Our Favorite Three-Day Car Camping Itineraries: North Cascades National Park

Washington State is home to approximately 19.8 million acres of designated public land, which makes up about 43% of the state's total area. This vast expanse of public land gives us access to two mountain ranges, miles of rugged coastline, hundreds of rivers, lakes, and streams, three national forests, three national parks, one national monument, and multiple wilderness areas. With so much to explore, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. That's why we've put together a series of our favorite three-day car camping itineraries, showcasing some of the best spots across Washington's national parks and outdoor destinations.

North Cascades National Park

Home to boundless wilderness, the likes of which do not exist elsewhere in the lower 48, visiting North Cascades National Park feels like stepping into another world. Known as the American Alps, the North Cascades are a stunning collection of jagged, glaciated peaks adorned with thick old-growth forests and bisected by shimmering mountain lakes and rushing snowmelt rivers. If we had to distill the North Cascades National Park experience into three days, this is how we'd do it.

Day 1: Arrival & Diablo Lake 

Begin your adventure by heading to one of the most iconic spots in the North Cascades: Diablo Lake. Known for its turquoise waters, this lake is the perfect place to kick off your journey.

Camp:

Colonial Creek Campground is located right on the shores of Diablo Lake, offering breathtaking views of the water and surrounding peaks. It's an ideal base for exploring the area, offering both tent sites and RV spaces.

Morning Activity:

Paddle on Diablo Lake: Start your day with a kayak or canoe rental to explore the lake. Paddling the glacial-fed lake gives you a front-row seat to the surrounding landscape. The lake's vibrant color is due to the fine particles of glacier flour suspended in the water, which give it a tropical-like hue.

Afternoon Activity:

Cascade Pass Trail: This moderate 7.4-mile round-trip hike offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys. As you ascend through forests and alpine meadows, the views become more and more spectacular. Keep an eye out for wildlife and eagles overhead.

Evening: 

After your hike, return to Colonial Creek Campground to relax by the lake, make a fire, and prep dinner while you enjoy a late summer sunset.  

Dinner:

 Enjoy your meal by the campfire and fuel up for another day of adventure.

Day 2: Ross Lake & Trailhead Access via Boat

On day two, venture further into the North Cascades to explore Ross Lake and access remote trailheads via the lake's boat system.

Morning Activity:

Ross Lake Resort Water Taxi: Start your day with a water taxi ride from Ross Lake Resort. The resort operates a water taxi service to various trailheads along Ross Lake, providing access to some of the park's most scenic and remote areas.

Trail Options:

East Bank Trail: This 31-mile trail runs along the eastern shore of Ross Lake, offering unrivaled views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trail is relatively flat, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. Take on however much of the trail your heart desires.

Desolation Peak Trail: For a more challenging hike, consider the Desolation Peak Trail. The trailhead can be accessed via a water taxi to the Lightning Creek Boat Camp, followed by a hike to the summit. The trail offers breathtaking of surrounding glaciers and the lake below.  

Afternoon Activity:

Explore Ross Lake: After your hike, take some time to relax by the shores of Ross Lake. If you're interested in boating, the resort offers rentals for kayaks and canoes, allowing you to explore the lake at your own pace.

Evening:

Return to Colonial Creek Campground for the night. Enjoy a peaceful evening by the lake.

Day 3: Baker Lake & Return – A Peaceful Day on the Water

On your final day, head to Baker Lake, another picturesque mountain lake located deep in the wilderness of the North Cascades.

Camp:

Shannon Creek Campground, located along the southern shore of Baker Lake, offers a peaceful hideaway for your last day in the North Cascades.  

Morning Activity:

Baker Lake Trail: If you're up for a short hike, the Baker Lake Trail offers a scenic 9-mile round-trip hike along the lake's edge. The trail offers stunning views of the water, lush forests, and the surrounding mountains. The relatively flat terrain makes it an easy, enjoyable hike for most visitors.

Afternoon on Baker Lake: Cool off after a morning on the trail with a dip in Baker Lake. Swim, paddle, or just relax on the shore with a book in your hand before you return home.

North Cascades National Park offers visitors a glimpse of true wilderness. From jagged peaks and glaciers to mountain lakes and rivers, this place is filled with raw, natural beauty. For other three-day itineraries car camping tips, and head to the Camp N Car blog.