• North Cascades Visitor Center - Located in Newhalem, the North Cascades Visitor Center offers nature exhibits, park details, a gift shop, two short films, and an easy boardwalk with a magnificent view of the distant Picket Range.
• Newhalem - Allocate a few hours to explore Newhalem, a historic town of the Seattle City Light company. Discover the Skagit Information Center, Skagit General Store, and capture photos of the historic Number 6 engine and Gorge Inn. Enjoy a stroll on the scenic Trail of Cedars across the river and take in the stunning views from the suspension bridge.
• Gorge Powerhouse - From Newhalem, either walk or drive to the Gorge Powerhouse, where another suspension bridge leads to the Ladder Creek Falls Trail. The trail is illuminated every evening, a tradition from the early 1900s showcasing the marvels of electric power.
• Gorge Overlook Trail - Experience two breathtaking views in one visit. Gorge Lake Overlook offers a spectacular view of Gorge Dam and Gorge Lake, framed by the rugged North Cascade Mountains. A short, paved trail leads to the overlook, with an option to return the same way or complete the loop on a gravel trail back to the parking area. From the pedestrian bridge, view the 242-foot Gorge Creek Falls cascading into Gorge Lake.
• Thunder Knob Trail - Starting at Colonial Creek Campground, embark on two popular trails: Thunder Knob and Thunder Creek. The 3.6-mile moderate hike to Thunder Knob provides two viewpoints above Diablo Lake, with glimpses of surrounding peaks. The easy 4-mile Thunder Creek hike meanders through old-growth forests to a suspension bridge.
• Diablo Lake - A must-see along Highway 20, this overlook offers breathtaking views of Diablo Lake with its stunning turquoise waters and the majestic North Cascades towering above.
• Ross Dam Trailhead - The 1.5-mile roundtrip trail to Ross Dam allows hikers to explore the Skagit Hydroelectric Project’s largest dam up close. From the dam’s top, view the southern end of Ross Lake stretching northward. The moderate trail features a 500-foot elevation gain.
• Happy Creek Trailhead - The Happy Creek Forest Walk is an easy, accessible 0.3-mile loop through old-growth forest. Most of the trail is a wooden boardwalk winding through impressively tall trees along Happy Creek.
• Ross Lake Overlook - These two overlooks along the highway provide partial views of Ross Lake’s southern end, visible through the trees. Although Ross Lake is the largest of the three reservoirs along Highway 20, this is the only roadside view.
• Rainy Pass - Rainy Pass offers a picnic area, restrooms, and two beautiful trails. The easy 2-mile round trip to Rainy Lake meanders through lush, mossy forests on a narrow, paved trail to a stunning alpine lake surrounded by mountains. For a more challenging hike with breathtaking panoramic views, try the 6.5-mile Maple Pass Trail, gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation. It’s a prime spot to view the stunning golden larches in the fall.
• Blue Lake Trail - The Blue Lake Trail is a moderately strenuous 4.5-mile climb with a 1,000-foot elevation gain, but the reward is worth the effort. Trek through a beautiful subalpine forest to a crystal-clear mountain lake surrounded by towering granite peaks and teeming with cutthroat trout.
• Washington Pass Overlook - A must-see stop on the North Cascades Highway, Washington Pass Overlook sits at 5,500 feet, marking the road’s highest point and the division between eastern and western Washington. A short interpretive trail offers multiple views of the majestic North Cascades peaks, including Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winters Spires, and Kangaroo Ridge. The trail is partially paved, narrow, and includes rock stairs.
• Cutthroat Lake - This moderately easy 3-mile roundtrip hike through a lovely forest leads to a picturesque mountain lake set in a basin with spectacular views of Cutthroat Peak and Cutthroat Ridge.

• Tours NEVER expire
• Freedom to explore at your own pace
• Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
• Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
• Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
• Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

• Optional meals and refreshments

Explore the rugged beauty of North Cascades National Park with our captivating audio tour! Visit iconic spots like Diablo Lake and Ross Dam while trekking through snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Our expert guides share fascinating stories and facts about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. Immerse yourself in local culture and gain insider knowledge on the forces that shaped these dramatic landscapes. Perfect for families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers, this tour offers an enriching and unforgettable experience. Download, plug in, and start your journey today!

• Additional Starting Point: East of Mazama, WA
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• Park open seasonally depending on weather — check NPS website before visiting
• Some hikes require a National Forest Recreation Pass — $5/vehicle; purchase online or at trailhead kiosks; America the Beautiful Pass accepted
• No gas stations in the park — fill up in Marblemount (west) or Mazama (east); EV charging available in Newhalem
• Food is limited — Skagit General Store in Newhalem has pre-packaged items; nearest restaurants in Marblemount or Mazama/Winthrop
• Cell service is spotty — download the tour on Wi-Fi before arriving
• Bear and cougar country — keep at least 50 yards distance, make yourself look big, back away slowly, and never feed wildlife

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.