climbing 1,900 feet in less than a mile up and over Aasgard Pass. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake Trailhead. This is mostly due to the fact that by going counter-clockwise, you drop your elevation gain by 2,600 feet. 🕝 TIME NEEDED: 11 - 15 hours depending on how fast you are hiking and how many stops you take. It took us almost exactly 12 hours from point to point, although this included a quick swim break in one of the lakes and a couple of snack/lunch breaks. Make sure to pack plenty of food and the proper gear to ensure you enjoy (almost) every second of it. But also be prepared to still be sore the next day! 🥾 DIFFICULTY: quite tough, even strenuous (likely an 8/10). It is a long hike to do in one day so definitely be prepared for a full day of hiking. Likewise, there is a fair amount of elevation gain overall. A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THRU-HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL IN ONE DAY START You will likely start your thru-hike at the Stuart Lake/Colchuk Lake Trailhead like we did. If you are planning to park at the trailhead (and not take the shuttle) then you will need a parking pass. You can either pay $5 to get a day-pass (which you can do in person or online ahead of time - here) or you can simply hang up either an Annual National Parks Pass or a Northwest Forest Pass. We also suggest that if you are planning to park at the Stuart Lake Trailhead get there nice and early. We arrived at 6:30 AM and we were still definitely not the first ones there (the lot was full by 8 AM). There is one bathroom available, a nice big trailhead sign with important information, and a station to fill out your day-use permit (which you WILL need to do the whole thru-hike). Once you are ready to go, attach the day-use permit to the top of your bag (so it is easy to see), and hit the trail. COLCHUK LAKE Distance from the Trailhead: 4 miles Along the hike up from the trailhead you will cross Mountaineer Creek (twice), and see the turn off for Stuart Lake. When you get to the trail marker for Stuart Lake, head to the left towards Colchuk Lake. From the intersection, you are about 2/3 of the way to Colchuk Lake. But, you still have another 1,000 feet of elevation to gain (keep your head up!). Eventually, the lake will come into view and you will be able to see the stunning turquoise water and the surrounding jagged peaks. You will keep heading along the righthand side of Colchuk Lake until you reach the far left corner (where the infamous Aasgard Pass begins). Along this section of the trail you will find it is a bit tough to follow the trail because there are a lot of small social trails that either head down to the water's edge or to one of the backcountry campsites. When in doubt, just keep going to the right of the lake. Near the far side, the forest will thin and you will have to cross a rock field. This rocky scree field has a mix of smaller rocks and very large boulders. While there are some very large and obvious cairns (trail markers) to guide you, really the main goal here is to just cross the rock field and make it to the other side of the lake. You will easily be able to see Aasgard Pass and the start of the climb from this point. 💬 INSIDER TIP: along this last rocky section there will be a couple of loose boulders. Always watch your step and take your time. Also, near the end of the trail, you will likely see a small stream. If you are carrying less water and are looking to filter and refill along the trail, then this is a good spot to do it before the climb over Aasgard Pass. If you do forget, don't worry, there are some small streams closer to the top. READ MORE | THE ULTIMATE PLANNING GUIDE TO HIKING AND BACKPACKING IN THE ENCHANTMENTS AASGARD PASS Distance from the Trailhead: 5.2 miles to the bottom of the pass We had heard so much about this mountain pass before setting off on the trail. Many hikers we talked to mentioned how tough Aasgard was. And to be totally honest - it was tough. Even for two young, highly active hikers we still found climbing over Aasgard Pass to be quite strenuous. Be prepared to go slow, sweat a lot and question whether it really is worth it (we promise it is!). Luckily, once you get to the top you have pretty much done all of the elevation gain for the rest of the hike (woo!). ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the bottom part of the climb has a pretty easy trail to follow. While it sometimes fades in and out in the really rocky sections, for the most part, you can still see it quite well. If you do find yourself off-trail, look around for more cairns. And when in doubt, make sure to go to the far LEFT side of the climb (this is the safest route). From the top of the pass, you will see Dragontail Peak to your right (it is the large, pointed mountain). This is the tallest peak in the Enchantments at 8,840 feet (2,694 meters) high. If you are looking to summit Dragontail Peak, then you will need to head to the right of the first mountain basin above the pass. The trail climbs even higher up the mountain (and along a snowfield). You can find the full Dragontail Peak trail map here. LEARN MORE | HOW TO HIKE YOUR FIRST 14ER: TIPS AND TRICKS ISOLATION LAKE AND THE START OF THE CORE ENCHANTMENT ZONE Distance from the Trailhead: 7 miles to Isolation Lake Once you reach the top of Aasgard Pass, you have officially made it to the Core Enchantments Zone. This part of the hike is absolutely magical. Crystal clear lakes surrounded by slabs of granite and colossal, jagged mountain peaks. The trail here zig-zags around many of the alpine lakes - including the largest one, Isolation. Similarly, you will have to cross a couple of mountain streams, sometimes on slick rock (so be careful). Meander your way through this beautiful alpine biome, keeping an eye out for mountain goats, marmots and ptarmigans (a sizeable bird in the grouse family). One important thing to know about this part of the Enchantment's trail is that once you climb over Aasgard Pass, you are above 7,700 feet (closer to 7,800 actually). And until you drop down to Inspiration and Perfection Lake, in the Lower Core Enchantments, you will stay above 7,500 feet (2,286 meters). Because of this high altitude, you will want to be careful about sun exposure (there is very little shade), dehydration and altitude sickness. Luckily, if you are smart you