National Parks Across the Cascade Range

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, back-country 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:

Discovery Point Trail (Easy) - Length 3.8km/2.36mi
Sun Notch Trail (Easy) - Length 1.3km/0.81mi
Garfield Peak Trail (Moderate) - Length 5.5km/3.42mi
The Watchman Peak Trail (Moderate) - Length 2.7km/1.68mi
Cleetwood Cove Trail (Moderate) - Length 3.2km/1.98mi

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 Northwest 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 skiing and snow boarding
Go Elk Feeding
Winter Camping

If you would like more information about the many activities in and around Mount Rainier National Park, visit their official site HERE.

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 cab-ins, 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 National Park Trails

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

Bumpass Hell Trail (Easy) - Length 4.3km/2.67mi
Mazanita Lake Loop (Easy) - Length 3.1km/1.93mi
King's Creek Falls Trail (Moderate) - Length 4.3km/2.67mi
Cinder Cone Nature Trail (Strenuous) - Length 6.4km/3.98mi
Lassen Peak (Strenuous) - Length 8.2km/5.1mi

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

Skagit River Loop Trail (Easy) - Length 3.1km/1.93km
Thunder Creek Trail (Moderate) - Length 16.6km/10.32mi
Cascade Pass Trail (Moderate) - Length 10.5km/6.52mi
Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail (Strenuous) - Length 19.5km/12.12mi
Piece Mountain Camp via Sourdough Mountain Trail (Strenuous) - Length 16.9km/10.5mi

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.

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