Washington State’s Highway 20 runs from Puget Sound through the Cascades, passing some of the state’s most phenomenal scenery along the way. Dubbed the “North Cascades Highway,” it’s also a great place to aim for if you’re looking for hikes in the region.
The hikes here don’t tend to be easy, but they’re worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll gain a firm understanding of why this region is called the American Alps.
Blue Lake
Blue Lake, which is also on the east side, is 4.4 miles round-trip and gains just 1,050 feet. The must-do hike leads to a small alpine lake cupped by a rugged cirque of mountains.
Sauk Mountain © Edmund Lowe | Dreamstime
Sauk Mountain
Sauk Mountain is the easiest of the bunch at just 4.2 miles round-trip. This trail gains 1,200 feet of elevation with views stretching to distant and nearby mountains.
Anderson and Watson Lakes
Anderson and Watson Lakes just four miles round-trip and gaining only 1,100 feet, this hike is ideal for first-time backpackers and passes a string of alpine lakes.
Mount Rainier from Sourdough Ridge © Miguel Vieira | Flickr
Sourdough Mountain
Sourdough Mountain, at 11 miles round-trip and gaining 5,000 feet of elevation, heads to one of the forest service’s first fire lookouts, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Monogram Lake
Monogram Lake, at 9.8 miles round trip and gaining 4,600 feet of elevation, leads to a lake sitting under a glaciated peak.
Read This Next
Tips for Hiking in Bear Country
Destination
Sep 15, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedSports
Dec 11, 2024Travel Brand Helps Score Discount NFL Tickets with Hotel Stays
The NFL’s popularity is ever-growing, with last year’s Super Bowl the most-watched television program of all time. With the increasing popularity, of course the cost of tickets to attend a game in person has also risen, and will likely continue to do so. In 2023, for example, the average cost for a family of four attending an NFL game was more than $600. But Extra Holidays, a consumer booking platform offering suite vacations at hotel prices, may be able to help.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Destinations / North America
Dec 10, 2024Christmas Experiences in Minneapolis
Headed to Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the holidays? Whether looking for a wintery getaway or headed to the region to visit friends or family, the destination delivers with plenty of festive fun this month.
Hotel
Dec 10, 2024Make R Collection Hotels Your Base for an Italian Alps Getaway
R Collection Hotels, owned by the Rocchi Family, recently opened two prestigious ski mountain hotels for the winter season: Montana Lodge & Spa in La Thuile and Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc in Courmayeur.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Airlines
Dec 10, 2024Turkish Airlines, New York Islanders & UBS Arena Take-Off with New Partnership
The New York Islanders and UBS Arena recently welcomed Turkish Airlines to Belmont Park as part of a new, multiyear partnership, making the airline the Official International Airline Partner of the team and the arena. This is a first-of-its-kind agreement for the global airline and a National Hockey League team.
ShareThis