can counteract all three issues (namely by taking your time, applying lots of sunscreen and wearing sun protective clothing and drinking plenty of water). Within the Core Enchantments Zone, there are numerous campsites dotted around the various lakes and toilets available along the trail (please use them). INSPIRATION LAKE AND PERFECTION LAKE Distance from the Trailhead: 8.3 miles to the start of Inspiration Lake and 8.6 miles to Perfection Lake This is kind of the boundary between the Upper and Lower Enchantments. Once you pass the last small, clear alpine pool you will start heading downhill. Eventually you will get to a steep section that may or may not be covered in snow. If it is, plan to slide down it (or glissade if you are really feeling adventurous). No matter what, make sure to take your time on this section for it is a bit steep and rocky. Once past that one downhill section, you will clearly be able to see Inspiration Lake. The trail heads along the right bank of it and then curves around to Perfection Lake. If you have the time, definitely consider stopping along the side of Inspiration Lake and going for a nice swim. We promise the water is not that cold, instead it is just super refreshing! Before you get to Perfection Lake you will see another trail split off to the left of the trail. This route heads up to Prusik Pass (and then onto Prusik Peak). If you have the time, and the energy, this could be a really fun side-trip (the views of Prusik Peak are supposedly amazing). If you don't want to add on the mileage, then just keep hiking around the Enchantments Trail as it follows the left side of Perfection Lake. You are sitting at almost exactly 7,000 feet of elevation at Perfection Lake. LEPRECHAUN AND VIVIANE LAKES Distance from the Trailhead: 9.6 miles to the start of Leprechaun Lake From Perfection Lake, you will hike down and around two more major alpine lakes: Leprechaun and Viviane. The first lake, Leprechaun, sits at 6,880 feet and has a couple of campsites and bathrooms nearby. The second one, Lake Viviane, is in a very pretty mountain bowl with a super jagged ridgeline along the opposite bank as the trail. After you pass Lake Viviane, you will need to hike down a somewhat tricky section that has some rebar bars knocked into the rock. If the granite rock isn't wet or slick you should be able to walk slowly down the rock face no problem. But if there is any water present, definitely make sure to take your time and use the rebar for extra grip. Once you get down the rebar section you will get one more awesome view of Lake Viviane before you start climbing downhill even more. This section of the trail really begins to lose elevation fast, so get your knees ready. This is also when the alpine biome starts to end. Instead of wide open granite slabs you will instead be hiking through dense green forests once again. If it has been a hot day (like it was when we thru-hiked) the shade will be a very welcome respite from the harsh sun. The forest trail includes a fair amount of switchbacks and large, rocky drops. Along the right side of the trail you will follow the very pretty Snow Creek, which eventually drains into Snow Lake. About halfway down the trail between Lake Viviane and Snow Lake you will be able to see Upper Snow Falls through the trees. Right before you reach Snow Lake you will have to cross over Snow Creek via a wooden log bridge. If it is dry it should be super easy, but if it is wet and slippery, you may need to take your time to make sure you are placing your feet just right. Once you get to Snow Lake you will start the long 1.5 mile hike around the lake along the right bank. SNOW LAKE Distance from the Trailhead: 11.6 miles to the start of Snow Lake From the start of Snow Lake, you will begin hiking to the right, through dense trees and past a good number of backcountry campsites. There will also be a lot of toilets available (just look for the signs). If you can, use these instead of just going out in the woods (find even more Leave No Trace Principles here). This part of the trail, in our opinion, was a bit boring just because you are in a deep forest and you can't really see the lake that well. Luckily, it is only about 1.5 miles or so until you reach the far side and spit out of the trees to get a great view of the lake and its lower half (there is a very odd concrete dam that separates the two). Make your way across the concrete bridge/dam and then back into the forest. But soon enough you will leave the woods behind once again and spit out high above Nada Lake (the last lake on the trail). To your right, you will see a very large, rumbling water drainage. This is a remote-controlled drainage that was built in the 1930s to control the flow of freshwater to the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery down below. NADA LAKE AND THE SNOW LAKE TRAILHEAD Distance from Trailhead: 14 miles to the start of Nada Lake This is likely the longest and most boring section of the trail. Once you hike down to Nada Lake from Snow Lake (a distance of about 1 mile), you will begin the final climb out of the basin and down to the Snow Lake Trailhead parking lot, a distance of roughly 6 miles. We highly recommend refilling your water bottles before leaving Nada Lake, for there will be less water along the trail from then on out. Likewise, because this is towards the end of the hike, you might be starting to lose a bit of light. If that is the case, you can definitely start to pick up the pace here and not get too tired (there is a lot of elevation loss in this section). In fact, we ended up running the last couple of miles of the trail because we were with a group that was trying to get to the Snow Lake Trailhead before dusk (which we luckily did). Congratulations, you have officially thru-hiked the entire Enchantments trail! It is very likely that you are tired, sore, hungry and maybe ready for a nice, cold refreshing drink. Luckily, the cute town of Leavenworth, and its numerous Bavarian-style restaurants, is only about 15 minutes away. Now, you just have to pick up your vehicle that you left at the Snow Lake Trailhead (if you had two cars or if you rode the Loop Connector Shuttle), or try to find someone to give you a lift back up to the Stuart Lake Trailhead (a distance of roughly 30 minutes). \\ Safety Concerns We Had Thru-Hiking in the Enchantments For the most part, there