Sightseeing Tour

North Cascades National Park

About the tour

Tour Summary

Experience the best of the North Cascades National Park and let us take care of the drive, parking, and necessary permits. This turnkey sightseeing tour features three iconic destinations including Ruby Creek, Diablo Lake, and Thunder Creek, as well as various shuttle stops along the North Cascades Highway. Throughout this tour, our local naturalist guide will overview the history, ecology, and natural wonders of the area.

Tour Details

  • Price: $160 per person + taxes/fees

  • Dates: Thursday - Monday from July 5 - September 20

  • Tour Duration: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Meet-up Location: Mazama Trailhead (520 Goat Creek Rd, Mazama, WA 98833)

Sightseeing Tour Itinerary

Ruby Creek

Diablo Lake

Thunder Creek

Itinerary Description

Guided Hike - Ruby Creek (NPS)

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.

Lunch Stop - Diablo Lake Vista Point (NPS)

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!

Guided Hike - Thunder Creek (NPS)

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.

Itinerary Outline

  • 7:30 AM: Departure from Mazama

  • Morning: Ruby Creek (up to 3 miles)

  • Picnic Lunch Stop: Diablo Lake Vista Point

  • Afternoon: Thunder Creek (up to 3 miles)

  • 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), we can only provide transportation to the Rainy Lake Trailhead and Washington Pass parking area. Guests will explore those trails and viewpoints on their own. All other stops within the National Park (NPS) will be guided by our local naturalist guide.