The “Other” Park In Washington

Just three short hours from the bustling city of Seattle, North Cascades National Park’s rugged beauty unfolds before you, characterized by its jagged peaks, deep forested valleys, cascading waterfalls, and the astonishing presence of over 300 glaciers — more than any other national park in the United States outside of Alaska. As you traverse this alpine landscape, the echoes of thousands of voices from the past crackle to life, telling tales from Native Americans, early European and American fur traders and explorers, to homesteaders and miners, all of whom once called this magnificent land their home. Known affectionately as “The American Alps,” the mountains here are truly impressive and captivating. While living in Colorado allows me to see my fair share of awe-inspiring mountains, I can assure you that the majestic peaks in North Cascades National Park are something that must be experienced firsthand. These mountains all but beg to be hiked and explored, and that is exactly what we set out to do. Due to the abundant glaciers in the area, many pristine lakes have been formed. Fishing is allowed here, so when you plan your hiking adventure, don’t forget to pack along your fishing gear to enjoy a tranquil moment by the water. The lake featured in this photo is called Slide Lake, a gem of a spot amidst the wilderness. The trail appeared to be straightforward enough on the All Trails App, boasting 3 miles and a modest 500 feet of elevation gain. While this information turned out to be accurate, what I didn’t anticipate heading into this hike was the dense cover of bushes and vegetation along the trail. As a result, we found it challenging to see the path most of the time. My large feet ended up catching more tree roots than we could successfully catch fish. I have never experienced such a series of comical tumbles on a hike in my life! After numerous stumbles and laughter, we finally reached the stunning Slide Lake. The scenery was nothing short of beautiful, with the lake's stillness creating a perfect reflection of the surrounding landscape. I wandered around the lake, discovering many great compositions for photography. I love this particular photo because it captures both the towering height of this impressive mountain and the crystal-clear glacier water of the lake, creating a truly enchanting scene.

 
Location: North Cascades National Park, Washington