really aren't any huge safety concerns when thru-hiking or backpacking in the Enchantments. It is likely that your biggest issues will come from either a lack of food and water or if you are really unlucky (or not very smart) from a run-in with a resident mountain goat. Dehydration is definitely something you don't want to experience - especially when you are at that high of an altitude (5,500+ feet) and in direct sun. Luckily, there is a lot of fresh water throughout the Enchantments so as long as you come prepared with an adequate water filter system you shouldn't have a problem. And honestly, if you don't have a filter you can still probably get away with drinking some of the water at the really high altitudes since it is directly from the snowmelt near the top of the mountains (but obviously be smart about this). Mountain goats are said to be quite common along the trail - something we can attest to after seeing a couple of different groups of them (including even a few babies). If you come across a mountain goat while hiking or backpacking, do what you would do with any other wild animal and give it plenty of space. The mountain goats in the Enchantments are usually pretty harmless, so as long as you don't do anything to make them become aggressive (like spooking them or getting too close to their young) you shouldn't have a problem. But, with that being said, there have been issues with mountain goats when it comes to human pee. Mountain goats seem to have a thing for the salt in urine, so much so that there have been instances where the goats will follow hikers a bit too closely. To prevent this, try to use the many available bathrooms along the trail (you can find them on a map or look out for the "toilet" signs). A few other things to be aware of while out adventuring in the Enchantments is that bears do live in the area so always monitor your bags and especially your food (and even more so if you are backpacking/overnight camping). Likewise, campfires are prohibited throughout the Enchantments so come prepared with proper cooking gear if backpacking. Finally, dogs are not allowed anywhere within the Enchantments area. 💬 INSIDER TIP: while the trail is pretty easy to follow 90% of the time, there are sections in the really high alpine areas where it can be a bit tough to make it out (mostly because the trail is along granite slabs). If you think you have lost the trail while hiking, just look out for large wooden trail markers (like the one below) or rock cairns. \\ What to Bring With You When Thru-Hiking the Enchantments Having the right stuff with you on the trail will make or break any adventure. This is even more true when that adventure includes hiking 20 miles and climbing over 5,000 feet of elevation. Some of the most important things to carry with you along the trail are: a water filter (this will greatly help you decrease your water weight, see our recommended filters below), bug spray (the mosquitos and flies can be ferocious, especially by the lakes), sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat (up in the high alpine the sun is extremely intense, so definitely come prepared), a headlamp or two just in case you get stuck out on the trail after dark, a rain jacket (this is Washington after all), and of course plenty of snacks. ► Check out our full Hiking Gear List Guide to the Enchantments. RECOMMENDED WATER FILTERS One of the best ways to cut back on your hiking load - especially in the Enchantments where water is very readily available - is to bring along a water filter. This super easy one by Grayl combines a water filter inside an actual water bottle - meaning less gear to carry and less time actually filtering. A true win-win. Recommended water filter. Or if you instead want to get an actual filter system that allows you to filter lots of water at once, we recommend the top-notch Katadyn water filter. This filter has been our go-to for all hiking and backpacking adventures for many years. Plus, it takes up very little space, is easy to clean and works pretty darn fast. Recommended Katadyn water filter. Thru-hiking the Enchantments is definitely something all outdoor adventurers should have on their bucket list. While the trail is tough - 20 miles, 5,000+ feet of elevation gain - the natural beauty is 100% worth the effort. We believe that this is one of the best trails in Washington - if not the whole USA. While it is popular (aka busy) you can still definitely find a bit of solitude and peace along its miles and miles of singletrack trail. Hopefully, our first-hand account of thru hiking the Enchantments inspires you to head out and hit the trail yourself. And if you have any questions about planning your hike, figuring out how to get to the trailhead, or if you just want to learn more about the Enchantments in general, then please check out our Ultimate Planning Guide to the Enchantments. Happy adventuring! SEE THE ENCHANTMENTS | A QUICK CINEMATIC ADVENTURE FILM WANT TO SAVE THIS HIKING GUIDE TO THE ENCHANTMENTS FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HIKING AND ADVENTURE GUIDES HIKING CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN IN WASHINGTON | The Ultimate Guide + Helpful Tips on Finding the Best View of Mount Rainier HIKING PYRAMID PEAK IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK | The Ultimate Guide to this Off the Beaten Path Adventure HIKING IN THE DESERT | Everything You Need to Know + How to Stay Safe Adventuring in the Desert MORE WASHINGTON ADVENTURES ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK HOW TO SPEND 2 DAYS IN OLYMPIC NATIOAL PARK | TRAVEL ITINERARY ULTIMATE ADENTURE GUIDE TO NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK HOW TO SPEND 2 DAYS IN NORTH CASCADES NATIOAL PARK | TRAVEL ITINERARY

