Sightseeing Tour

in the North Cascades

About the tour

Tour Summary

Experience the best of the North Cascades and let us take care of the drive, parking, and necessary permits. This turnkey sightseeing tour features iconic destinations including Rainy Lake, Washington Pass, Diablo Lake, and Ladder Creek Falls. Upon arrival, enjoy a self-guided experience on these beautiful trails without the hassle of finding parking in these limited parking areas. Throughout this scenic drive on the famous North Cascades Highway, our driver will overview the history, ecology, and natural wonders of the area.

Pricing

$160 per person + taxes/fees

Schedule

May 24 - September 21: Saturdays only

Private Tours available upon request 7 days per week all summer!

Departure Point

Chuckanut Park & Ride in Burlington, WA

Sightseeing Shuttle Itinerary

Rainy Lake

Washington Pass

Diablo Lake

Ladder Creek Falls

Itinerary Description

Rainy Lake: In a region of rugged peaks and steep trails, the hike to Rainy Lake offers visitors an incredibly accessible experience at one of the quintessential destinations within the North Cascades. During this 90-minute stop, enjoy a leisurely pace for a 2.0 mile roundtrip out and back hike on a paved trail with a gentle grade, only gaining 70 feet of elevation. The views of Rainy Lake and its mountainous backdrop are simply breathtaking.

Washington Pass: As we approach the pass, we will cross over from the distinct Western Washington temperate forest to the arid Eastern Washington subalpine terrain. At the Washington Pass Overlook, you will have a panoramic view of Liberty Bell Mountain and the Kangaroo Ridge with Highway 20 carving along the bottom. On a clear day, you will see why the North Cascades are nicknamed the “American Alps.”

Diablo Lake: Arguably the most picturesque lake view in Washington State, the Diablo Lake Vista Point is simply breathtaking. This glacier-fed lake is surrounded by mountains, old-growth forests, and showcases views of the historic Diablo Dam. The vidid turquoise waters glisten with its “glacial flour” and provide a unique shade of blue each and every visit.

Ladder Creek Falls: Before departing North Cascades National Park, our group will stop in Newhalem to savor final sightseeing along the Skagit River. Enjoy an easy half mile loop to Ladder Creek Falls near the Gorge Powerhouse. In a day full of mountains and lakes, adding a waterfall and river nature walk is the perfect cap to the day and showcases the eco-diversity of the North Cascades!

Itinerary Outline

  • 8:00 AM: Departure from Burlington

  • 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM: North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem.

  • 10:50 AM - 12:20 PM: Rainy Lake (2.0 miles)

  • 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM: Picnic Lunch and Sightseeing Washington Pass Observation Site

  • 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Diablo Lake Vista Point

  • 2:50 PM - 3:40 PM: Ladder Creek Falls (0.5 miles)

  • 5:00 PM: Return to Burlington

Itinerary Breakdown

  • Drive Time: ~4 hours 40 minutes

  • Sightseeing Time: ~4 hours 20 minutes

What’s Included

  • Local Guide & Driver

  • Roundtrip Transportation

  • Parking passes and permits

Cancellation Policy

  • 24 hours notice or more: 97% Refund

  • Less than 24 hours notice: 0% Refund

  • Note: Our tour software retains a 3% credit card processing fee for all cancelled transactions, which is non-refundable.

Itinerary Note:

In accordance with our permit in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Our sightseeing stops at Washington Pass and Rainy Lake will be self-guided.