Discovering America's Best Idea: A Journey Through 63 National Parks

North Cascades National Park

Exploring North Cascades National Park was an adventure full of surprises and stunning scenery. We started our journey in a charming town known for its annual Tulip Festival, a sight I hope to return for someday. On the way, we stopped at a roadside fruit stand and picked up some Rainier cherries, perfect for snacking during our drive.

As we headed into the mountains, the views were breathtaking. When we reached the park, the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake came into view, a sight I'd only seen in photos. We pulled over to snap some pictures and did a bit of rock scrambling to escape the crowds. My mom wasn't too keen on the scramble but joined in to help get the perfect shot. She nailed it, capturing the lake without any railings in the background. Of course, we made sure to stay safe and didn't take any unnecessary risks.

North Cascades National Park, often called the "American Alps," boasts rugged peaks, over 300 glaciers, and more than 300 lakes. The park is part of the larger North Cascades National Park Complex, which also includes Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Spanning more than 500,000 acres, the park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, climbing, and camping.

As we drove along the scenic byway, we were amazed by the snow-capped mountains. The road took us through forests and past clear lakes, with great views around every turn. Seeing snow in June was a surprise and a reminder of how unique this area is. At one of our stops, I came across a poem by William Stafford on a sign:

"A Valley Like This" by William Stafford
Sometimes you look at an empty valley like this, and suddenly the air is filled with snow.
That is the way the whole world happened - there was nothing, and then...
But maybe some time you will look out and even the mountains are gone, the world become nothing again. What can a person do to help bring back the world?
We have to watch it and then look at each other:
Together we hold it close and carefully save it, like a bubble that can disappear if we don't watch out.
Please think about this as you go on. Breathe on the world.
Hold out your hands to it. When mornings and evenings roll along, watch how they open and close, how they invite you to the long party that your life is.

The poem beautifully captured the essence of nature's fleeting beauty and the importance of cherishing and protecting our environment.

The next day, we took a ferry to the San Juan Islands, aiming to explore San Juan Island. A friend had suggested a particular oyster spot, but once we arrived, we realized it was several miles away with no Uber in sight. Fortunately, a friendly tour shuttle driver noticed our dilemma and offered to give us a ride. We hopped on, visited the oyster farm, and enjoyed a delicious lunch. The driver picked us up right on time and even shared some local insights about the island.

On the ferry ride back, we received a text from United Airlines notifying us that our flight home was canceled. With limited cell service, I couldn't rebook immediately and eventually found out we wouldn't be able to fly out for another two days. Since it was summer and there was no rush to return to work, I saw this as an unexpected blessing.

We decided to make the most of our extended trip, visiting Deception Pass, Snoqualmie Falls, and taking a sunset cruise on Elliott Bay. We were lucky enough to catch fireworks after a Mariners' game and see a full moon rising over Mount Rainier. We also explored Alki Beach, visited the Flower House, and enjoyed waterside dining at Salty's, along with another round of Bairdi crab at Elliott's Oyster House.

North Cascades National Park and the surrounding areas left a deep impression on me. The incredible landscapes, the unexpected kindness of strangers, and the serendipitous adventures made this trip truly unforgettable. I'm already looking forward to my next visit, where I plan to immerse myself even further in the park's untouched wilderness and perhaps stay at the floating lodge on Ross Lake for a deeper connection with the serene beauty of the North Cascades.