The ultimate guide to North Cascades National Park

Some tips for visiting North Cascades National Park -It's free to visit. A state road runs through the park, so these stunning views won't cost you a dime. Unless you want to camp, which will set you back a few dollars. -If you're visiting in the winter, make sure your car is in good condition, and check WSDOT for road closures. Snow makes some routes impassable. -You won't find any grocery stores or ATMs in the park. Make sure you bring everything you need, particularly if you're camping, or be prepared to do a lot of driving in and out of town. Also, you may not get good cell reception here. -Don't forget bug spray. The park's gorgeous lakes and streams are a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, so come prepared.

State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, is the most efficient way to get through the park, and it's completely breathtaking. The route winds past U-pick farms, quaint logging towns, densely forested state parks, rushing rivers, and stunning lakes. It's a great way to experience the Pacific Northwest and all it has to offer.

Stop by the Washington Pass Overlook, which offers awe-inspiring views of Liberty Bell Mountain and Early Winters Spires. It's right off the highway, with a nice parking area, and the trail to the overlook is a short quarter-mile loop.

Imagine waking up, stepping out onto your porch, and being instantly greeted with the best view in all of North Cascades National Park—that's what you'll get at Ross Lake Resort. In these picturesque floating cabins, your backyard is the lake itself, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and lush evergreen forests. Every cabin has a stunning view. The resort is remote—it's best accessed by water taxi or ferry, unless you want to take a mile-long hike with all your luggage. Your view of the lake, mountains, and forests will be virtually undisturbed. Plus, since cell service and internet is spotty up here, it's a great place to disconnect. You can spend your days fishing, hiking, boating (bring your own or rent one), or simply sitting on the dock and soaking in the breathtaking beauty.

One of the park's most iconic features is Diablo Lake, a reservoir known for its bright turquoise color. Glaciers grind stones into a powder that's then carried into the lake by glacial melt, creating the vibrant blue. There are some nice overlooks here, but the lake is best experienced by renting a canoe and getting out on the water.

These grotto-like falls, located in a slot canyon near Newhalem, look lovely in the daytime, but they really shine at night. Colored lights are projected onto the falls, turning this natural feature into a stunning light show. Fed by a glacier, the falls flow well throughout the year. The trail is short but adventurous, taking you over a suspension bridge and up some stairs.

Artist Point is considered by some one of the prettiest spots in the state, with panoramic views of several peaks. Mount Baker Highway ends at the road to Artist Point, providing access to good trails. At certain times of year, this is a popular spot for snowshoeing.