My Favorite Photos From the North Cascades
Washington’s North Cascades is a beautiful, rugged range slicing North and South through the state’s middle and into Canada. Most people know them thanks to North Cascades National Park, but few visit its boundaries. (It ranked in the bottom 10 in visitation in 2023.)
But the entire mountain range sees plenty of visitors, and it’s no surprise why. It’s one of the most stunning natural destinations in America. Here are some of my favorite photos from the North Cascades.
Sahale Glacier Camp
Perched dramatically at the end of Sahale Arm, Sahale Glacier Camp offers breathtaking views that are a highlight in North Cascades photos. This high-altitude campsite overlooks jagged peaks and rolling glaciers, presenting a perfect sunrise and sunset photography backdrop.
Maple Pass
A favorite among hikers, Maple Pass, is featured in many photos of the North Cascades due to its spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and larch trees that turn golden in the fall. It’s a stunning location to capture the changing seasons.
Copper Glance Lake
Nestled in a rugged basin, Copper Glance Lake is a hidden gem perfect for North Cascades photos. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding cliffs and peaks, creating stunning, mirror-like images.
Cutthroat Pass
Cutthroat Pass provides expansive views of the North Cascades, and photos often capture the sweeping valleys and distant peaks. The area bursts into vibrant colors in the fall.
Grasshopper Pass
Grasshopper Pass is an ideal spot for photos of the North Cascades. It features stunning meadows, gorgeous fall colors, and expansive mountain vistas. The area is less traveled, offering a peaceful backdrop for photography.
Slate Peak
At one of the highest drivable points in Washington, Slate Peak offers panoramic photos of the North Cascades. The lookout tower at the summit provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, including glimpses into Canada.
Sahale Arm
Sahale Arm is a ridge leading to Sahale Glacier Camp. It’s famous in North Cascades photos for its stunning alpine landscapes and opportunities to spot wildlife, including mountain goats and marmots.
Doubtful Lake
Situated just below Sahale Arm, Doubtful Lake is a serene location. Photos capture its deep blue waters contrasted against the rugged mountain backdrop, a quintessential scene in the North Cascades.
Glacier Peak from Vesper Peak
Photos from Vesper Peak featuring Stuart Peak capture one of the most epic views in the Cascade Range. This location offers dramatic vistas of the peak, especially striking at sunset or sunrise.
Mount Baker
Mount Baker is one of the most iconic locations in North Cascades photos. It is known for its massive glaciers and frequent dramatic cloud formations, which make for dynamic and powerful photography.
Winchester Mountain
Winchester Mountain is a hidden gem in the North Cascades, but it offers accessible hiking to the lookout, which offers sweeping views of the Twin Lakes and surrounding peaks. It’s a great spot for both sunrise and sunset images, and you can even go backpacking there!
Yellow Aster Butte
Photos of North Cascades often highlight Yellow Aster Butte for its stunning wildflower displays in the summer and dramatic snow-covered peaks in the winter, offering a diverse range of photographic opportunities.
Artist Point
Artist Point is perhaps one of the most photographed locations in the North Cascades. It is known for its accessible panoramic views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, ideal for capturing dramatic weather conditions and stunning landscapes.
Iceberg Lake
As the name suggests, Iceberg Lake is famous in North Cascades for its epic views (but no actual icebergs) against a backdrop of cliffs. The striking contrast makes it a favorite among photographers seeking unique landscape shots.
