Summer Hike on Cascade Pass Trail
Winding trails full of wildflowers, distant cascading waterfalls, mountainous landscapes, and lush summer greenery. Yep, this one has it all. The perfect summer Hike in Washington. And you definitely can’t go wrong in the beautiful North Cascades National Park. Just the drive to get to this trail is absolutely stunning. My jaw dropped to the car floor when I saw the view below of the waterfall and lush mountains we passed by. I TOOK THAT PHOTO FROM THE CAR! Like what? Bonkers!
The trail switchbacks through a cool forest up into a beautiful pass filled with mountain views and wildflowers galore. But, be ready to work for you summer wonderland filled views – there are a ton of switchbacks! We weren’t counting until we passed an older couple on our way up who asked us if we wanted to know how many more switchbacks we had until we hit the top. We said sure let us have it – and they told us 6. So we thought it would be funny on our return hike (because it was the most switchbacks we have ever done on a trail) to count how many total switchbacks there were on this trail. We counted 36 to be exact! PHEW! My legs hurt just thinking about it. But once you hike your booty off, the views are so worth it.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/cascade-pass-trail–3
Meadows upon meadows of wildflowers sweeping down the mountains, waterfalls cascading down the mountains in the distance, jagged peaks, and wildlife! Even though it was summer, there were some sections at the top that get a little icy so be prepared with trekking poles or microspike. You never know what to expect in that high of elevation. We also saw families and couples of all ages doing this trail (and a 5 year old girl in slippers….uh wut). Always be ready and prepared, and take your time! And we definitely would not recommend slippers. Also if you are lucky enough you might catch a mountain goat (we weren’t that lucky) but we did see a black bear as a little speck on a mountain beyond, and a deer when we got back to the parking lot of the trail (of all places haha)! If you are searching for a beautiful summer hike in Washington, this one is top on our list.
