HOW I TRAVELED THROUGH THE NORTH CASCADES WITH MY DOG
My Trusty Pup Ruby loves to join me on hikes, and there is little she loves more than the epic outdoorsiness of a dog-friendly national park. Ruby has been to six national parks so far, including Redwoods and Olympic National Parks. Read on to see how your dog can join you on dog-friendly hikes in North Cascades National Park in Washington State.
Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
WHY NORTH CASCADES IS DOG FRIENDLY
North Cascades National Park (NCNP) is part of a larger national park service complex that also includes Ross Lake National Recreation Area (NRA) and Lake Chelan NRA. Many of the most popular hikes are not technically on national park land, they are in Ross Lake NRA or national forest land, which allows well-behaved leashed dogs on hikes. I will use NCNP or North Cascades to denote the entire national park service complex.
Within North Cascades National Park itself, dogs are only allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), on paved areas where cars can normally go, and within 50 feet of roads.
This area of the Pacific Northwest is three hours from Seattle, and is nestled in, as the name implies, the Cascade mountains. Highway 20 is the only road that goes through NCNP, and it closes due to snowfall at Washington Pass over the winter. Newhalem, Marblemount and Mazama are small towns with many small hotels and vacation rentals, which are frequently dog-friendly. You can also camp at a number of public and private campgrounds off of Highway 20 with your dog.
North Cascades is one of the least visited parks – only 30,000 people visit this park per year. Outside of a few very popular fall trails, many trails receive few hikers year-round. If your dog is like mine and doesn’t do well hiking on crowded trails, North Cascades will be a very dog-friendly national park for you and your pup.
What about Mt. Rainier National Park? Or Olympic National Park? I compiled a guide to the dog-friendliest National Parks to help you find the right one for you.
DOG-FRIENDLY HIKES IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMPLEX
As with any park or trail, you and your dogs should be courteous BARK Rangers. Dogs must remain leashed, pack plenty of water, and pick up and pack out after your dog. I’ve linked each hike to its Washington Trails Association trail page. Be sure to read the directions, notes and trip reports thoroughly to evaluate if this hike is appropriate for the fitness level of you and your dog.
I also use the Mountaineers Day Hikes: North Cascades book (af link) before each hike to see if the hike is dog-friendly, and if it’s accessible during winter. You can also refer to North Cascades National Park, Wa No. 16sx Green Trails Map (af link). Many hikes in the North Cascades are at higher elevation, and may receive snow October through May. Highway 20 will close at Washington Pass over the winter, so some hikes may be completely inaccessible. The bonus to this is that Highway 20 becomes a snowshoe trail for you and your dog when it is closed!
THUNDER CREEK
North Cascades National Park: 12 miles RT; 1,300 ft elevation gain; No pass required
This easy trail through the woods is right off Highway 20 before Diablo Lake and has plenty of parking. The total mileage is 12 miles, but as it’s an out-and-back, you can hike until you or your pup get tired and turn around. We hiked this for the first time in October 2023, and saw only one other person on the trail. This trail is multi-use and horses can sometimes be found on the trail.
The trail itself winds its way around the creek through old-growth cedars and firs, and is a bit rocky but mostly dirt covered in pine needles. Washington Trails Association trail page says that a “backcountry” camp is found two miles in, and another towards the end of the trail. This trail is also the jumping off point for many other backcountry trails deeper into the forest.
This was a nice option for us because the elevation is not too extreme, especially if you only hike the first few miles, as we did. My trusty pup liked this trail for the various smells (undoubtedly the horse smells helped!) and wide open trail. You might be tempted to let your dog off leash but keep in mind this is bear and mountain lion country. Be aware!
THUNDER KNOB
North Cascades National Park: 3.6 miles RT; 635 ft elevation gain; No pass required
Across the street from the parking lot for Thunder Creek are a few spots for Thunder Knob, a 3.6 mile RT dog-friendly trail off of Highway 20 in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. We originally intended to hike this trail, but ended up hiking Thunder Creek as mentioned above because there is a small creek crossing at the beginning of the trail. SOMEONE would not hike it (hint: it was not me) so we turned around to find another option.
The creek has bridges over it for an easy crossing in the summer. The bridges are removed in the winter. Depending on the weather, rain and snowfall, the creek may not be safe to cross. If you or your dog are not comfortable crossing the creek either, this is still a nice place to park and explore the Colonial Creek campground. We walked around the empty campground roads and had direct access to the lake as well.
