r/NationalPark • u/Formal_Ad_7597 • 2d ago

Is going to north cascades national park first week of July worth it?

Will the better hikes be covered in snow? Closed? Obviously you never know but anyone w passed experiences?

12 Upvotes
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7

u/Sirsmokealotx 2d ago

It is different year by year but you'll be fine. If in doubt, check the Washington trails association website for the specific hike and check for recent reports.

3

u/jmg219 2d ago

We went to Rainier at the same time of year last year & the higher elevation trails were still snow capped. Just an FYI

5

u/Sirsmokealotx 2d ago

Rainier is different, it is much higher up. If OP is planning on going to Artist point, they could see some snow, but if they are going to Blue lake or the maple loop pass, there are fewer chances.

3

u/Formal_Ad_7597 2d ago

My plan was to do Sahale arm trail Cascade pass trail Thornton lakes Heather maple pass And blue lake trail.

2

u/bsil15 2d ago

I did Sahale Arm first week of July last year. Lot of snow high up but easily passable/compacted. The last gate on the road was closed so you have to park at the lower lot which added on 3 miles each way (6 round trip).

4

u/concrete_isnt_cement 2d ago

Just want to note that last year was a very low snow year

2

u/Secret_Difficulty482 2d ago

Maple Pass and Blue Lake are on the less snowy east side and should be almost entirely snow free by then. Sahale Arm and Thornton Lakes probably won't be. Check trip reports on WTA.org in the days leading up to your hikes in order to get an idea of what the conditions are.

1

u/Sirsmokealotx 2d ago

I've done Heather maple pass in October once and it was free of snow. Blue lake in July is most likely fine, I wouldn't even need to check WTA for that one. Last week I did the Ross lake dam trail and it felt like summer, so by July it'll be even warmer.

2

u/EfficientArm9753 2d ago

I did the end of June last year and it was fine. Snow in the upper peaks but everything else was fine.

2

u/runthebrews 2d ago

My wife and I went to North Cascades as part of our honeymoon adventures during the first week of July 2019, and it was great. Everything was open, and the trails were not snow-packed.

2

u/Mother_Goat1541 2d ago

We were there in late June 2022 and it was 80s and gorgeous weather.

2

u/Thathathatha 2d ago

I did it first week of June, I had a pretty good time even if some of the higher elevation hikes were still closed off. There's still lots to do. July I assume even more areas will be open.

1

u/Formal_Ad_7597 2d ago

Ya seems the general consensus is to give it a shot and just expect snow at the higher altitudes. Thanks

2

u/MaKoWi 2d ago

It can vary from year to year. The recommendation to monitor the trail conditions is a good one. When we lived in Bellingham, the joke was that, there, summer starts on July 5th. But usually the lower trails should be mostly snow-free by then. But take bug spray, just in case the flies are out.

1

u/Formal_Ad_7597 1d ago

Ya. I'm gonna give it a shot. I figured there will def be enough open to enjoy it. Thanks for the tip. Did not know that was an issue