(Robert Morgan)

This view of Mt. Shuksan from Picture Lake is as spectacular as it is popular.

The North Cascades are a strikingly beautiful, breath-taking range of rugged peaks. From views of glacier clad peaks to cascading waterfalls to long valley lakes and views that encompass all of the above, North Cascades National Park Service Complex is undeniably picturesque. Along State Route 20 through the heart of the park are numerous scenic turnouts with interpretive displays, such as the Diablo and Ross Lake Overlooks. The former affords a magnificent view not only of Diablo Lake, but also of Colonial Peak and its accompanying glaciers while the latter provides visitors with a vista that stretches all the way into Canada taking in Ross Lake, Jack and Hozomeen Mountains along the way.

What is perhaps the most popular and widely photographed view of the park is actually seen from the aptly named Picture Lake in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to the west of the park. This and other destination views from Heather Meadows are accessed along the upper reaches of the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway (State Route 542).

Here popular hikes and climbing routes lead into the park and to the summit of Mt. Shuksan. Adventurous climbers brave the crevassed glaciers and long steep slopes of popular climbing routes to gain spectacular panoramas from high upon these splendid mountains.