Hiking in the North Cascades
Tour Description
Explore an alpine wilderness of glacier-carved valleys, mineral-filled lakes, plunging waterfalls, hundreds of glaciers, and jagged mountain peaks. Your NPCA tour leaders—former national park rangers—will guide your family on this new active adventure through some of the most breathtaking scenery of the continental United States. North Cascades National Park provides a rich tapestry of experiences for all visitors, but is known for its hiking and mountaineering. With over 400 miles of trails within the park, you’ll experience nature sure to excite the whole family.
ParkScapes Highlights
Walking & Hiking
Witness the excitement in the mixture of natural features throughout the North Cascades. From temperate rainforests and old-growth forests to famous mountain overlooks and backcountry trails.
Cultural Heritage
Discover the rich history and cultural diversity of the area. From historic mines to archeological findings of local Native American economies.
Family Friendly Tour
With a minimum age requirement of twelve years, this tour is designed to suit a variety of experience levels, from the new explorer to the avid hiker. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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Tour Map
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Daily Itinerary
August 1: Arrival in Seattle, Washington
Arrive at Seattle's SeaTac Airport and transfer to Chelan, Washington. Pass over Stevens Pass en route to Chelan, an incredibly scenic drive through several climatic zones, from the wet, lower elevation to the west of the Cascades, over a 4,000-foot pass, down through a beautiful gorge, and out in the orchard country in the dry lands along the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers. The contrast west to east is striking. Stretch your legs along the way in the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. Accommodations in Chelan (D)
August 2: Chelan to Stehekin Village
Board the Lady II in Chelan for a 50-mile cruise up the mountain lake to the small remote community of Stehekin Village, learning about the animals, fire history, and geology of the region from your naturalist guide en route. Once in Stehekin, enjoy the peaceful surrounding of this quaint town. Then pick up your old-fashioned cruiser bicycle for a ride up to Rainbow Falls. Stehekin Village (B,L,D)
August 3: North Cascades National Park
Today you have several choices for activities: kayaking Lake Chelan, whitewater rafting the Stehekin River (depends on water level), or bicycling the village roads, which is sure to be lots of fun with such little traffic. Then it's time to hike a favored trail from High Bridge to Agnes Gorge along the Stehekin River, mirrored by the Pacific Crest Trail along the opposite riverbed. Stehekin Village (B,L,D)
August 4: Stehekin to Diablo Lake
Return to Chelan on the Lady Express. Drive alongside the Columbia River and then the Methow River to Winthrop, a delightful town full of character from the frontier days. Depart Winthrop for Washington Pass, stopping occasionally during the ascent for different views of Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winter Spires, and Washington Pass itself. Then continue on the North Cascades Highway, enjoying spectacular views up Ross Lake to Desolation Peak and the distant Hozomeen Mountain, near the Canadian border. On the Happy Creek Forest Walk, you'll feel transported into another time exploring the old-growth forest. Back on the road, we stop at Diablo Overlook for spectacular views of Colonial and Pyramid Peaks, Diablo Lake, and our accommodations for the evening. North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (B,L,D)
August 5: North Cascades National Park
Spend your day learning about America's cultural history in North Cascades. Join naturalists from the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (North Cascade Institute) on Diablo Lake for an interpretive program. Then head out from the Center to Ruby Arm for a look back at the Cascades mining days and the account of an original gold claim. Later, stop at the main park visitor center in Newhalem and enjoy a short trail nearby to an archeological site (rock shelter). North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (B,L,D)
August 6: North Cascades National Park
Your final day in North Cascades National Park offers several options. You can enjoy a canoe trip on Diablo Lake (potential for group paddle in the Institute's giant canoe) followed by a leisurely hike around the area. Or opt for the more strenuous hike of Cascade Pass—many gentle switchbacks and a final steep push lead you on a nine-mile round-trip hike to Sahale Arm for fantastic views of glaciers, mountains, and some the best sights of the lower United States! Regroup for a drive through national forest along the Skagit River to Sedro-Woolley, where your farewell dinner awaits. Accommodations in Sedro-Woolley (B,L,D)
August 7: Departure from Seattle, Washington
After an early breakfast we transfer to the Seattle Tacoma Airport for travel home or head to Anacortes, Washington, for the San Juan Islands optional extension.* (B)
Note: This Active Adventure requires participants to be in moderately good physical condition. Activities will include hiking in a range of conditions; all tour participants should be able to hike 4-6 miles over uneven terrain with some elevation gain. Expect to spend 4-6 hours outdoors most days in a variety of weather conditions. Suggested activity preparation will be included in pre-tour materials.
This tour has a minimum age requirement of twelve years. Those traveling without children should note that the tour will include youth participants, and programming on tour will reflect the variety of ages.
*Additional charges apply for the optional extension; details will be provided in your participant information packets.
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Tour Details
NPCA Member Price
$2,495 per person double occupancy; $400 single supplement
Price Includes
Airport transfers, all accommodations, meals specified in the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, and D-Dinner), professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Price Does Not Include
Roundtrip airfare to and from destination, gratuities for naturalist guides, alcoholic beverages, or personal expenses.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 84 days prior receive a refund, less the $150 per person handling fee. Cancellations 84-57 days prior to departure result in full loss of deposit. Cancellations 56-28 days prior to departure result in the loss of 50% of your total cost. Cancellations within 28 days of departure result in the loss of 100% of your total tour cost.
Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
Arrive/Depart
Seattle, Washington
Length of tour
7 days/6 nights
Pace
Moderately paced for travelers desiring a higher level of daily activity
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