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National Parks Across the Cascade

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National Parks Across the Cascade

National Parks Across the Cascade Range


The Cascade Range is a mountain and volcanic range spanning from Southern British Columbia to Northern California via Washington and Oregon. The Range offers four incredible National Parks. Known for its picturesque forests and volcanoes, it stretches from Mount Baker to the Lassen Peak. Here, we delve into the Range's Parks, including Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. We have found popular hiking trails, backcountry camping, and even an Elk Bugling tour.


Now, let's explore…


Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is among the deepest, cleanest, and bluest bodies of water on the planet. There are numerous ways to explore the park and enjoy the lake, whether you are planning on a day trip or holidaying for a week.


Popular Activities in Crater Lake National Park:


  • Birdwatching
  • Many common birds can be identified without going on a hike. To see members of the Corvid family, sit anywhere along the waterfront at Rim Village.


  • Camping and Lodging
  • There are two campgrounds available at Crater Lake, both of which are only open during the summer. Backcountry camping is legally allowed all year, although there is a significant amount of snow fall in the winter months. Camping is for permit holders only.


  • And of course, Hiking!

Crater Lake Hiking Routes


The top 5 hiking trails in Crater Lake National Park in order of difficulty:


  1. Discovery Point Trail – Easy
  2. Length: 3.8km


  3. Sun Notch Trail – Easy
  4. Length: 1.3km


  5. Garfield Peak Trail – Moderate
  6. Length: 5.5km


  7. The Watchman Peak Trail – Moderate
  8. Length: 2.7km


  9. Cleetwood Cove Trail – Moderate
  10. Length: 3.2km




Mount Rainier National Park

This National Park really does tick all the boxes. You will struggle not to find something you would love to do. There are activities to enjoy all year round. Like fishing, horseback riding, glamping, wildlife viewing, and hikes for every season of the year, there is plenty to see and do. For the full list of Mount Rainier opening hours, visit the National Park Service Mount Rainier Hours & Seasons Information.


Mount Rainier Activities for Every Season


If you are planning a trip to Mount Rainier, check out these activities listed by season!


Mount Rainier in Spring:

  • Henley's Silver Lake Resort
  • Bike the Carbon River Road
  • Visit Wildlife at the Norwest Trek

Mount Rainier in Summer:

  • Sightsee at White Pass
  • Sourdough Ridge Hike
  • Explore Temperate Rainforest

Mount Rainier in Fall:

  • Pinnacle Saddle Trail
  • Elk Bugling Tour at Northwest Trek
  • Visit the Maris Farms Pumpkin Patch

Mount Rainier in Winter:

  • Backcountry Skiiing and Snow Boarding
  • Go Elk Feeding
  • Winter Camping

Visit the Official Site of Mount Rainier Tourism.




Lassen Volcanic National Park

This National Park is a place of outstanding natural beauty and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. This includes holidays such as Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular destination due to its excellent views, rustic lodges or cabins, and various hiking routes.


Entering Lassen Volcanic National Park varies in price depending on the season. A winter pass is $10.00 and lasts for 7 days. A vehicle pass from April to November is only $30. For more information on passes and prices, see the National Park Service: Lassen Volcanic Basic Information.


Popular Lassen Volcanic Trails


Here, we have listed the top 5 trails in the Lassen Volcanic National Park in order of difficulty.

  1. Bumpass Hell Trail – Easy
  2. Length: 4.3km


  3. Mazanita Lake Loop – Easy
  4. Length: 3.1km


  5. Kings Creek Falls Trail – Moderate
  6. Length: 4.3km


  7. Cinder Cone Nature Trail – Strenuous
  8. Length: 6.4km


  9. Lassen Peak – Strenuous
  10. Length: 8.2km




North Cascades National Park

Last but most certainly not least. The North Cascades National Park is famous for its hiking trails, viewpoints, and camping. Hiking in the park can be a challenge, but totally worth it.

Some hikes are more strenuous than others. Here, we have collected a list of the 5 best hikes in the North Cascades National Park and listed them in order of difficulty so you can be sure to choose the right ones for your trip.


Top 5 North Cascades Hikes


  1. Skagit River Loop Trail – Easy
  2. Length: 3.1km


  3. Thunder Creek Trail – Moderate
  4. Length: 16.6km


  5. Cascade Pass Trail
  6. Length: 10.5km


  7. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail – Strenuous
  8. Length: 19.5km


  9. Piece Mountain Camp via Sourdough Mountain Trail
  10. Length: 16.9km


The North Cascades National Park season runs from late May to late September, with minimal services available outside of that time. Road access is usually available from spring to late fall but can vary depending on the weather. Access to the park is available out of season but the National Park Service recommends being self-sufficient and planning ahead of your trip. For more information on this, visit Visiting North Cascades in Non-Peak Season.




Hopefully we have given you plenty of ideas for your trip to one of the incredible National Parks across the Cascade Range. If you are looking for sustainable clothes for your trip, make sure to check the Sherpa Adventure Gear women's clothing and men's clothing today.