North Cascades

North Cascades National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the lower 48 states, despite containing more glaciers than any other park in the contiguous US over 300 named glaciers clinging to peaks that rise precipitously from the valley floors. The North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) is the primary access route, passing the stunning turquoise Diablo Lake (colored by glacial flour suspended in the water) before climbing to Washington Pass at 5,477 feet. The pass overlooks Early Winters Spires, a cluster of granite towers beloved by rock climbers. Ross Lake National Recreation Area stretches north across the Canadian border, accessible only by boat from a resort that floats on the lake surface. The adjacent town of Winthrop was rebuilt in a Wild West architectural style in the 1970s and now anchors a small but lively community with craft breweries, cross-country ski trails in winter, and mountain bike networks in summer. Maple Pass Loop, a 7-mile trail above Hart's Pass, is frequently ranked as the best day hike in Washington, peaking in mid-October with larch gold color.