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.
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