I originally picked this hike since it was very flat (635 ft elevation gain), and would have fall colors and views of Sourdough Mountain. I look forward to hiking it again once the bridges are back across the creek.
DIABLO LAKE TRAIL
North Cascades National Park: 7.6 miles RT; 1,400 ft elevation gain; No pass required
Diablo Lake is the lake you see in any photograph of North Cascades, with that classic teal blue color that is the result of glacial silt in the water. You and your dog can hike this RT hike to see excellent vistas of the lake from Ross Dam.
Ruby and I have not hiked this trail yet, although I understand it is fairly popular since it is easily accessible and has such great views. If you do not want to do the entire hike, you can instead see Diablo Lake from the large parking lot and viewpoint, which has restrooms and water as well.
Be forewarned that in the summer of 2023, this area was damaged by wildfires. Check the parks website before going to ensure safety.
HAPPY-PANTHER TRAIL
North Cascades National Park: 12.5 miles RT; 1,200 ft elevation gain; No pass required
The internet assures me this trail name comes from the names of the two creeks, not the presence of any mountain lions. This is another bookmarked trail for the next spring, when the waterfalls on the trail are flowing with snowmelt.
Happy-Panther is near Ross Dam and is a 12.5 mile roundtrip hike, although you can shorten or extend it by combining with other trails at the end of six miles. This trail does not seem very busy, as the WTA page does not have any recent trip reports. If you like an easily accessible, moderate hike off Highway 20, this might be for you.
BAKER LAKE-MAPLE GROVE (MT. BAKER)
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: 8 miles RT, 500 feet elevation gain; NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass required
While this hike is not technically in the NCNP, it is adjacent to the park in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. I did this hike last fall with Trusty Pup and thoroughly enjoyed it. This hike is accessible from three different parking lots along the trail. We hiked it from south to north for several miles. What made this dog-friendly was the openness of the trail, and the easy access to the lake. We stopped to play in the lake on a very warm, fall day while a family played in the lake nearby.
If you want to try “backcountry” camping with your dog, this is also a good choice for a starter trip. The Anderson Point campground about two miles in from the south parking lot that is first come first served. It had bear boxes, vault toilets, and views of Baker Lake as well. You can also hike further onto the trail to access additional campsites like Maple Grove.
The trail here winds along the lake and rarely receives snow, so it is a beautiful year-round dog-friendly hike. It’s also very flat, so it’s more of a pleasant walk in the woods than a leg burner.
BLUE LAKE (OKANOGAN-WENATCHEE NF)
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: 4.4 Mile RT; 1,050 elevation; NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass Required
Blue Lake is another dog-friendly trail that is adjacent to North Cascades National Park, technically in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Located on the far west side of the park area, it is not accessible from Seattle during the late fall to early spring when Highway 20 is closed.
This trail is a 4.4 mile out and back trail to the aforementioned Blue Lake, but it has relatively little elevation gain despite its views. It’s a very short distance to Washington Pass, so you are already fairly high up.
This trail is on my to-do list for next summer or fall, as it should have terrific fall colors.
CUTTHROAT PASS VIA PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: 10 Mile RT; 2,000 elevation; NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass Required
This is number one on my to-hike list for next year. The PCT is a perfect dog-friendly hike for fall colors, as you will be able to see the larches in September and October with your dog. Per the internet, it is less busy than Maple Pass/Heather Loop, one of THE most popular dog-friendly fall larch hikes. Cutthroat Pass is a 10 mile out-and-back trail with 2000 feet of elevation gain off of Highway 20, 3.5 hours from Seattle.
I had originally picked this hike out when we ended up at Thunder Creek. SOMEONE was puking in the car (again, NOT ME) so we called an audible to get some fresh air.
NOT DOG-FRIENDLY TRAILS IN NORTH CASCADES
Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments or Ingalls Lake Trail near Leavenworth, Washington. While the Heather Lake/Maple Pass trail is dog friendly, it is extraordinarily crowded during fall larch season (September & October), even on week days. Consider finding another trail if your dog is anxious around crowds, people, and other dogs.
DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY
As the North Cascades area is fairly remote, it does not have the typical chain hotels you might find near other parks. Seattle is 2-4 hours away from the park. You could certainly stay in Seattle and do a day trip up to NCNP, although given the time it takes to reach the trailhead, you may want to stay closer. My dog gets carsick, so staying as close to the trails makes for a less stressful day.