47.5279, -120.8207 EXPLORE OUR FULL ENCHANTMENTS PLANNING GUIDE TO LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THRU-HIKING OR BACKPACKING THIS WORLD-CLASS TRAIL IN WASHINGTON. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. In fact, this stunning mountain landscape has been termed the “Crown Jewel of Washington Hiking” by the Washington Trails Association, the leading expert on hiking in Washington. And after doing the full thru-hike of the Enchantments ourselves, we couldn’t agree more: it is absolutely incredible. Numerous crystal clear alpine lakes. Rugged and pointed granite mountains that look like they are out of some medieval adventure novel. Wildflowers and rushing rivers. Baby mountain goats and speckled alpine birds. The Enchantments really are a mountain paradise and one definitely worth exploring in person. And if the only thing keeping you from exploring and adventuring in this wonderland yourself is the actual planning, then we are here to help. Because if we are being honest, it can be a bit overwhelming to plan a trip into the Enchantments. This is mostly due to the fact that there are a lot of options available: from day hikes out to one of the many lakes, to thru-hiking it all in one day, to spending the night (or a couple). But also it can be tough to plan an adventure in the Enchantments because there is just a lot to know about the 20-mile long trail (including, just how tough is it actually?!). After thru-hiking the Enchantments in one day (one veeery long day) we have got a lot of those answers for you. So, if you are considering hiking in the Enchantments - either via a day trip, a thru-hike or a backpacking adventure - we recommend you read our full Enchantments Planning Guide below. Happy adventuring! ENCHANTMENTS PLANNING GUIDE | STEP-BY-STEP INFORMATION 🥾 QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE HIKING TRAIL 📌 TRANSPORTATION (GETTING TO THE TRAILHEADS, PARKING, THE HIKING SHUTTLE) 🎫 PERMITS AND REGULATIONS (BACKPACKING VS THRU-HIKING) ☁ WEATHER AND SAFETY 🎒 PACKING GUIDE (FOOD, WATER AND GEAR) 🏕 CAMPING AND LODGING (Keep scrolling for the full guide OR jump to each section above to save time) THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL MAP \\ The Enchantments Hiking Trail | A Quick Overview Even though this is one of the most popular trails in all of Washington state, the Enchantments trail should not be underestimated. It is a darn tough trail. Especially if you decide to do it all in one day (aka thru-hike it). While the beauty and the insane landscape makes it 100% worth it, still be prepared for a long and tough day on the trail. TOTAL DISTANCE: ~20 miles (32 kilometers) one-way TYPE OF HIKE: point-to-point (see more on this below) TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: around 5,000 feet HIGHEST POINT: the infamous Aasgard Pass, which sits at 7,800 feet (2377 meters) TIME NEEDED TO DO THE THRU-HIKE: 10-15 hours; depends on your fitness level and how often you stop (we did it in 12 hours and took our time by the many lakes) ➳ You can find more stats on the Enchantments hiking trail on Alltrails. WHICH WAY SHOULD YOU GO? Because the trail is point-to-point, you can technically go either direction - start or end at either the Stuart Lake or Snow Lake Trailheads. But for the most part, people usually begin at the Stuart Lake and Colchuk Lake Trailhead and then hike over Aasgard Pass and then back down to Snow Lake. By going this direction, you save yourself 2,600 feet of elevation gain. But you still have to climb up the infamous Aasgard Pass - where you climb 1,900 feet in less than a mile. We decided to follow everyone else and hike over from Stuart Lake to Snow Lake. While climbing over Aasgard Pass was tough, if you take your time and drink plenty of water, you should be fine. Plus, from the top of the pass the rest of the trail is a nice gradual downhill hike. \\ Transportation to the Enchantments The Enchantments are located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in central Washington state. The closest urban center to the trail is the popular tourist town of Leavenworth, which will have all of the necessary supplies you will need before setting off into the Enchantments; including, a large chain grocery store, restaurants, lodging, and outdoor gear shops. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach the Snow Lakes Trailhead (the closest one too Leavenworth) and nearly 3 hours to reach the Stuart and Colchuk Lakes Trailhead from Seattle. HOW TO GET TO THE ENCHANTMENTS If you are planning to drive from Seattle to the Enchantments then the directions are pretty straightforward. To start, head out towards the town of Monroe and Highway 2/Stevens Pass Highway. Once on Highway 2, keep driving up and over Stevens Pass and down into the town of Leavenworth (from Seattle, it is around 120 miles to Leavenworth). Once in Leavenworth, you need to decide what trailhead you want to start your adventure from: Stuart and Colchuk Lake Trailhead or Snow Lake Trailhead. Most people choose to start from the first one since it cuts down on the overall elevation gain. DIRECTIONS TO THE STUART LAKE/COLCHUK LAKE TRAILHEAD Once in Leavenworth, head down Icicle Creek Road for about 9 miles until you see the turn for Stuart Lake/Colchuk Lake and Bridge Creek Campground (it will be on the LEFT). Head up this unpaved forest road (known as Eight Mile or Forest Service Road 7601) for roughly 4 miles until you get to the end of the road. There will be a large parking lot with a bathroom. DIRECTIONS TO THE SNOW LAKE TRAILHEAD The directions to the Snow Lake Trailhead are pretty similar to the one above. The only difference is that Snow Lake is a fair amount closer to town than the Stuart Lake/Colchuk Lake Trailhead. From downtown Leavenworth, drive along Icicle Creek Road for roughly 4 miles until you see the parking lot for Snow Lake Trailhead on your LEFT. The drive from the Snow Lake Trailhead up to the Stuart Lake/Colchuk Lake Trailhead takes about 30 minutes. READ MORE | HIKING THE NECKLACE VALLEY TRAIL IN THE ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE PARKING AT THE TRAILHEADS Parking at both trailheads can be chaotic. Therefore it is always a good idea to arrive at the trailheads early, carpool when possible or find an alternative mode of transportation. If you do find yourself parking at either trailhead, you will need to either pay $5 for a parking pass (which you can get in person or online ahead of time) or show that you have the right pass already. In the case of either Enchantment's trailheads, you can use an Annual National Park Pass (this costs $80), or the Northwest Forest Pass (this annual pass costs $30). Learn more about the required parking passes for the two main trailheads here. