Some of the most scenic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest lie in Northern Washington—in the North Cascades and Mount Baker Wilderness. Both are home to glacially-carved mountains, dense forests, dramatic waterfalls, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and some of the state's most iconic peaks. Whether you’re looking to climb in renowned alpine terrain or simply wanting to enjoy a leisurely visit, the North Cascades and Mount Baker Wilderness are abundant in activities and sights for every type of traveler.
In July 2024, my brother and I spent a weekend in Northern Washington visiting North Cascades National Park and the Mount Baker Wilderness area. Both are beautiful, but the latter is striking. Seeing the scale of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan with their prominent glaciers and peaks felt like a larger-than-life experience—one that I'll remember for a long time.
To help plan your own visit to Northern Washington, keep reading for our 3-day itinerary and watch my YouTube video. If you're interested in exploring more of Washington, check out my blog post for a hiking guide to one of the most popular trails in Mount Rainier National Park.
Table of Contents
Skip ahead to specific places on our itinerary!
Our 3-Day Itinerary in Northern Washington
Day 1:
North Cascades National Park: Often referred to as the American Alps, North Cascades National Park boasts jagged peaks, densely forested valleys, glacial-fed lakes, and more. The park spans over 500,000 acres with ample sights to see. If you only have one day to explore the park, I recommend visiting the following:
• Diablo Lake: Surrounded by forested mountains, Diablo Lake is known for its vibrant (and milky) turquoise color. Here are two ways I recommend seeing the lake: Diablo Lake Vista Point offers one of the most iconic views in the North Cascades. The overlook is right by the parking lot, making it easily accessible. Colonial Creek Campground offers a day-use area with a lakeside beach. This is a popular spot for paddleboarding and kayaking.
• Washington Pass Observation Site: Washington Pass Observation Site offers sweeping views of Liberty Bell Mountain as well as North Cascades Highway ribboning through the forested valley below. The overlook can be reached on a paved, 0.3-mile loop trail—making it accessible to everyone.
• Blue Lake Trail: While we didn't hike Blue Lake Trail during this visit, I hiked it two years prior and cannot recommend it enough—you can easily incorporate it in a one-day itinerary. This 4.6-mile out-and-back trail runs alongside towering peaks and alpine meadows (with wildflowers during spring and summer). Blue Lake sits beneath a granite boulder and as its name indicates, is a deep blue color. Purchase a Northwest Forest Pass here in advance.
Check into Airbnb: Our Airbnb was a cozy cabin nestled in a forest by the Cascade River. The owner occasionally stays in the cabin, but shares it with others to enjoy and experience. The love she's poured into her off-grid cabin was evident—we felt right at home. My favorite part of our stay was the mornings in the cabin, particularly the stillness, the birds chirping outside, and the warm shadows cast by the sun in the home and on the trees outside.
Day 2:
Mount Baker Wilderness: Mount Baker Wilderness is located in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest—and it is one of the most beautiful places I've visited in Washington. Spanning over 100,000 acres, Mount Baker Wilderness is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the state. Throughout the area, you'll find imposing views of Mount Shuksan, a 9,131-foot glacial mountain, as well as Mount Baker, a 10,786-foot active, glaciated volcano. If you only have one day to explore Mount Baker Wilderness, I recommend visiting the following:
• Nooksack Falls: Nooksack Falls is an 88-foot waterfall that plunges into a deep gorge with moss-covered boulders. The overlook to the falls only requires a short walk from the parking lot, making it easily accessible.
• Picture Lake: Picture Lake is incredibly beautiful. The lake features a mirrored reflection of Mount Shuksan, which can be seen from viewing platforms around the lake. During spring and summer, you can spot bright wildflowers and blue dragonflies by the lake
• Huntoon Point via Artist Ridge Trail: One of the most quintessential views in the Mount Baker Wilderness is Huntoon Point and for good reason—it overlooks an alpine meadow and lake, with the craggy, glaciated Mount Shuksan towering in the distance. You can reach Huntoon Point on Artist Ridge Trail, a 1.5-mile loop with unobstructed views of both Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker throughout the entirety of the trail.
• Heather Meadows Visitor Center: Stop by Heather Meadows Visitor Center for a panoramic view of Bagley Lakes and the surrounding peaks—and check out the gift shop for souvenirs to bring home!
Purchase a Northwest Forest Pass here in advance.
Upriver Grill & Taproom: After spending the day in the Mount Baker Wilderness area, we drove back to Marblemount and had dinner at Upriver Grill & Taproom—which offers a selection of local draft beers.
Day 3:
Cascade River: Our last morning was spent in the comfort of the cabin, before we left to explore the neighboring Cascade River. The river was so beautiful—it looked ethereal with moss draping the surrounding rocks and trees, as well as sunlight seeping onto the landscape.
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