Photo Friday: The North Cascades
 Diablo Lake at North Cascades National Park near Marblemount, WA — September 2008 |
The closest I've gotten so far in my life was a magical trip to Washington's North Cascades. It's a US National Park in an area known as "The American Alps." Nature knows no borders, of course, but the guardians of these lands do — the park boundary goes to the Canadian border, where British Colombia's EC Manning and Cathedral Provincial Parks protect parts of what's directly north.
There aren't any in-park roads that connect them, so on this visit, we didn't see the Canadian side. I don't know how the view of this area from BC compares, but I would never want to have to choose a favorite. I bet no matter which country you're in, this whole area is as awe-inspiring.
So as the world watches Vancouver on this day of opening ceremonies, I thought I'd share some photos from my own trip to the relative (100 miles or so) vicinity. There are no games or spectacles planned here — or in the provincial parks mentioned, for that matter — these Photo Friday snapshots are just a sneak peek of the kind of landscape I can't wait to see on my television.
Our visit was in September, and short of a bit of inevitable rain, the cool weather was perfect. No matter when you go, know in advance that this remote wilderness is grizzly bear country — Do some homework on how best to avoid encountering them before you decide to camp or hike.
Thanks to Delicious Baby for hosting travel stories for Photo Friday — please visit for posts from other travelers.
Posted by TheWordWire at 2/12/2010 10:49 AM 
Categories: Photo Friday,Earth and Sky
Tags: National Parks
Categories: Photo Friday,Earth and Sky
Tags: National Parks
Beautiful!
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Oh man, Boz... it sure is! Thanks for stopping by.
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Great book for this area is Day Hiking: North Cascades by Craig Romano.
http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/productdetails.cfm?SKU=0486
I've been on some amazing hikes using this little guy.
Great pictures Word Wire!
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Cool -- thanks! You so lucky to live so close -- such a beautiful area of the country you live in. If I ever make it back that way, I'll pick up a copy of this book. Happy Friday.
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Gorgeous photos. North Cascades National Park is one of my favorite places on earth, and in September 2002 I did a 9-day hike transecting the park. It was unbelievable (and grueling!) and wonderful. No grizzlies, though thank goodness - it would be a rare, rare thing to encounter a grizzly here these days (there are probably only 5-10 in the whole North Cascades), though black bear are not nearly as rare in NCNP.
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Wow -- I bet that was some trip!! Good (I guess) to know about the grizzlies -- I didn't know they were so rare. Before we went, I was so anxious about it. We saw a bear from a distance -- far enough away that we couldn't tell what kind it was, but I'm still really glad we were in the car! Thanks so much for your comment. I agree that it's such a beautiful place!
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i've never been here . . . till now. i love traveling with you.
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Thanks Jeanne -- I love blog traveling too!
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I have been to the Canadian side and I have to say, it amazingly beautiful. Much like your pictures of the Northern Cascades. They are HIGH on my list of National Parks to hit next. Your pictures may have moved them up a few notches.
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All the footage last night before the opening ceremonies was making me misty -- revisiting the Pacific NW is higher on my list too! Happy travels -- hope you see North Cascades one day. You won't be disappointed! Thanks for stopping by.
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