Road Trip - North Cascades National Park

The North Cascades are often referred to as "The North American Alps" (Or something like that). Anyway, I don't think that name does them justice. We got to the park on July 18th and the mountains there are still ridiculously snow-capped and absolutely gorgeous. 

The first day we got to the park we were able to score a free campsite at a campground that only has seven sites! It was great to be in such a small campground, and to get it for free! Anyway, the first day was pretty uneventful other than our first views of some of the mountains, including the Pickett Range.

The Pickett Range

 

 

Our second day in the park we undertook a big hike to 4th of July Pass. Despite rain and semi-cold temps we made it out on the trail and up to the pass just in time for a small clearing in the weather and a view of the mountains and the Neve Glacier.

Near the beginning of the hike, not too wet yet

On our way up the mountain towards the pass, a little wetter now

The Neve Glacier from 4th of July Pass

A little bit closer look at the waterfalls tumbling from the base of the glacier

We were pretty exhausted after than 10 mile hike so we drove to the visitor center and watched the movie about the park. Overall I think it is the worst of the park movies we've seen so far, and by far the creepiest. There were quotes about nature flashing on the screen throughout the film and this eerie whispering female voice saying one or two words from them. Odd.

Anyway, we spent the rest of the evening hanging out at the campsite. The next morning we made our way out of the park and got some final views at a great overlook and from the trail to Cutthroat Lake.

Cutthroat Lake

So that was our trip to North Cascades National Park! We had a great time and added another park to the "Go Back There Someday" list. Now it's off to Spokane to visit my Aunt Jo, Uncle Mark, and my cousin Aldric!