One Of America's Least-Visited National Parks Has Hiking Trails With Beautiful Fall Foliage

America's national parks are famous — for good reason. And while the big hitters are obviously incredible (think Yellowstone and Yosemite), there are many underrated national parks in the country that you didn't even know existed. Whether you've heard of it or not, North Cascades National Park happens to be one of the most underrated national parks in the West. This alpine escape in Washington state received just 47,000 visitors in 2025 — incredibly low compared to neighboring Mount Rainier, which clocked over 2.4 million visitors in 2025 (!). Yet North Cascades isn't less beautiful or worthy than its counterparts; it's just harder to reach. Those who make the effort will be richly rewarded with access to wilderness known as the "American Alps," which shines especially vibrantly in the autumn.

North Cascades gets its nickname from the 300 glaciers, dramatic peaks, 500 lakes, and jaw-dropping mountain passes. Hitting the trails in this national park really does make you think you're in Switzerland! The many lakes and waterfalls are even more gorgeous, framed by fall foliage in September and October. Most of the park is evergreen trees, except for its famous larches that turn bright yellow in the fall. Much of the undergrowth, like vine maples, also changes to vibrant reds and oranges. All of this combined with truly epic views, and you won't mind that you had to work a little harder to reach North Cascades.

North Cascades National Park is approximately 2-2.5 hours northeast of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the best airport for most travelers. From Seattle, the main entrance to the park is in Newhalem. From Newhalem, most travelers take Highway 20 through the park for the most epic views at spots like Diablo Lake Vista Point, an outdoor haven with turquoise water and scenic camping. Highway 20 does close in the winter due to heavy snows, generally between November and May, although the exact dates vary. Most of the fall color will be gone by November, so leaf-peepers will want to visit in September and October! According to local tourism expert Elizabeth Tyler: "October is perfect if you want to catch the larches. I'd try to go on a weekday if you can, to avoid some of the crowds during peak season" (via Travel + Leisure). Although with so few visitors per year...it probably won't be too difficult to avoid the crowds. One of the perks of an undiscovered autumnal gem like North Cascades!  

Another perk of North Cascades National Park is that there's no entry fee. It's free for all visitors, every day of the year. However, you'll need a car to visit, due to its remote location. Some parts of the park are only accessible by foot, plane, or even boat, including Stehekin. This unbelievably scenic village nestled in North Cascades is called "Little Alaska," and has some of the park's only amenities. In Stehekin, you'll find the only restaurant within the park and the incredible North Cascades Lodge (expected to reopen in 2027 after suffering historic flood damage). At the entrance to the park, you'll also find lodging in Newhalem, as well as a park visitor center. 

One of the best ways to experience North Cascades National Park is via your own two feet on the 400+ miles of trails. While the park has free entrance, you'll need a Northwest Forest Pass for any trails that run adjacent to national forests. Prices for the NW Forest Pass start at $5 per day and can be purchased at the U.S. Forest Service website. 

One of the most epic trails during the fall (which does require a forest pass) is the Heather-Maple Pass Loop, considered one of the most gorgeous hiking trails in Washington. A 7.2-mile loop that takes you past Lake Ann will leave you breathless — because of the moderately challenging hike, sure, but also from the amber larches lighting up the forest. 

Other top hiking trails in North Cascades National Park include several shorter hikes right in Newhalem, ideal for a quick exploration before you embark on the classic Highway 20 drive. The 0.4-mile loop of Ladder Creek Falls takes you on a picturesque bridge through the forest to some stunning waterfalls (and bonus, is family-friendly). There's also a short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail near Newhalem's park visitor center, Sterling Munro Viewpoint, that provides an excellent introduction to North Cascades National Park. If you're looking for even more epic views, commit to a full day on Cascade Pass to Sahale Glacier (about 12 miles, roundtrip).