One day in North Cascades National Park

This past weekend I began my Pacific Northwest roadtrip with a bang at North Cascades National Park. After driving 10 hours on Saturday, camping out overnight, and then driving 3.5 more hours on Sunday, I finally reached the park. After stopping at the visitor center for some information, I set out to the eastern end of the park for a hike to Blue Lake. This was a fairly easy 4.4 mile trek. It was a nice way to start the trip as I worked in and out of the forest, catching glimpses of the stunning Cascade mountains along the way. After about an hour, I reached the lake.

The water was so blue and clear! I was tempted to jump in, but it was a bit windy up at the lake, and I noticed the snow melting into the far end. I decided against freezing my ass off even though the water looked super tempting. I walked around the beautiful lake and watched the small trout darting around the shoreline. Across the lake from me a mountain goat was munching on some vegetation too!

Overlooks

After finishing up my hike, I drove my way back west along the highway that runs through the national park. Interestingly, North Cascades is a free national park because of this highway. This certainly doesn't take anything away from the park though as the drive and views are just stunning! I stopped off at numerous outlooks along the way back to the entrace I came in.

The views just blew me away. I was originally impressed by the Wasatch Mountains when I moved to Salt Lake City. The Cascades are on a whole other level! And the glacier water resembled a Blue Gatorade color. It was unlike anything I have seen in my life!

Needless to say this roadtrip is off to a hot start. I can't wait to see what else is in store!

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Until next time!

-Hawkin