North Cascades National Park

The North Cascades are called the 'American Alps' for a reason - 300+ glaciers, jagged peaks, and wilderness so remote that more people summit Everest each year than explore the North Cascades backcountry. This is Pacific Northwest alpine at its finest: massive views, challenging terrain, and weather that demands respect. You'll hike through old-growth forest to alpine meadows exploding with wildflowers, camp beside turquoise glacial lakes, and wake to mountain goats grazing outside your tent. The North Cascades teach you that beauty and difficulty aren't opposites - they're partners. This is advanced stuff for crews ready for real mountains.