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you are looking to rent a second car to leave at one of the trailheads, then your best bet is to rent one in the nearby town of Wenatchee (which is located about 30 minutes east of Leavenworth). You can find availability and the best prices for car rentals at rentalcars.com. THE TRAILHEAD SHUTTLE If you don’t have two cars and if you really don’t feel like hitch-hiking, then your only other option is to book a seat on the shuttle bus that runs from Snow Lake Trailhead to Stuart Lake/Colchuk Lake Trailhead. This shuttle service is run by the Loop Connector, a private shuttle company out of Leavenworth. DETAILS | COST: $24 per passenger | START: the shuttle picks you up at the Snow Lake Trailhead at your desired time (in the morning) | TIME: you can book the shuttle for 5 AM, 6 AM, or 7 AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday BOOK YOUR SHUTTLE RIDE HITCHHIKING If you are comfortable catching a ride from a stranger, then you have a pretty good chance of hitchhiking between the two trailheads. This is what we ended up doing when we thru-hiked the Enchantments and we had no problems finding someone (actually a whole group) to drive us up from the Snow Lake Trailhead to the upper Stuart Lake/Colchuk Lake. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK IN WASHINGTON \\ Permits and Regulations for the Enchantments Because hiking and backpacking in The Enchantments is so popular, there is a highly regulated permit system in place. There are actually two different permits available depending on what activity you want to do: an overnight permit if you are backpacking along the Enchantments trail, or a day-use permit if you are just planning to do an out-and-back hike or the entire 18-mile thru-hike. Below you will find everything you need to know about getting the right permit for your adventure. OVERNIGHT PERMITS If you are hoping to spend multiple days in the Enchantments, then you will need to get a backcountry or overnight permit ahead of time. Because this area is so popular, the permits are distributed in an online lottery run by the national forest (and done online via the recreation.gov website). The permits can be really tough to get - in fact, we have talked to multiple people who have tried multiple times and have never gotten one. Obviously it helps to enter the lottery on the first day (see date below) but if you are unlucky, don't fret. You can still always thru-hike it in one day, visit during the off-season or try again next year. When does the lottery for permits open? In 2022, the lottery opened on February 15th. We have heard the lottery usually opens in mid-February every year. When does the lottery for permits close? In 2022, the lottery closed on March 1st. If you were lucky enough to get an overnight permit to the Enchantments, then you were able to see your permits online on March 17th. Do you ALWAYS need an overnight permit to backpack in the Enchantments? No, you only need an overnight permit if you are planning to backpack in the Enchantments from May 15th to October 31st. Therefore, if you are fine backpacking in the off-season you do not need to worry about a permit. Can you camp anywhere in the Enchantments with an overnight permit? No. Due to the high number of people visiting and backpacking in the Enchantments you will receive a permit that tells you what specific ZONE you need to camp in. There are five zones: the Core Enchantments, Colchuk, Stuart, Snow and Eightmile/Carolina. Each zone has its own quota/number of people allowed (see the map below for an idea on the specific zones). Do you need a permit if you AREN’T planning on backpacking/staying overnight? Yes, you still need a day-use permit before setting off on the trail. Read more about this below. You can learn more about the Enchantments overnight permit and lottery system here. ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: didn't get a permit but still reeeeally want to backpack in the Enchantments? Then consider checking out Outdoor Status, a website that helps you snag sold-out permits for some of the most popular hikes. Sign up and be notified instantly if an Enchantment permit becomes available. DAY-USE PERMITS Before setting off on the trail from either the Stuart Lake or Snow Lake Trailheads you will need to first fill out a day-use permit. This is totally free and super easy to do. You can usually find the day-use permits in a box near the start of the trail or by the trail map. Once you fill out the day-use permit, simply put the bottom part in the provided box and then attach the TOP portion to your backpack (it needs to be easily visible to any passing ranger). 💬 INSIDER TIP: we were told that the rangers that monitor the Enchantments area can be very strict about people spending the night without a proper backcountry permit. So much so, that if they find you with a day-use permit and a backpack full of overnight gear they might send you straight back to the parking lot. Don’t break the rules - if you don’t have an overnight permit, don’t camp overnight. The regulations and specific overnight quotas are in place for a reason, be a good steward and follow the rules. While thru-hiking the entire Enchantments trail is pretty popular, it is not your only option. We saw many people doing much shorter day hikes out to one of the numerous alpine lakes. Colchuk Lake seemed to be the most popular hiking destination, likely because it is the closest lake to one of the trailheads (it is roughly 8 miles round-trip from the Stuart Lake/Colchuk Lake Trailhead). Other great day-trip hikes would be to head out to Lake Stuart (8.7 miles round-trip), to Eightmile Lake (7.2 miles round-trip) or to climb up Dragontrail Peak (13 miles round-trip). LEARN MORE | HOW TO STAY SAFE HIKING AND BACKPACKING IN BEAR COUNTRY \\ Weather and Safety in the Enchantments WEATHER IN THE ENCHANTMENTS Because you are high up in the alpine and above 5,000 feet for most of the hike, be prepared for the weather to change quickly. ALWAYS come prepared for every type of situation - from hot, sunny days to downpours and thunderstorms (to even snow). The best time to hike in the Enchantments is going to be from July to early September. During this time of year, most of the snow will be melted, wildflowers will be blooming, temperatures will be nice and warm and you have a higher chance of sunshine. But, if you want to beat the crowds, then definitely consider hiking in the off-season - either in late September or October when the leaves start to change (beautiful!) and the temperatures really