North Cascades National Park’s Most Epic Family Hike (Maple Pass Loop)

Описание: Today we’re hiking one of the most iconic trails in North Cascades National Park — the Maple Pass Loop, accessed from Rainy Pass Trailhead along the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20).

Often called the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park is one of the most rugged and glacier-filled landscapes in the lower 48. Jagged peaks, deep valleys, turquoise glacial rivers, and dramatic elevation gain make this park feel wild, remote, and incredibly untouched.

As always, we started at the visitor center — talking with rangers, checking trail conditions, and asking the most important question: what’s a great hike for a family that’s not afraid of work, but still wants to survive the day with their sanity intact?
Their answer: Maple Pass Loop.

This hike delivers:
• Big elevation gain
• Constant alpine views
• Fast transitions from forest to high alpine terrain
• Steep switchbacks and exposed sections
• A massive payoff if you stick with it

In this video, we take you along for the literal ups and downs of hiking Maple Pass Loop as a family — from foggy morning starts and wardrobe changes, to steep climbs, long traverses, and emotional moments near the turnaround point.

Along the way, we share:
• Why North Cascades National Park is geologically unique
• How glaciers shaped this landscape during the Ice Age
• What glacial flour is and why the water here looks bright blue
• Why this park has more glaciers than any other national park in the lower 48
• How shrinking glaciers affect rivers and ecosystems
• Real family hiking tips for big elevation trails

This hike is approximately 8.8 miles round trip with around 2,300 feet of elevation gain. It’s absolutely doable as a family — but it’s not casual. Preparation, pacing, snacks, water, and mindset matter.

There were tired legs, emotional moments, and real struggle — but also pride, teamwork, and the kind of shared experience that stays with you long after the hike ends.

If you’re planning a visit to North Cascades National Park, considering the Maple Pass Loop, or wondering if kids can handle this hike — we hope this video helps you plan, prepare, and decide.

Thanks for exploring with us — and as always… never stop exploring. 🌄

⏱️ CHAPTER LIST
00:00 Entering North Cascades National Park
00:45 Choosing the Maple Pass Loop Hike
00:51 Driving the North Cascades Highway (SR-20)
01:29 Arriving at Rainy Pass Trailhead
02:42 Trailhead Prep & Hiking Fuel
03:08 Weather Whiplash & Layer Changes
03:49 Early Trail Climb & Rocky Terrain
04:31 Why North Cascades National Park Matters
06:26 First Shade Break
07:08 Lunch Strategy on a Big Hike
08:47 Halfway Point & The Steep Climb
09:56 First Epic Viewpoint
10:59 Alpine Transition & Trail Details
12:28 Steep Switchbacks & Sunburn Reality
13:32 Hiking with Kids – Breaks Are the Plan
14:21 Long Alpine Traverse
20:21 Turnaround Point & Emotional Payoff
21:23 Dean’s Reflection on the Hike
23:57 Glaciers, Ice Age History & Blue Water
26:35 Maple Pass Loop Recap & Hiking Tips
27:42 Junior Ranger Time
36:38 End Screen


#️⃣ HASHTAGS (5 MAX — HIGH VALUE)

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ABOUT US
We’re a family of four traveling full-time in an RV — Jeff (Dad), Monica (Mom), and our two kids, Dean and Gertie.
We explore America’s national parks, historic sites, and hidden gems while roadschooling on the road, earning Junior Ranger badges, and turning travel into hands-on education.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This video is not sponsored.
We were not compensated or hosted for this visit.
All opinions are our own, based on our personal experience.
Always check current trail conditions, weather, and park advisories before hiking.

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