Tour stop
North Cascades National Park Tour
About The Tour
Experience the stunning, untamed beauty of Washington's North Cascade Mountains! Located just a few hours northeast of urban Seattle, this remote wilderness showcases the best of the Pacific Northwest’s grandeur - pristine mountain lakes, wild rivers, and majestic snow-capped peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see. One visit to the park, and you'll see why the North Cascades are deservedly called "The American Alps."
On Shaka Guide's Tour of the North Cascades, we'll guide you along the North Cascades Scenic Highway, pointing out the best views and trails on the way. You'll explore the historic company town of Newhalem, hike to pristine mountain lakes, walk on top of a dam, learn about the impressive Skagit hydroelectric project, and hear inspiring stories of the Native peoples and early settlers who made a home--and a difference--here in this rugged wilderness.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Start your adventure at the North Cascades Visitor Center, where exhibits, films, and ranger-led programs provide insight into the park's diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
• Discover historic Newhalem, the Seattle City Light company town that once housed the workers who built the first dam in the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. Take a walking tour of the historic buildings, snap a selfie in front of the old Number 6 engine, and walk across a suspension bridge to explore the beautiful Trail of the Cedars.
• Marvel at the vibrant turquoise waters of Diablo Lake from the Diablo Lake Overlook, offering one of the park's most iconic views.
• Hike the Maple Pass Loop Trail for breathtaking panoramic views of alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and rugged mountain landscapes.
• Take in the dramatic, jagged peaks and sweeping vistas of the North Cascades from Washington Pass Overlook, a must-see viewpoint along the scenic highway.
On Shaka Guide's Tour of the North Cascades, we'll guide you along the North Cascades Scenic Highway, pointing out the best views and trails on the way. You'll explore the historic company town of Newhalem, hike to pristine mountain lakes, walk on top of a dam, learn about the impressive Skagit hydroelectric project, and hear inspiring stories of the Native peoples and early settlers who made a home--and a difference--here in this rugged wilderness.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Start your adventure at the North Cascades Visitor Center, where exhibits, films, and ranger-led programs provide insight into the park's diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
• Discover historic Newhalem, the Seattle City Light company town that once housed the workers who built the first dam in the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. Take a walking tour of the historic buildings, snap a selfie in front of the old Number 6 engine, and walk across a suspension bridge to explore the beautiful Trail of the Cedars.
• Marvel at the vibrant turquoise waters of Diablo Lake from the Diablo Lake Overlook, offering one of the park's most iconic views.
• Hike the Maple Pass Loop Trail for breathtaking panoramic views of alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and rugged mountain landscapes.
• Take in the dramatic, jagged peaks and sweeping vistas of the North Cascades from Washington Pass Overlook, a must-see viewpoint along the scenic highway.
About the tour
Experience the stunning, untamed beauty of Washington's North Cascade Mountains! Located just a few hours northeast of urban Seattle, this remote wilderness showcases the best of the Pacific Northwest’s grandeur - pristine mountain lakes, wild rivers, and majestic snow-capped peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see. One visit to the park, and you'll see why the North Cascades are deservedly called "The American Alps."
On Shaka Guide's Tour of the North Cascades, we'll guide you along the North Cascades Scenic Highway, pointing out the best views and trails on the way. You'll explore the historic company town of Newhalem, hike to pristine mountain lakes, walk on top of a dam, learn about the impressive Skagit hydroelectric project, and hear inspiring stories of the Native peoples and early settlers who made a home--and a difference--here in this rugged wilderness.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Start your adventure at the North Cascades Visitor Center, where exhibits, films, and ranger-led programs provide insight into the park's diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
• Discover historic Newhalem, the Seattle City Light company town that once housed the workers who built the first dam in the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. Take a walking tour of the historic buildings, snap a selfie in front of the old Number 6 engine, and walk across a suspension bridge to explore the beautiful Trail of the Cedars.
• Marvel at the vibrant turquoise waters of Diablo Lake from the Diablo Lake Overlook, offering one of the park's most iconic views.
• Hike the Maple Pass Loop Trail for breathtaking panoramic views of alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and rugged mountain landscapes.
• Take in the dramatic, jagged peaks and sweeping vistas of the North Cascades from Washington Pass Overlook, a must-see viewpoint along the scenic highway.
On Shaka Guide's Tour of the North Cascades, we'll guide you along the North Cascades Scenic Highway, pointing out the best views and trails on the way. You'll explore the historic company town of Newhalem, hike to pristine mountain lakes, walk on top of a dam, learn about the impressive Skagit hydroelectric project, and hear inspiring stories of the Native peoples and early settlers who made a home--and a difference--here in this rugged wilderness.
Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!
• Start your adventure at the North Cascades Visitor Center, where exhibits, films, and ranger-led programs provide insight into the park's diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
• Discover historic Newhalem, the Seattle City Light company town that once housed the workers who built the first dam in the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. Take a walking tour of the historic buildings, snap a selfie in front of the old Number 6 engine, and walk across a suspension bridge to explore the beautiful Trail of the Cedars.
• Marvel at the vibrant turquoise waters of Diablo Lake from the Diablo Lake Overlook, offering one of the park's most iconic views.
• Hike the Maple Pass Loop Trail for breathtaking panoramic views of alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and rugged mountain landscapes.
• Take in the dramatic, jagged peaks and sweeping vistas of the North Cascades from Washington Pass Overlook, a must-see viewpoint along the scenic highway.
