North Cascades in a Campervan
The North Cascades may be a lot less popular than Mount Rainier National Park, but it is equally beautiful. There are great lakes to explore and many miles of hiking trails in and around the North Cascades National Park. Outside of the National Park, there are many mountain biking trails to explore.
Drive through the North Cascades National Park:
Hiking Trails
There are loads of hiking trails in and around the National Park so it can be hard to choose. Check out some of these suggestions and bear in mind that any trail in the National Park except for the Pacific Crest Trail do not allow dogs.
1) Pacific Crest Trail from Rainy Pass to Harts Pass: This trail can be started at either end and you can go as long or as short as you want. The grades are moderate on this section of the PCT. From Rainy Pass you will reach your first waterfall at about 1.1 miles and then you will really leave the trees behind and have endless ridge top views. You can take your dog on this trail as long as the dog is on leash.
2) Maple Pass Loop: This trail is the best loop trail in the park that can be completed in a day. You will be treated to ridge top views and high mountain lakes and lots of Yellows during the fall.
Biking Trails
Just outside of the park there are lots of biking opportunities near the towns of Twisp and Winthrop.
1) Martin Creek - The trail will lead you up into the alpine lakes of the Sawtooth Range and some great views in the Fall with the bright yellows of the Western Larch trees. The Western Larch is the most spectacular deciduous tree in the west. The Martin Creek trail is the prime jewel of the North Cascades and can also be used to make a larger loop if you are looking for something more adventurous.
2) Buck Mountain Loop - Just out of Winthrop is the Buck Mountain loop which is very popular because it provides some great ridge top views of the valley below with mostly easy to moderate climbing. There is a 9 mile down hill that is very fast and flowy and will definitely put a grin on anyone's face.
Camping
The National Park Service operates 5 campgrounds within park boundaries. During peak season, you will need to make reservations to secure a campsite.
The following campgrounds remain open with limited services throughout the winter on a first-come, first-served basis:
Can’t get into a campground or want to some solitude? Nearby North Cascades free camping areas include dispersed sites in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and near Baker Lake.
The majority of the park’s campgrounds require a fee during the main season. All campgrounds which remain open during the off-season are free.
Operating Hours and Seasons
North Cascades National Park is open year-round.
The park operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season.
Campervan Rentals Available in Boise, Salt Lake City, Portland and Spokane / Coeur d’Alene