Large cities on the west side are Bellingham (also has an airport), Mount Vernon and Burlington. On the west side, Wenatchee (airport) is the closest large city.
If you are looking for local hotels or vacation rentals, you will likely look in Darrington, Newhalem or Marblemount on the west side, and Winthrop or Methow Valley (possibly Chelan) on the east side.
Glacier Peak Resort and Winery, Rockport/Marblemount: I stayed here with my dog during COVID, as this was just about the only place open. We enjoyed the private cabin and river trails along the water. Glacier Peak Resort also has a restaurant and wine tasting room, helpfu since there are not many eateries nearby. Also has RV and tent sites. Rates from $90.
Incredible mountain views, off grid cottage sleeps 4, Marblemount: I would not normally include a complete “off-grid” cabin in my recs. However, there are so few affordable pet-friendly cabins near North Cascades that it might work for your trip. There is a propane fridge and stove, but no electricity or wifi. Instead cuddle up with your puppo and make some smores at this cabin nestled into the woods. Rates from $175.
Gateway to North Cascades National Park on the Cascade River, Marblemount: This three bedroom cabin is right on the river and can fit your entire family with two beds and a set of bunkbeds. The VRBO page does not list a pet fee, ymmv. Rates from $450.
Cascade River Cabin + Hot Tub, Firepit, Marblemount: This is an “off-grid” cabin but has Starlink internet and solar panels to run it. It looks nestled in the woods straight out of a movie AND has a hot tub. VRBO does not list a pet fee, ymmv. Rates from $371.
Spacious, Dog-Friendly Riverside A-Frame Cabin w/ Mt Baker Views, Concrete: This hotel has limited availability for November 2023 as I write this; with no availability in the foreseeable future. I am including it here in case they open up their schedule as it has 10/10 reviews and is under $200 a night. It also allows up to three dogs! Click through and hopefully they have opened up availability once spring hits.
New Sauk River Retreat, Concrete: What this four-bedroom home lacks in decor charm, it makes up for with space and proximity to the Sauk River. You will have plenty of space to wind down after hiking nearby trails. Rates from $249, with a reasonable $45 pet fee per night.
Cozy Darrington Cottage w/ Grill, Near Trails, Darrington: Darrington is still close to two hours away from some of the farthest Cascade trails, but it’s a very cute town to base yourself out of. I liked getting coffee and a sandwich at Moe’s. Plus there is a grocery, a bar or three, and light trails in the area as well. Rates from $175, though it does have a $100 pet fee.
Snowater Respite, Deming (Mt. Baker): This is closer to the Mt. Baker side of the park, and is part of the larger Snowater development. This condo area has two indoor pools, pickleball courts and playgrounds. Rates from $250, though a pet fee is not specified on Booking.
The Inn at Mazama, Mazama: Several of the cabins and rooms at this inn in the Methow Valley are pet-friendly. Enjoy one of 18 cabins, some with hot tubs, very close to trails, skiing and mountain biking. Rates from $175.
Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop: A dog-friendly resort on the east side of the Cascades, with a pet fee of $75 per day. The resort has ski runs, pool, spa, playground, and more. Rates from $200 in the winter.
PARK TRAVEL TIPS THAT WILL BE HELPFUL:
- Cascade Loop – The Highway 20 loop is known as the Cascade Loop and has a lot of information about sights, lodgings, restaurants and more.
- Highway 20 closes each winter at Washington Pass, and may close for wildfires. Stay up to date with the WSDOT real-time map.
- You Did What With Your Weiner for the name alone! Read for some great lists of dog-friendly and dachshund-friendly hikes in the North Cascades, for larch madness, and other areas of the state
- Pawsitively Intrepid has taken her doggo all around Ross Lake NRA and North Cascades
- If you are driving up I-5 from Seattle, Strawberry Fields is the closest off-leash dog park in Marysville.
Check out my top ten dog-friendly National Parks guide.
Want to read more about taking my dog to the national parks? All of my dog-friendly posts are here.
I acknowledge that the North Cascades and surrounding areas are on land originally belonging to Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Tribe, Lummi Nation, Stó:lō Nation, Nlaka’pamux Nation, Colville Confederated Tribes, and Syilx/Okanagan Nations.
