My visits to our national parks always seem to coincide with some special moment in my life. It feels like I discover a new park exactly when I need it. My first trip to North Cascades National Park was no different.  

My roommate, Patrick, and our friend, Tim, already knew what was waiting for me beyond the boundary of the park. Weeks before, they made a road trip to this secluded gem a few hours northeast of Seattle. Thankfully, they didn’t spoil anything for me. They did prepare me for the awe and wow awaiting my arrival.  

On a crystal-clear day, we filled Tim’s car with our camera/hiking bags. Our plan was to hike up to one of the many lakes in the park, and then make a few stops to grab some photos.  

As we made our way toward the park, highway noise was slowly replaced with passing trees and rushing water. Consumed in an endless sea of evergreens, I could feel my excitement level rising. I love our national parks, but tackling a new adventure with two of my best friends made this time even more special.  

As we crossed a metal bridge to fully enter the park, I was stunned into disbelief. With each new mile, I saw a buffet of deep valleys, tree-lined mountains, and aqua blue water. At first, it didn’t feel real. It still doesn’t. It also felt gluttonous to have so much beauty in my backyard. How did three guys get so lucky?  

After a quick drive through the park, we arrived at our trailhead right off State Route 20. Shoving cameras, snacks, and water deep into our packs, we began slowly climbing toward a lake a few miles away.  

An hour later, we arrived at our destination. To our surprise, we had this little slice of heaven to ourselves. We snapped photos, ate, and laughed. In every direction, there were vistas demanding our attention and practically begging to be forever enshrined in photographs. To the best of our ability, we obliged.  

Hungry for more, we made our way back to the car. From there, we headed to an overlook that was supposed to provide great angles of the jagged peaks and the highway running through the park. After that, we headed toward the world-famous Diablo Lake. Both stops left my jaw on the ground. As a simple kid from the flatlands of Oklahoma, I was not used to so much beauty. I didn’t know the Earth could do things I was seeing before me. I considered myself beyond blessed to be standing in the shadow of so much bounty.  

After snapping hundreds of photos, we decided it was time to head back toward civilization and Seattle. As we rode the curves through the park, the windshield seemed like a movie screen displaying scenes from Planet Earth in 8K resolution. Once again, I considered myself lucky to have such a treasure in my backyard.  

Years after our trip, I would learn that North Cascades National Park is the least visited park in the state. In 2023, just 40,351 people (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) visited the park. In Washington State, Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Parks rightfully steal the show. I understand the attention they receive, but in my heart of hearts, I feel North Cascades National Park is one of the most beautiful in the entire park system.  

But the lack of crowds is also one of the park’s many selling points. It is never crowded and unspoiled by people who can never fully appreciate it. Those who choose to visit this park are choosing to go out of their way to do so. When they do, I know many of them walk away with a feeling like mine. If you choose to make the journey, prepare yourself. You will be truly amazed.  

Be good to each other,  

Nathan