Journey to the American Alps
It’s one of the most remote and rugged parks in the U.S., and a journey into its solitude and grandeur is unforgettable. The northern reaches of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State are affectionately known as the “American Alps,” because of the seemingly endless sea of jagged peaks and rocky cliff-faces. Embark with a naturalist to the North Cascades on our all inclusive, small group day tour from Seattle. This one-of-a-kind adventure will bring you up the Skagit River Valley, through the region’s serrated ridges adorned with icy blue glaciers, past the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake and within the old growth forests of the national park. This is Seattle’s ONLY North Cascades National Park Day Tour and we can’t wait to share it with you!
Washington’s most remote national park just got a whole lot closer.
Seattle’s ONLY all-inclusive guided day tour to the North Cascades is now available as a small group experience starting Summer 2027!
SAMPLE ITINERARY
7:00-7:30am: Start the day with pickup at your downtown Seattle Accommodations
We will meet you outside the main entrance of your downtown hotel and make the pickup process as easy as possible for you. Make sure we have your correct hotel location on file and expect to get a call the day prior to your tour to confirm your expected pickup window!
Staying north of Seattle? We also offer a centralized pickup option in Lynnwood and Everett with advance notice. Reach out to our team to coordinate this option in advance of your tour.
9:30am: Coffee (and Tea!) Break
Break up the drive to the national park with a scenic stop and restroom break while your guide prepares fresh French Pressed coffee, tea and a light morning snack.
10:30am: Arrive at the National Park!
Take a photo with the national park sign, check out the visitor center and explore the trails around the Newhalem area of the national park.
11:30am: Continue up the Skagit River Valley
Continue the scenic drive up the North Cascades Highway, making time to stop at iconic overlooks and beautiful vistas along the way.
12:00pm: Enjoy an optional guided hike
Join your guide for an optional guided walk along one of the national park trails. Our favorite trails for a day tour include Thunder Knob, Diablo Lake, Ross Dam, or Happy Creek depending on the day.
1:30pm: Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a beautiful picnic lunch served with a view outside in the national park. Our team will prepare everything you need to enjoy a hearty, healthy meal on your tour, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
We are happy to accommodate most common dietary restrictions with advance notice. If you require special accommodations, please reach out to our team at least 48 hours before your tour.
2:30pm: Afternoon in the National Park
The afternoon activities can go in many different directions from embarking on another guided trail walk, driving out to the most iconic viewpoint in the entire region at Washington Pass, or even spending time along the shores of Diablo Lake (cold plunge anyone?). Your guide will build their plan based on the real time weather, season, trail conditions, crowds and group interests for that date.
4:30p: Begin journey back to Seattle
After a full day of adventure, we’ll begin the return back to Seattle and enjoy the serene drive as the craggy Cascades give way to verdant, agricultural valleys as we wind our way out of the Skagit Valley and back to the Emerald City.
7:30pm: Downtown Seattle Drop Offs
Your guide will bring you back to your hotel at the end of the tour (or another requested downtown area location if you prefer)
Photos from Your Destination
