Things To Do in Washington - North Cascades National Park Newhalem Area Day Hikes

Welcome
Many hours can be spent exploring trails in the Newhalem vicinity. From valley paths to accessible boardwalks, there is variety and reward for everyone. Enjoy the North Cascades!

Sterling Munro Trail
Trailhead is just outside the northwest corner of the North Cascades Visitor Center. This 330 foot (100 m) boardwalk trail offers excellent views of the Picket Range up the Goodell Creek drainage. Wheelchair accessible.

River Loop Trail
The 1.8 mile (2.9 km) loop starts from the northeast corner of the North Cascades Visitor Center, leading through a variety of forest growth to a peaceful gravel bar with sweeping river views. This trail gives access to loops A & B in Newhalem Creek Campground, the amphitheater and "To Know a Tree" trail.

"To Know a Tree" Nature Trail
Accessible from points near the Newhalem Creek Campground entrance station and amphitheater. Mostly level, 0.5 miles (0.8 km), with packed gravel surface. Skirts the campground, follows the river, wanders among large trees, and lush understory growth. Find plaques interpreting common trees and plants along the way.

Rock Shelter Trail
Starts 0.3 miles (0.5 km) east along the service road past Newhalem Creek Campground loops C & D, 40 yards (35 m) beyond the steel grated Newhalem Creek Bridge. Path is wheelchair accessible; 1000 ft (300 m) long with easy grades. Ends at an overlook of a rock shelter used thousands of years ago by native peoples, or take a side trail 1600 ft (500 m) to an old growth cedar glade near Newhalem Creek.

"Trail of the Cedars" Nature Walk
(Courtesy of Seattle City Light.) Starts at the suspension bridge south of the store at Newhalem or from the Newhalem Creek Powerhouse at the end of the service road past C & D loops of Newhalem Creek Campground. Level loop trail of 0.3 miles (0.5 km) through large old cedars. Interpretive plaques.

Ladder Creek Falls
(Courtesy of Seattle City Light.) Located behind Gorge Powerhouse in upper Newhalem. Cross suspension bridge to powerhouse, follow signs. Flower gardens (in summer), colored lights, beautiful pools and falls. Loop of 0.4 miles (0.6 km) with some steep steps and handrails. Flashlight advisable at night.

For Additional Information Contact:

North Cascades National Park
2105 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284-9394
(360) 856-5700

For more information visit the National Park Service website