Washingtonians flock to Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Park, and for good reason — they're national treasures. But there's another national park located in Northern Washington that, despite being one of the most visually stunning places on the planet, draws less than 35,000 visitors each year. To put that in perspective, the average attendance at a Seahawks home game is 68,976.
Need a few compelling reasons to visit this underrated gem? Here they are.
At more than 500,000 acres, this vast park is full of diverse beauty.
Historians believe that the human history in the area goes all the way back to the last glacial period, meaning the region has been continuously inhabited for the last 10,000 years.
Believe it or not, you'll find more spectacular wilderness here than you will at our other state parks.
The backcountry hiking here is amazing.
The North Cascades National Park Service Complex preserves some of the finest mountain country on the continent, and that includes numerous trails for hikers of all skill levels.
From short nature walks to long, grueling hikes, you'll find a little bit of everything here.
The crystal-clear, aqua-hued Diablo Lake is reason enough to visit the park.
The view from the overlook will take your breath away.
You'll also find Stehekin, the tiny community only accessible by boat or hike, nestled at the base of the North Cascades.
Visiting Stehekin truly feels like getting away from it all (as in, you definitely won't have service on your smartphone).
The views of Mt. Shuksan are absolutely awe-inspiring.
Mt. Shuksan is located in Whatcom County east of Mt. Baker, and it's an underrated treasure.
If you're looking to enjoy a day of water sports or a peaceful place to camp, look no further than Ross Lake.
Ross Lake is a large reservoir in the North Cascades. Ross Lake Resort has some beautiful waterfront cabins, but they book fast, so you can always pitch a tent nearby.
The North Cascade Range also happens to have the most expansive glacial system in the conterminous United States.
This underrated natural area is full of gems.
If you're planning a visit to this pristine park this year, we recommend waiting until June or July — there are still a couple of winter road closures, including State Route 20 at the Ross Dam Trailhead. In the meantime, we recommend getting into shape with one of our beautiful spring hikes.
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