Seattle, renowned for its vibrant culture and innovative spirit, is not only a bustling city but also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle offers unparalleled access to some phenomenal hiking. From lush forests to majestic mountains, there’s a trail for every adventurer just a stone’s throw away from the city center. 

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But if you’re looking for somewhere with less people and more wildness, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite hidden gems. Below you’ll find some underrated parks you’ve maybe never heard of, and why they should be on your bucket list right beside the heavy hitters.

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What Are Larch Trees?

The larch, also known as the tamarack, is a deciduous conifer that is native to the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike most conifers, which are evergreen, larches shed their needles in the fall, just like deciduous trees. Before they do, however, they put on a dazzling display of golden-yellow color that is sure to take your breath away. In North Cascades National Park, there are several places where you can witness this stunning show of autumn color.

Why Should You See Them

Each fall, the larch trees turning from bright green to golden is an annual must-see spectacle  for hikers, photographers, and artists. Unique to our hemisphere, the larch trees are abundant in the sub-alpine regions of the North Cascades. Just a short drive away from the metropolitan area of Seattle, they are well worth an excursion. With many trails in the area, there are abundant hikes accessible during the fall months for any ability level. It is possible to see the golden larches without having to embark on an epic journey.

Getting there

The easiest way to access the North Cascades is by car from the city of Seattle. Head North on I-5 to the town of Burlington, where the freeway is bisected by Highway 20. Turn East on Highway 20, driving through the lush farmland of the Skagit Valley until it gives way to dense coastal rainforests and the road climbs, winding steeply into the mountainous area of the North Cascades.

Accommodations

While there are plenty of day trip hikes using Seattle as the jumping-off point, many visitors choose to stay closer to the trailheads in towns such as Marblemount or Mazama; car camp at one of the many campgrounds throughout the park; or spend as much time in the wilderness as possible by backpacking (backcountry permit required here).

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Adding to their exclusivity, these stays are booked months if not years in advance, and not without reason. These lodgings provide visitors with access to pristine alpine lakes, nearly empty hiking trails, endless opportunities for connecting with nature and loved ones, and a serenity that is all too foreign in the hustle and bustle of busy modern life. 

Found in the wildest natural habitats conserved on Earth, we rounded up a handful of the most exclusive backcountry accommodations sure to stir the explorer in you.

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Getting There

The easiest way to access the North Cascades is by car from the city of Seattle. From Seattle, you can take I-5 north to Burlington, and then take State Route 20 (also called the North Cascades Highway) east to the park. The North Cascades Highway is closed in winter due to snow, so check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for current road conditions and closures. Once you get to the North Cascades, there are several areas to explore, including North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Each of these areas has its own entrances and visitor centers, so be sure to check park maps and websites for more information.

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Lake Chelan is over 31 miles long and nestled around its steep banks, you can find some of the most beautiful and wild land in the country. The North Cascades are known as the American Alps for the jagged peaks that cover this remote corner of the world. Many of the mountains in the North Cascades take days to access by foot, and few roads invade the heart of this range. 

Lake Chelan spans from sagebrush-covered buttes and the town of Chelan on the southeastern end, to remote granitic peaks and the small community of Stehekin, accessible only by foot or boat, on the northwestern end. 

Taking a trip to Lake Chelan could mean relaxing in a lakeside resort and swimming, kayaking, and lounging your day away. Or it could mean hiking 23 miles or taking a multi-hour ferry on the trip to Stehekin. The number of diverse recreation opportunities and views around Lake Chelan is unmatched. 

There’s a trip for anyone at Lake Chelan, from days in the backcountry to lakeside lounging. Learn more and plan your trip to Lake Chelan with this ultimate guide.

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Getting there

The easiest way to access the North Cascades is by car from the city of Seattle. Head North on I-5 to the town of Burlington, where the freeway is bisected by Highway 20. Turn East on Highway 20, driving through the lush farmland of the Skagit valley until they give way to dense coastal rainforests and the road climbs, winding steeply into the mountainous area of the North Cascades.

Accommodations

While there are plenty of day trip hikes using Seattle as the jumping off point, many visitors choose to stay closer to the trailheads in towns such as Marblemount or Mazama; car camp at one of the many campgrounds throughout the park; or spend as much time in the wilderness as possible by backpacking (backcountry permit required here).

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