Chiseled by glaciers over many millennia, the Pacific Northwest's signature mountains form an extraordinarily scenic swath of the Washington landscape, as well as a hugely varied recreational resource. So formidable is this geographical feature that it wasn't until 1972 that a paved road, the North Cascades Highway, provided a passage through. Scenic as the drive is, even more spectacular alpine vistas await those who depart the road for the backcountry trails. Hanging glaciers, craggy peaks, wildflower-laced meadows, forested valleys and pristine lakes lure thousands of visitors annually to North Cascades National Park, actually an agglomeration of national recreation areas and forests. Though accommodations are scarce, those willing to tote a backpack will find numerous campsites in the wilderness. Seasoned hikers rank the relatively undemanding Cascade Pass trail among the best treks for its glacier views; it's also the chief land access to enchanting Stehekin Valley, otherwise reached only by boat or plane from Chelan. Besides hiking, there's snowboarding on Mount Baker, whitewater rafting down the Nooksack River and over 100 miles of cross-country ski trails along the Methow Valley.
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Daniel C. Schechter has contributed chapters to ten Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the Mexico, Caribbean Islands, and Pacific Northwest guides.
Chiseled by glaciers over many millennia, the Pacific Northwest's signature mountains form an extraordinarily scenic swath of the Washington landscape, as well as a hugely varied recreational resource. So formidable is this geographical feature that it wasn't until 1972 that a paved road, the North Cascades Highway, provided a passage through. Scenic as the drive is, even more spectacular alpine vistas await those who depart the road for the backcountry trails. Hanging glaciers, craggy peaks, wildflower-laced meadows, forested valleys and pristine lakes lure thousands of visitors annually to North Cascades National Park, actually an agglomeration of national recreation areas and forests. Though accommodations are scarce, those willing to tote a backpack will find numerous campsites in the wilderness. Seasoned hikers rank the relatively undemanding Cascade Pass trail among the best treks for its glacier views; it's also the chief land access to enchanting Stehekin Valley, otherwise reached only by boat or plane from Chelan. Besides hiking, there's snowboarding on Mount Baker, whitewater rafting down the Nooksack River and over 100 miles of cross-country ski trails along the Methow Valley.
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Daniel C. Schechter has contributed chapters to ten Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the Mexico, Caribbean Islands, and Pacific Northwest guides.
Interests
| Eco-tourism |
| National Park |
| Nature |
|
Activities
| Bird Watching |
| Camping |
| Canoe/Kayak |
| Fishing |
| Hike/Backpack |
| Mtn. Biking |
| Rafting |
| |
| Rock Climbing |
| Scenic Drive |
| Snow Skiing |
| Snowboarding |
| Walking |
|