If you’re visiting North Cascades National Park, you better be ready for some epic views and stunning hikes. North Cascades are absolutely incredible and it’s one of the National Parks really known for hiking. If you’re worried the only worthwhile hikes will be long hikes that can’t be done with mobility issues or little kids, don’t fret! We’ve got you covered with the best easy hikes in the North Cascades.

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NOTE: a lot of these hikes are located on the North Cascades Highway which does close in the winter. Make sure to check the road status if you’re going in the spring or fall. We’ve visited in May and had good success, but some of the bigger hikes could be snowed in at that point so checking trail reports is always encouraged.

1. Washington Pass Overlook

Distance: 0.3 miles
Elevation: 114 feet
Stroller friendly? No

Washington Pass Overlook is one of the hikes that will give you a TON of bang for your buck. It’s a super short path to an absolutely EPIC view at the top of Washington Pass. Keep your little ones close as there are a few steep drop offs here, but it’s definitely worth a stop as you drive highway 20.

How to get there: Washington Pass Overlook is located along the North Cascades Highway at the top! You’ll find a turnoff and it’s a really quick drive to get to the trail.

2. Diablo Lake Overlook

Distance: 0.2 miles
Elevation: flat
Stroller friendly? yes

Diablo Lake Overlook is the most famous stop in North Cascades National Park. It’s known for the absolutely incredible turquoise water and beautiful mountain views. We’ve visited three times now, and the water has looked completely different every time.

Depending on how sunny it is, you may not see the bright turquoise color, but no matter the weather it’s worth a stop. This stop isn’t really a hike, but there is a path that goes around the overlook that is totally stroller friendly. I recommend walking the path to see the different views of the landscape.

How to get there: Diablo Lake Overlook is another quick roadside stop along the North Cascades Highway. There isn’t a lot of signage before the turn, so make sure you’re paying attention when you’re in the general area!

3. Ladder Creek Falls

Distance: 0.5 miles
Elevation: 72 feet
Stroller friendly? No

This hike has a ton of cool features for families. You’ll start the hike with an awesome bridge over the water. Our kids loved running back and forth across the suspension bridge (don’t worry it’s very sturdy!) After the bridge you’ll come to views of the Gorge Powerhouse, surrounding mountains, and stunning gardens.

Then you can proceed up some short stairs to see Ladder Creek Falls. The forest is really lush and covered with ferns and other beautiful green plants and flowers. We’ve done this hike a couple different times with our kids and it was really special both times.

Tip: If you have older kids, there is a light show when it gets dark at ladder creek falls! The show runs from dusk to midnight daily. We haven’t made it to this light show yet, but it’s on our bucket list.

How to get there: this hike is located along highway 20 (the North Cascades highway) just east of the town of Newhalem. There isn’t a parking lot here, so you’ll have to park along the road. Just look for the Gorge Powerhouse and you’ll know you’re close!

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4. Sterling Munro Boardwalk

Distance: 0.3 miles
Elevation: flat
Stroller friendly? Yes

If you’re visiting the Newhalem Visitor Center, you might as well pop over on this short little boardwalk trail to the Sterling Munro Viewpoint. It’s only 0.3 miles and leads to a beautiful mountain viewpoint that has lots of bench seating to stop and relax for a moment with the kids.

How to get there: from the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, this hike is a quick boardwalk trail right off to the left of the building. There aren’t a lot of signs to point you there, but it’s easy to find.

Wondering how to fit all of these hikes into your trip? Here is our guide on how to spend 1-3 Days in North Cascades National Park!

5. Happy Creek Forest walk

Distance: 0.3 miles
Elevation: flat
Stroller friendly? Yes

This hike is one we missed on our first trip, but had the chance to do on our second trip! It’s the perfect hike to take with little kids because it’s short, safe, and stroller friendly. This boardwalk through an old growth forest runs along a beautiful creek. So you’ll have natural music as you stroll.

If you want to keep going further on this hike you can hike all the way to Happy Creek Falls which is a 2 mile roundtrip hike.

How to get there: Happy Creek Forest Walk is located along highway 20, closer to Newhalem than Winthrop. If you’re driving from Newhalem, you’ll want to keep driving past the Ross Dam Trailhead, it’ll be just past that on the right.

6. Rainy Lake

Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 131 feet
Stroller friendly? Yes

This is the only hike on this list that we haven’t actually done ourselves. We’ve visited the North Cascades in the Spring every time so this hike has been a little snowed in. However, it’s a great family friendly hike that is paved and stroller friendly to a beautiful lake so it’s definitely worth checking out!

How to get there: Located along Highway 20, park at the Rainy Pass Trailhead. It’s located on the Winthrop side of the pass.

7. Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk

Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation: Flat
Stroller friendly? Yes

The trail of the cedars nature walk is actually one of the hikes I loved the most on our latest trip to the North Cascades. It’s a super easy and fun family friendly hike through an old growth forest. There are so many unique trees along the way that all have an amazing story.

We saw so many lush ferns along this trail and I would highly recommend it if you’re hiking in the North Cascades with kids.

How to get there: this trailhead is located in the town of Newhalem. You can park near the Gorge Inn in downtown Newhalem. There isn’t a parking lot so you’ll have to park on the street.

8. Falls Creek Falls

Distance: 0.3 miles
Elevation: flat
Stroller friendly? Yes

Falls Creek Falls isn’t actually located in North Cascades National Park, but it’s worth being on this list because it’s such a beautiful waterfall. This waterfall is located North of Winthrop and is a great paved hike with kids. It’s a short trail with a huge payoff and worth stopping at if you’re staying in Winthrop.

How to get there: Map yourself to the Falls Creek Falls Campground which is North of Winthrop. There isn’t a parking lot here, so it would be best to go early in the day or on a weekday.

We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for more Things to do in Winthrop with Kids!

10. Sun Mountain Via the Sunnyside Trail

Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation: 318 feet
Stroller friendly? No

The Sunnyside Trail was really awesome in the Springtime. There were so many beautiful wildflowers along this trail. The best part of this trail though was all of the funky trees! So many of the trees on this trail look like they have nearly blown over (but they are still standing!) it’s a really unique hike with awesome views if you’re looking for something near Winthrop.

Note: this hike is also not located inside of North Cascades National Park, but it’s nearby in Winthrop where a lot of people stay to explore this park.

How to get there: this trailhead is a bit difficult to find. You can park at the Sun Mountain Resort and I would highly recommend following the trail on AllTrails so you don’t get lost!