Spanning more than 500,000 acres, the North Cascades National Park is one of the largest of three National Park Service units in Washington State. It was established as a National Park in 1968 in order to preserve the mountain scenery, snowfield, glaciers, waterfalls and alpine meadows that make up the North Cascades. Since then it has been nicknamed the “American Alps.”
The North Cascades Institute is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that inspires and empowers people to enjoy and learn about the mountains, rivers, and forests of the Pacific Northwest.
The Institute offers many opportunities to explore their award-winning campus in the heart of North Cascades National Park, including spending the night at their base camp, attending classes, and so much more!
This staggeringly scenic road trip is just one of the many outings that make driving near Whatcom County an essential adventure! Find more about driving The Cascade Loop, North Cascades Highway, Chuckanut Drive, and the Mount Baker Highway here.
Have fun exploring and seeing the sights!
The eastern half of Whatcom County is encompassed by North Cascades National Park, as well as the town of Newhalem on Highway 20. Find hiking trails here at Ladder Creek Falls.
