We wanted to pull back from our international travels and focus on some of the many, many options there are within our own country, and to specifically highlight some of our beautiful national parks. To jump us off, we’re also bring in our first guest writer – a long time friend who now lives in and explores the Pacific Northwest.
North Cascades National Park is 2-3 hours north of Seattle and features mountain and glacier views. It surprises me every time I remember it’s one of the least visited national parks in the US. It’s also free to drive through!
I’d recommend driving on Highway 20, which cuts through the park from east to west. Make sure to check out Diablo Lake Vista Point! If you’re looking for a less crowded way to see Diablo Lake, try Thunder Knob hiking trail — an easy 3.3 mile hike to private lake views. It’s even dog friendly!
One of my other favorite hikes in NCNP is Blue Lake. If you’re looking for something shorter and family-friendly, Blue Lake is an easy-to-moderate 4.6 mile hike through old growth forest to a sub-alpine lake. The water is clear, cold, and so blue!
Blue Lake 
Blue Lake
If you’re looking for something a little longer with 360 views – Cascade Pass is a must. There are multiple arms, but I would recommend the Sahale Trail arm. Plan for a day long hike! It is 12.1 miles with a 5030 foot elevation gain. Along the route you’ll likely see pika, mountain goats, and even bears. The 360 views of the Cascade Mountain range and up close views of a glacier (after a tough rock scramble) are worth it.
Walking Cascade Pass to Sahale Glacier 
At the top of Cascade Pass, at 7570 feet altitude
Thanks to our guest writer for kicking off our national parks category! You can follow her on Instagram at @pnw.hiking.trails
