Historical Overview 

The earliest recorded ascent of Mount Hood dates back to July 11, 1857, when a group of seven climbers, led by Henry Pittock, successfully reached the summit. This achievement marked the beginning of Mount Hood’s mountaineering history.  

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mountaineering on Mount Hood gained popularity. The Mazamas, a mountaineering organization based in Portland, played a significant role in promoting and organizing climbs on the mountain. They established several routes, including the South Side Route, which is still one of the most commonly used routes today.  

In 1937, the historic Timberline Lodge was completed on Mount Hood’s south side, providing climbers with a basecamp and shelter. The lodge has since become an iconic landmark and a popular starting point for many climbers. Over the years, Mount Hood has witnessed numerous mountaineering achievements and tragedies. It has served as a training ground for aspiring climbers and a destination for experienced mountaineers seeking a challenging ascent. The mountain’s accessibility and proximity to Portland have contributed to its popularity among climbers of all skill levels. 

Today, Mount Hood continues to attract thousands of climbers each year. It offers a variety of routes, ranging from relatively straightforward to highly technical, catering to different levels of experience and skill. The mountain’s beauty, combined with the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching its summit, ensures that Mount Hood will remain a cherished destination for mountaineers for years to come. 

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From Hwy 101, visitors drive 18 miles through a combination of National Forest and private land until reaching the National Park’s visitor center, campground, and trailhead. Bathrooms and restroom facilities await visitors ready for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking treks starting from the same trailhead. The Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses Trail allow guests to soak in the stunning old growth scenery and fertile forest without straying too far from civilization, while the Hoh River Trail encourages hikers to explore deeper into the forest on both day hikes and backpacking trips. This trail winds 17.4 miles along the forest floor following the Hoh River from the visitor center to the edge of the Blue Glacier, flowing off the shoulder of the tallest mountain in the park, Mt. Olympus. Along the way, hikers are met with a world of greenery and vibrant life. From carpets of ferns and mosses teeming with banana slugs, to ancient conifers fed by an average 140 inches of rain each year, the Hoh River trail guides you through biodiversity that will capture your curiosity.  

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The accommodations on the Olympic Peninsula do fill up quickly, so plan ahead, be flexible with your dates, or simply book an adventure with Wildland Trekking!

Lake Crescent 

Lake Crescent is a pristine destination known for its serene ambiance from the crystal-clear waters carved by glaciers. Nearby, you can access the Marymere Falls trail, where you can enjoy diverse plant life, a beautiful waterfall, and perhaps encounter Roosevelt Elk. For those in search of an adrenaline rush, you can check out the challenging Mount Storm King hike, which takes hikers up a rugged path lined with fixed ropes to exposed outcrops with incredible views.

Lake Crescent Lodge: As far as historic lodges go, it doesn’t get much more charming than the Lake Crescent Lodge. Here, you can find the ideal blend of natural beauty and comfortable lodging. With its lakeside views, eerie history, and inviting cottages, this lodge is a haven of tranquility. Guests can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to explore the lake, or grab a lavender lemonade while enjoying the views from the elegant sunroom. Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to try the local seafood specialties at the lodge’s renowned restaurant.

Fairholme Campground: Nestled amidst towering trees, this picturesque campground offers tent and RV sites along the lake’s western edge. Visitors will wake up to the sound of lapping water and enjoy the day swimming, fishing, or canoeing on the lake. There is als a general store at this campsite, where you can pick up last-minute camping supplies. 

Log Cabin Resort: On the north side of Lake Crescent lies the rustic Log Cabin Resort, which offers chalets, cabins, rooms, and RV and tent sites. There’s a general store and restaurant, to fuel you before exploring the Spruce Railroad trail, an enticing trail for hikers and cyclists that was once a crucial railway for the timber industry during World War I. This north side of the lake also boasts incredible views of Mount Storm King. 

Pacific Coast 

Kalaloch Campground: Perched along the Pacific Coast, Kalaloch Campground offers stunning ocean views and easy beach access. It features both tent and RV camping options and serves as an ideal base for exploring the nearby Kalaloch Beaches and Ruby Beach. Visitors can walk down to the Tree of Life, a gravity-defying tree that clings onto the coastal cliffs, explore tidepools at low tide, and relax on the shore.

Kalaloch Lodge: Just a half mile from Kalaloch Campground, the Kalaloch lodge is another charming option to stay on the coastline. Built in the 1920s, this accommodation offers cabins and rooms, all of which come with a walking stick for exploring the surroundings. The lodge is committed to decreasing their environmental impact, as they implement energy and water conservation appliances and offer electric vehicle charging stations. 

Lake Quinault 

Lake Quinault Lodge: The Quinault Rainforest is a lush and verdant paradise, boasting ancient trees, moss-covered landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife. For a touch of elegance amidst the wilderness, the Lake Quinault Lodge is a must-visit. Perched on the edge of Lake Quinault, this historic lodge boasts magnificent views and comfortable accommodations. Relax in the inviting lobby, dine in the elegant restaurant, or embark on a hike to discover the hidden gems of the surrounding area.

Sol Duc Valley

Sol Duc Campground and Hot Springs Resort: The Sol Duc Campground is a beautiful place to enjoy the Olympic Peninsula’s old-growth forest ecosystem–you’ll camp right in the heart of it! Nearby, you can hike through fern and moss-laden trails, or fish in the sparkling Sol Duc River. This is also a great jumping off point to explore the world-famous Hoh Rainforest, the virgin temperate rainforest that gives the Olympic Peninsula its UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. You won’t be far from luxury, though, as you can soak and relax at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort before nodding off under the 200-year old trees. If camping isn’t your thing, the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resorts also offers wonderful cabin rentals. 

Hoodsport/Lake Cushman Area

Staircase Campground: On the northwest edge of Lake Cushman, the Staircase Campground is a great access point for the Staircase hike along the Skykomish River or to jump into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Cushman. Campers can easily access the town of Hoodsport to grab food or ice cream treats. This area is also an excellent gateway to explore the Hood Canal– you can even go SCUBA diving!

Hurricane Ridge Road

Heart O’ the Hills Campground: For those seeking a mountain retreat, Heart O’ the Hills Campground is an excellent choice. Situated in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, it provides a serene setting with easy access to hiking trails, including the breathtaking Hurricane Ridge. This hike features amazing views of the Olympic Mountains, including Mount Olympus and Blue Glacier, which feeds the Hoh River. 

Know before you go: sadly, the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge recently suffered from severe fire damage. As of May 2023, the Hurricane Ridge Road is closed past the Heart O’ the Hills Campground. Always check the Olympic National Park website for the most recent updates!

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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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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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