North Cascades National Park Things to Do

The Stehekin Trail is a relatively flat hike through a forest with views of the river, Rainbow Falls, and surrounding mountains.

A 312-foot tall waterfall, located right off the Stehekin Valley Road.

Rainbow Loop Trail can be walked in either direction or as an up-and-back moderate hike to views of Lake Chelan.

Enjoy a short, peaceful forest hike with river views. 1.8 miles roundtrip.

Hike this moderate trail to walk across historic Ross Dam. Option for a longer hike or backpack along Ross Lake. 1.5 miles roundtrip.

An authorized concessionaire with the NPS, offering cabin rentals, boat and paddle equipment rentals, portage service, and water taxi service.

A difficult trail with spectacular views of peaks and lakes. 10.4 miles roundtrip.

Hike in the forest along the steep bank of Ruby Arm. Up to 10 miles roundtrip.

A trussed bridge crosses the Stehekin River.

High Bridge is the historic site of the High Bridge Ranger Station and provides views of the Stehekin River. A variety of trails begin in or pass through the area.

Howard Lake, a small forest lake frequented by wildlife.

Hike a moderate trail to scenic Hozomeen Lake.

The 1.0 mile Imus Creek Trail loops through the forest above Stehekin Landing.

Visit a picnic area with scenic views and a boat launch.

The easy-to-moderate Lakeshore Trail follows the north shore of Lake Chelan from Prince Creek to Stehekin.

Picnic area with interpretive wayside exhibits, bench, and scenic view of Lake Chelan.

A steep and strenuous trail up McGregor Mountain.

Enjoy views of high mountain lakes and nearby peaks on this full day hike or overnight backpacking trip. 10.4 miles roundtrip.

Hike an easy trail through old-growth forest to a bridge. 4 miles roundtrip.

Hike a popular Trail to a stunning view of Diablo Lake. 3.6 miles roundtrip.

Enjoy a short loop trail near the international boundary.

A moderate trail though lowland forests with lakeside views. Variable distance and elevation gain.

A steep trail to a mountain pass with panoramic vistas. 7.4 miles roundtrip.

Travel through an old-growth forest for mountain and glacier views. 10 miles roundtrip.

Take in views of a large waterfall and walk along a short, interpretive trail to an overlook.

An easy 5-mile roundtrip hike to Agnes Gorge.

Walk through forested slopes with occasional mountain views on this moderate day hike, or connect to longer backpacking routes. 7 miles roundtrip.

Historic apple orchard and homestead with seasonal public apple picking.

A popular day hike with spectacular views of peaks and glaciers. 7.4 miles roundtrip.

Company Creek Trail rises steeply through an open forest for brief views of Stehekin Valley and Bonanza Peak.

Considered one of the best scenic vistas in the park complex, Diablo Lake Overlook provides a stunning view of rugged mountains and a large glacial lake.

Hike through the forest for peek-a-boo views of Diablo Lake. 7.6 miles roundtrip.

The McKellar Cabin Trail is a relaxing 15-minute interpretive trail on a mostly shaded path. It begins next to the post office at Stehekin Landing. The 0.2 miles (0.3 km) trail is a beautiful stroll in the woods, starting and ending within the landing area at Stehekin. Along the trail are many interpretive signs about the history, culture, and resources of Stehekin, along with descriptions of native trees and plants. The McKellar cabin was built in the early 1930s by Jack Blankenship, a local craftsman who built many homes and buildings in Stehekin, including the Golden West Lodge (now the Golden West Visitor Center) and the “House that Jack Built.” The McKellar cabin is typical of Stehekin log homes that date back to the late 1800s, using logs cleared from the site of the house. On the trail, visitors can find examples of conservation practices that connect Stehekin’s past Native American plant use and homesteading methods to the present. Learn about how log cabins were built, how people got their water, and how they disposed of their waste. Visitors will see remains of past utility structures and can read how it compares to Stehekin life and operations today. The trail runs next to buildings that are still being used as private residences. Please respect private property.

A strenuous hike to a small cirque lake. 10 miles roundtrip.

An authorized concessionaire with the NPS, offering lodging, restaurant, and general store.

Trail through cedar groves and open forest to historic Bridge Creek Camp.

A steep trail provides access to sweeping views at Purple Pass, Boulder Butte, and Lake Juanita.

Hike through the forest to a small mountain lake. 4.2 miles roundtrip.

Backcountry camping in the North Cascades can be an exciting adventure for prepared hikers.

Fishing is popular in many lakes and rivers of the North Cascades.

Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America.

Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular on the lakes of the North Cascades.

Motorboating is a popular activity on Gorge, Diablo, and Ross lakes, and Lake Chelan.

The Skagit and Stehekin rivers attract many whitewater enthusiasts for rafting and kayaking, especially during the summer months.