day trip diaries: the north cascades

Wanderlust Wednesday-Week 31

After our time in Seattle, the next stop along our anniversary PNW Road Trip was North Cascades National Park. We originally excluded it from our itinerary, but at the last minute, we realized that we had to go. Because how could we be so close to a national park and not visit it? I knew we would regret it if we didn't stop by, so we ditched our last day in the city and took a day trip out to the north cascades instead. So glad that we did. 

North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country, right up there with those remote national parks along the Alaskan Frontier. But I have no idea why. It's only 2 hours away from the city, so we managed to visit as a day trip and be back in Seattle in time for dinner. And of all the national parks, we've been to so far, this one is definitely in the running for being the most unique. 

The North Cascades are known as Seattle's City of Light because the rivers here supply a massive dam (several actually) that powers the city of Seattle. This train pulled most of the supplies used to build the dam and powerhouse up the mountain. The little engine that could is a total understatement for this one. 

 Making out on a wooden suspension bridge….mountains in the background and a river below our feet that's strong enough to power a city. This is our version of romantic. 

Then onto the actual dam. There's a bridge above it that you can drive across. 

Another thing the dam bridge was good for…dropping massive rocks from the top and watching them crush into pieces. Yes, we are total children. Don't take us anywhere because we WILL embarrass you. 

Gorgeous Guy and a Gorgeous View 

 

 

love how blue this water is thanks to the glaciers funneling into it

 And while we loved learning about the dam and seeing how unique it is, we had to squeeze in a few trails since we're in a national park after all! 

Ready. Set. Hike. 

one thing about the PNW, there's no shortage of waterfalls! 

Thankful that we didn't skip this gorgeous place and a little grateful that everyone else does. This hidden gem has been turned into a national treasure, but still people don't come. Just fine with us, we had the best day here enjoying the peace and solitude of the mountains. 

linking up with thinkingoutloud//what's new with you//weekending//