start to cool down (though be aware snow is definitely possible), or in June when the temperatures start to warm up but the crowds (and mosquitos) aren't out in full force (though snow is still likely to be found along the trail and on the forest road up to the trailhead that early in the summer). We thru-hiked in early August and found the weather to be absolutely perfect (sunny, hot and clear). BUT, it was also really busy. Also, during that time of year, the bugs (especially mosquitos and flies) were brutal. MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS For the most part, there really aren't any huge safety concerns when hiking or backpacking in the Enchantments. It is likely that your biggest issues will come from either lack of food and water or if you are really unlucky (or not very smart) from a run-in with a resident mountain goat. Dehydration is definitely something you don't want to experience - especially when you are at that high of altitude (5,000+ feet) and in direct sun. Luckily, there is a lot of fresh water throughout the Enchantments so as long as you come prepared with an adequate water filter system you shouldn't have a problem. And honestly, if you don't have a filter you can still probably get away with drinking some of the water at the really high altitudes since it is directly from the snowmelt near the top of the mountains (but obviously be smart about this). Mountain goats are said to be quite common along the trail - something we can attest to after seeing a couple of different groups of them (including even a few babies). If you come across a mountain goat while hiking or backpacking, do what you would do with any other wild animal and give it plenty of space. The mountain goats in the Enchantments are usually pretty harmless, so as long as you don't do anything to make them become aggressive (like spooking them or getting too close to their young) you shouldn't have a problem. But, with that being said, there have been issues with mountain goats when it comes to human pee. Mountain goats seem to have a thing for the salt in urine, so much so that there have been instances where the goats will follow hikers a bit too closely. To prevent this, try to use the many available bathrooms along the trail (you can find them on a map or look out for the "toilet" signs). A few other things to be aware of while out adventuring in the Enchantments is that bears do live in the area so always monitor your bags and especially your food (and even more so if you are backpacking/overnight camping). Likewise, campfires are prohibited throughout the Enchantments so come prepared with proper cooking gear if backpacking. Finally, dogs are not allowed anywhere within the Enchantments. 💬 INSIDER TIP: while the trail is pretty easy to follow 90% of the time, there are sections in the really high alpine areas where it can be a bit tough to make it out (mostly because the trail is along granite slabs). If you think you have lost the trail while hiking, just look out for large wooden trail markers (like the one below) or rock cairns. READ MORE | THE 7 LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES: WHAT THEY ARE & HOW TO FOLLOW THEM \\ Packing Guide | What to Bring With You on the Trail Having the right stuff with you on the trail will make or break any adventure. This is even more true when that adventure includes hiking 20 miles and climbing over 5,000 feet of elevation. Below is a great gear packing list as well as some ideas on what food to bring with you along the Enchantments trail. OUTDOOR GEAR HIKING BOOTS You will want to wear a pair of sturdy boots that can handle all kinds of terrain: from steep rocky scree fields over Aasgard Pass to slick river crossings in the core Enchantment zone to just miles upon miles of trail pounding. These hiking boots by Vasque seem to be a jack of all trades and therefore should be able to handle whatever the trail throws at you. Recommended hiking boot. HIKING SOCKS These socks can easily go from hitting the trails to hanging out at camp due to their moisture-wicking properties and slightly elastic stretch. Plus, they are made partially of recycled materials - meaning they are good for you and the planet. Recommended hiking socks from Smartwool. MOISTURE-WICKING SUN SHIRT No matter the month you are planning to hike in, you will likely want to wear a nice lightweight long-sleeved shirt while on the trail. This one by Backcountry works great as a base layer for it is lightweight and breathable enough for those hot sunny summer days but also insulated enough to be great if you plan to hike the Enchantments during the off-season (like in October). Recommended long-sleeve shirt. WARM JACKET This lightweight fleece jacket works great as both a mid-layer for those chilly fall hiking adventures and also as a solo jacket once the weather starts to warm up. Plus, the raglan-style sleeves provide seam-free comfort when you are carrying a backpack. Finally, this fleece jacket is made of recycled fabrics and is Bluesign approved (its sewing was also Fair Trade Certified). Recommended hiking jacket. RAIN JACKET While a nice cozy jacket will help keep you nice and warm on those chilly mornings or late-season days, usually the best jacket to have with you while hiking (especially in Washington) is an easy-to-pack rain jacket. This one by Patagonia checks all of the boxes: it is super lightweight and can pack down into its own little pouch, it has underarm zips that let you vent air even when hiking, it has an adjustable elastic drawcord hem that allows fine-tuning for the perfect fit, and finally, it is also Bluesign approved and its sewing is Fair Trade Certified. Recommended rain jacket. HIKING SHORTS When it's a nice warm day, we usually reach for some easy, breathable, comfortable shorts. This pair by Mountain Hardwear are simple but still gets the job done. Plus, they are made of a nice breathable ripstop fabric that resists wear and tear and has nice hand and thigh pockets that allow you to stash small essentials like snacks, your phone and some Chapstick. Recommended hiking shorts. HIKING PANTS Or, depending on the time of year, you will more likely choose to gravitate towards wearing a pair of full-length hiking pants. We personally tend to veer more towards wearing pants while hiking unless it is absolutely scorching out - just for the sun protection and