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 five iconic destinations including Rainy Lake, Ruby Creek, Diablo Lake, Thunder Creek, and Washington Pass. Throughout this scenic tour on the picturesque North Cascades Highway, our local naturalist guide will overview the history, ecology, and natural wonders of the area.

Tour Details

2025 Online Bookings Opening Soon!

Sightseeing Tour Itinerary

Rainy Lake

Ruby Creek

Washington Pass

Diablo Lake

Thunder Creek

Itinerary Description

Rainy Lake (USFS, Self-Guided): 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. 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.

Ruby Creek (NPS, Guided): Located on the East Bank Trail, the short 0.2 mile hike down to the Ruby Creek bridge is very worthwhile! Capture photos of the various shades of blue and turquoise from the well-positioned bridge. Based on the group’s timing and goals, we may pursue additional mileage on this East Bank trail network.

Diablo Lake (NPS, Guided): 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. The perfect location for a picnic lunch and sightseeing!

Thunder Creek (NPS, Guided): After lunch, we will stretch our legs along the iconic Thunder Creek Trail. Aside from being a very accessible day hiking trail, Thunder Creek serves as one of the primary gateway routes into the deep backcountry wilderness of North Cascades National Park. We’ll brush shoulders with every type of explorer within our 3-mile out and back route.

Washington Pass (USFS, Self-Guided): 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.”

Itinerary Outline

  • 7:30 AM: Departure from Mazama

  • Morning Stop #1: Rainy Lake (2.0 miles)

  • Morning Stop #2: Ruby Creek (0.4 miles or more)

  • Picnic Lunch Stop: Diablo Lake Vista Point

  • Afternoon Stop #1: Thunder Creek (up to 3 miles)

  • Afternoon Stop #2: Washington Pass Observation Site

  • 4:30 PM: Return to Mazama

Itinerary Breakdown

  • Drive Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes

  • Sightseeing Time: ~ 6 hours 30 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 (USFS), our sightseeing stops at Rainy Lake and Washington Pass will be self-guided. All other stops within the National Park (NPS) will be guided.