STARTING POINTS
-Eastward: East of Rockport
-Westward: East of Mazama
RECOMMENDED START TIME
-Before 8:00 a.m. if you plan to do some hiking.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
-Eastward: East of Rockport
-Westward: East of Mazama
RECOMMENDED START TIME
-Before 8:00 a.m. if you plan to do some hiking.
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• Tours never expire
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Now Playing
1. Welcome to the North Cascades National Park Tour Preview
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Now Playing
2. Lucinda Davis Woman of the Wilderness
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04:53
Now Playing
3. JD Ross, the Father of Seattle City Light
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02:43
Now Playing
4. George Holmes
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03:42
North Cascades National Park Tour Map
Explore Tour Map
North Cascades National Park Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Tour stop
Historic Newhalem
Tour stop
Diablo Lake Overlook
Tour stop
Rainy Pass (Rainy Lake and Maple Pass Trails)
Tour stop
Washington Pass Overlook
Tour stop
Gorge Powerhouse and Ladder Creek Falls
Tour stop
Gorge Overlook Trail
Tour stop
Thunder Knob and Thunder Creek Trails
Meet the Creators
Phil Schoen
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Creators behind the North Cascades National Park Tour
Phil Schoen
Narrator
I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.
Rita Fowers
Writer/Editor
Favorite Quote:
"What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him." - Viktor Frankl
Matt Caracciolo
Writer & Editor
Favorite Quote:
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --J.R.R. Tolkien
Robin Montgomery
Writer
Favorite Quote:
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” - John Muir.
Andrew Shults
Producer & Data Team Manager
Favorite Quote:
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” - Douglas Adams
Purchase Options
1.
North Cascades National Park Tour
$ 15.99
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
North Cascades National Park Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride for your trip.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- GPS-triggered audio with automatic playback
- Built-in turn-by-turn route guidance
- Offline access after download
- Self-paced experience with no fixed start time
- Pause, rewind, or replay anytime
- Storytelling based on firsthand travel and research
- Lifetime access after purchase
Exclusions:
- Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
- Attraction admission or park entrance fees
- Parking fees
Tour FAQs
1. Where does the North Cascades National Park Tour go?
This tour has 13 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops. And if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go!
2. What should I pack for the North Cascades National Park Tour?
Cell phone (with tour downloaded!)
Car charger
Phone mount for car
Flashlight - for a night hike to Ladder Creek Falls (optional)
Binoculars (optional)
Trekking poles (recommended if hiking to Blue Lake or Maple Pass)
Waterproof rain jacket or coat
Non-cotton/waterproof or quick-dry pants
Dress in layers (layer with NON-cotton fabric like fleece/wool – for cooler weather or synthetic materials like nylon–for warmer weather). The key is to stay warm and dry!
Hiking boots/sturdy shoes if you plan to hike
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Hat
Water
Snacks and/or picnic food (remember to pack up leftovers/don’t leave crumbs)
First aid kit/medications
Emergency roadside assistance kit
Swimsuit and water shoes if interested in swimming in Diablo Lake (it’s very cold – even in the summer)
Car charger
Phone mount for car
Flashlight - for a night hike to Ladder Creek Falls (optional)
Binoculars (optional)
Trekking poles (recommended if hiking to Blue Lake or Maple Pass)
Waterproof rain jacket or coat
Non-cotton/waterproof or quick-dry pants
Dress in layers (layer with NON-cotton fabric like fleece/wool – for cooler weather or synthetic materials like nylon–for warmer weather). The key is to stay warm and dry!
Hiking boots/sturdy shoes if you plan to hike
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Hat
Water
Snacks and/or picnic food (remember to pack up leftovers/don’t leave crumbs)
First aid kit/medications
Emergency roadside assistance kit
Swimsuit and water shoes if interested in swimming in Diablo Lake (it’s very cold – even in the summer)
3. What should I budget for the North Cascades National Park Tour?
Most stops do not have an entrance fee, however, there are a few hikes in the national forest that require a National Forest Recreation Pass at $5 per vehicle. You can purchase an ePASS here or at a kiosk at the trailhead. Those include Rainy Pass (Rainy Lake and Maple Pass Trails), Blue Lake Trail, and Cutthroat Lake Trail. If you’re not planning on hiking these trails, you do not need this pass.
There are also optional Diablo Lake boat tours that you can take for an additional cost. These sell out quickly, so advance reservations are highly recommended. Check out our KNOW BEFORE YOU GO article for more information.
There are also optional Diablo Lake boat tours that you can take for an additional cost. These sell out quickly, so advance reservations are highly recommended. Check out our KNOW BEFORE YOU GO article for more information.
4. What are the park hours for the North Cascades National Park Tour?
The park and its facilities are open seasonally, depending on the weather. Visit the NPS’s website before you go.
Please note that North Cascades Highway is typically open from mid-April or May through late fall (depending on the snowfall). Most snow is off of the trails by July and the golden larches put on their fall colors sometime in late September through early October.
The highway, park facilities, and trails close for the winter due to heavy snow.
Please note that North Cascades Highway is typically open from mid-April or May through late fall (depending on the snowfall). Most snow is off of the trails by July and the golden larches put on their fall colors sometime in late September through early October.
The highway, park facilities, and trails close for the winter due to heavy snow.
5. Can I join the North Cascades National Park Tour en route?
Yes! The tour has two starting points: east of Rockport, WA, and east of Mazama, WA - depending if you’re taking the eastward or westward route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting.
If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
6. Can I take the North Cascades National Park Tour in the opposite direction?
Yes, this tour is available in two directions - east to west and west to east.
7. Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.
GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.