less likelihood of getting scratches and cuts from plants. These pants by Black Diamond, are durable enough for all kinds of trails, while also being comfortable enough to wear even when the temperature starts to pick up. Recommended hiking pants here. SUN HAT Because most of hiking is done out in the sun (especially along the Enchantments trail), you will want to make sure you have a nice comfortable, wide-brimmed hat to help keep your face shaded and the sun out of your eyes. This wide brim hat by Patagonia is easy to adjust, lightweight and moisture wicking. Plus, like almost all Patagonia gear, it is made of eco-friendly recycled materials. Recommended sun hat. SUNSCREEN While a sun hat definitely helps protect you from the sun's harmful rays, it is still important to give your skin that extra bit of protection - especially your shoulders, feet and hands. These sunscreens not only protect you against the sun but are also environmentally safe. HEADLAMP A handy headlamp is a true adventure necessity - especially when the adventure requires you to start hiking early in the morning or into the late evening (in the case of thru-hiking the Enchantments you will likely have to do both). This headlamp by Black Diamond is a personal favorite because it is relatively affordable, it has multiple light settings and it is rechargeable. Recommended headlamp. HIKING DAY PACK By far one of the most important items in your hiking repertoire is going to be your backpack. Because you will be carrying this bag all day on the trail - including sometimes up and down some steep and sketchy sections - you will want to make sure it is really comfortable. This bag by Osprey holds 24 liters of gear, while still having plenty of straps to allow it to fit perfectly to your body. Plus, it is made of a nice durable nylon construction that can withstand tons of trail abuse. It also has a specific place to attach your trekking poles or ice ax - which will help free up your hands. Recommended day pack. WATER FILTER One of the best ways to cut back on your hiking load - especially in the Enchantments where water is very readily available - is to bring along a water filter. This super easy one by Grayl combines a water filter inside an actual water bottle - meaning less gear to carry and less time actually filtering. A true win-win. Recommended water filter. Or if you instead want to get an actual filter system that allows you to filter lots of water at once, we recommend the top-notch Katadyn water filter. This filter has been our go-to for all hiking and backpacking adventures for many years. Plus, it takes up very little space, is easy to clean and works pretty darn fast. Recommended Katadyn water filter. HIKING FIRST AID KIT This is one of those items that you don't realize you need until it is too late. Luckily, this lightweight pack comes with (almost) everything you could need if an accident does unfortunately occur on the trail. Recommended hiking first aid kit. TREKKING POLES We personally have never been the type of hikers to use trekking poles but we have friends who absolutely swear by them. This set by Black Diamond can handle all kinds of terrain, are super lightweight and pack down small enough to be stored easily on the side of your backpack. Recommended trekking poles. POST-HIKE SANDALS Once you make it back to your basecamp (your car, your tent, your house) make sure to take off those boots, stretch out your arches and let your feet breathe. Seriously, this might be one of the best moments ever. After you do that, slip on a pair of these comfortable Teva sandals (we won’t judge if you add socks too). Recommended post-hike sandals. POST-HIKE COZY SHIRT There are few things nicer than taking off your sweaty shirt and putting on a nice cozy, clean one after a long hike. This one by the Parks Project is made of a durable, soft cotton fabric and cut into a very vintage style. Recommend post-hike shirt. FOOD AND WATER The Enchantments trail is tough, there is no getting around it. You will climb up 5,000+ feet across the 20 mile distance. Not to mention the fact that if you start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead, you will have to climb up Aasgard Pass, which rises 1,900 feet in less than a mile. What we are trying to say is that you should definitely come prepared with plenty of food for a full day of exercise. Below we have included our own list of food we brought with us when we thru-hiked the Enchantments. FOOD You will burn a lot of calories if you choose to thru-hike the whole trail. Therefore you will want to come prepared with plenty of food. We personally love packing one bigger meal and then a few smaller, easy-to-handle snacks. Our go-to hiking foods are trail mix (homemade is always better), gummy candies, oranges and apples, mixed nuts and crackers or tortilla chips (we always crave something salty). Then we pack at least one big, filling sandwich (or two if it is a full day). These sandwiches usually include lots of vegetables and a hearty helping of protein (we love hummus). Once we finish the hike we usually will grab something like a pizza or a burger nearby. If you are like us and are always looking to fill up after a big adventure, we recommend checking out these restaurants in nearby Leavenworth: | Blewett Brewing Company: this brewery is a real hidden gem that serves up delicious pizza and of course lots of tasty beers. | Heidleburger Drive-In: this simple joint serves up piping hot burgers and fries at an affordable price. Stop in for a nice filling meal on your way out of town. | Munchen Haus: if you want the full Leavenworth experience then make sure to stop in at this Bavarian-style restaurant that serves traditional bratwursts and beer. WATER One of the best things about hiking in the Enchantments - besides the drop-dead gorgeous scenery of course - is the crazy amount of water. If you looking to decrease the weight in your backpack, then we highly recommend just bringing one water bottle or bladder and a water filter (we love this one by Katadyn) instead of multiple bottles. Along practically the whole 20 mile trail you can find fresh water - most of which is from the snowmelt or glaciers right above you (talk about fresh). The only time there might be a problem with this would be from the end of Nada Lake (around the 14.4-mile mark) to the end of the trail at the Snow Lake Trailhead (a distance of roughly 6 miles). Between those points, there isn't as much water available. But if you make sure to fill up at Nada Lake then you should be able to make it out to the trailhead just fine. \\ Where to Stay | On the Trail and Nearby Because the trail is so long (20 miles), you will want to make sure you arrive at the trailhead early in the morning so you don't get stuck hiking out in the dark. We recommend spending the night nearby the day before you start hiking in order to get an early start. Luckily, there are a lot of lodging and camping options available close to both trailheads. Likewise, if you are one of those lucky few who got an overnight permit, then you should know a bit more about the five different Enchantment zones you can camp in. Below, we outline everything you need to know about the different zones, the best campgrounds (and free camping) nearby, and also the best lodging options in the nearby town of Leavenworth. BACKPACKING IN THE ENCHANTMENTS | THE 5 ENCHANTMENT ZONES The Enchantments are cut into five different sections (though the main trail heads through only four of them). If you were lucky enough to get an overnight permit from the lottery, then you will see what zone you MUST camp in (no changing, no ifs ands or buts). ❔ GOOD TO KNOW: the only exception to this is if you get a permit for the Core Enchantment Zone. In that case, you are allowed to camp in the other zones either on your hike in or out. This is mainly due to the fact that getting to the core zone is very strenuous - especially with a heavy backpack. The five zones go in this order (from west to east): Eightmile/Caroline (the only one the trail doesn't cross), Stuart (where Lake Stuart is), Colchuk (where Colchuk Lake and Aasgard Pass are), the Core Enchantment Zone (the most sought after camping area, and also the one with the most alpine lakes) and finally Snow (which includes Snow and Nada Lakes). One very important thing to know about the permits is that no matter what zone you get for overnight camping you can still explore the other zones (so if you get a permit for the Colchuk Zone you can still do a day trip up Aasgard Pass and into the Core Enchantment Zone). Obviously, the most sought after zone is the Core Enchantment Zone, but even if you get a spot in the Colchuk or Snow Zones you still have a great opportunity to do some day trips up to the core lakes area. CAMPING NEARBY If you are looking to camp either the night before you start hiking or the night after your big hike then your best option will be to try to get a site at one of the nearby campgrounds. The closest campgrounds to both trailheads are Bridge Creek and Eightmile. Bridge Creek Campground is located right off the turn-off for the Stuart Lake Trailhead and very close to Icicle Creek Road. It has 9 individual sites that are first-come, first-serve and 1 group site than can be reserved (do it here). It costs $20 /night for the individual sites and $125 /night for the group site. The campground includes one vault toilet and potable water. ➳ DIRECTIONS TO THE BRIDGE CREEK CAMPGROUND The second closest campground is Eightmile, which is located right off of Icicle Creek Road. This campground has a mix of reservable and non-reservable campsites (60% are reservable and 40% are not). You can make your reservations for the sites here. Eightmile Campground includes 41 individual sites, 4 double sites and 1 group site, 3 vault toilets and potable water. It costs $24 /night for the individual sits, $48 /night for the double site and $125 /night for the group site. ➳ DIRECTIONS TO THE EIGHTMILE CAMPGROUND Be aware that both campgrounds have heavy usage, so if you are looking to get a campsite we recommend showing up early in the day or trying to snag a spot on a less popular day (like during the week). 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you can't get a spot in either of the two campgrounds above, then your best bet is to either boondock (free camp) on an established spot in the national forest nearby or head a bit further up Icicle Creek Road and check out the few campgrounds located a bit farther away. LODGING NEARBY The closest town with lots of lodging options is going to be Leavenworth - which is a short 10-15 minute drive from the Snow Lake Trailhead (and 45 minutes from Stuart Lake Trailhead). Some great spots to consider staying in Leavenworth are: | Obertal Inn: this cute Bavarian-style inn comes with free parking, a breakfast buffet, a hot tub, and wi-fi. Dogs are also allowed. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Posthotel: this classy, upscale hotel is located in the heart of downtown Leavenworth. The fancy spot is within easy walking distance of numerous landmarks and sites, including the Festhalle Civic Center. The hotel includes free parking, an indoor pool and outdoor heated pool, spa, gym and fast wi-fi. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort: this outdoor retreat is located on the outskirts of Leavenworth and only about 5 minutes from the Snow Lake Trailhead. Onsite there is a coffee shop, spa, small store, self-serve laundry facility and conference rooms. There is also wi-fi available and pets are allowed. | BOOK YOUR STAY | Loge Leavenworth: if you want something a bit more private, then consider booking one of the small individual cabins at this outdoor-focused spot. The Loge offers free parking, complimentary tea and coffee, outdoor eating and barbecue facilities, a shared kitchen and super quick access to hiking and biking trails. | BOOK YOUR STAY Besides these four options, you can find numerous other hotels, motels and lodges to fit every type of need and style. We suggest checking out TripAdvisor for the best deals. Hiking and backpacking in the Enchantments should be on every outdoor adventurer's bucketlist. The landscape is absolutely stunning, while the ability to spend a full day out in the wilderness surrounded by crystal clear lakes and rugged granite mountains is definitely good for both the body and soul. Seriously, if you are looking for a full-day trail adventure then we cannot recommend the Enchantments enough! Hopefully, this thru-hiking guide helps you plan your adventure, but if you have any further questions about the trail then please leave us a comment or question below or reach out to us directly. 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