Get Outside | Cascade Loop

The last thing any diehard road tripper wants to do is get stuck sitting in the car for hours on end. The whole point of taking a road trip isn't just to see pretty scenery from the car--it's to get out and explore! Whether your thing is touring historic barns, hiking epic ridgelines or photographing wildlife, the Cascade Loop has got a LOT to keep you busy!

Need to Know Info

North Cascades National Park Hikes Hiking

Know Which Permits/Passes to Take

Most State and Federally operated public lands (parks, trails, forests, wildlife preserves, etc.) will require that you purchase and display the correct permit or pass during your visit. To determine which permits or passes you need, consider if the land says it is State or Federal/National.

Know How to Follow The Rules

Hiking is just like most every other activity or sport—there are unwritten rules that when followed, make the experience much more fun for everyone. And likewise, when not followed, can either drive people crazy or in the worst case scenario, be dangerous. Because we’re in the business of inviting folks from all over the world to come and join us on the trail we figure we would be remiss if we didn’t give folks a few pointers. Take a moment to review Hiking Etiquette before you hit the trails!

Bird of the Week: Red Winged Blackbird

According to the Seattle Audubon Society, Red-winged Blackbirds are widespread and abundant breeders throughout Washington's lowlands. In winter they are often less widespread, but can be abundant along the Columbia River. Many birds in Washington are migratory, and others move to lowlands forming large winter flocks.Red-winged Blackbirds display marked sexual dimorphism. Males in breeding plumage are very familiar birds to many people. They are solid black, with red wing patches. Each patch has a light yellow stripe below, and can be displayed in varying amounts. Female Red winged Blackbirds are… Read More >>>>

North Cascades Photography: Skagit Valley Sunrise

Photographing sunrise requires a bit of luck. You have to decide where to be for the sunrise, and so you go, in the dark, hoping for nice light...Once you're there and the sunrise starts, its usually too late to change locations. Today was one of those exceptions!There are many wonderful vantage points along the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway from which to photograph the Skagit Valley. One of my favorites is Sauk Mountain. The Skagit River loops in broad curves to the west... But this is only a hike for the summer months, access… Read More >>>>

North Cascades Photography: Johnson/Debay Swan Reserve

Skagit Valley is the winter home for Trumpeter and Tundra Swans. The Johnson'/Debay Swan Reserve, located along Francis Road in Clearlake, is a wonderful place to visit them.The Johnson/DeBay Swan Reserve (JDSR), near Mt. Vernon, Washington, is America’s only swan reserve. Owned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Reserve was dedicated in 2001 for the public to view wintering Trumpeter and Tundra Swans.There is a parking area and a bench. In the summer it’s quite green!The winter months are not as colorful, but the migrating waterfowl bring the place alive!It’s a… Read More >>>>

Get Out and Explore!