North Cascades Winthrop - 7-22 to 7-25-2026

*Part 3 – North Cascades (Winthrop)* (planned by Katy) • *July 22* – Maple Pass Loop 📸 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD1cor • *July 23* – Rainy Pass to Cutthroat Lake 📸 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD1cqf • *July 24* – Easy Pass 📸 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD1fbX • *July 25* – Drive from Winthrop back to Seattle 📸 https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD1moe And that wraps up my *9-day hiking adventure in Washington!* 🥾🏔️ The Winthrop section offered a different kind of beauty from Mt. Baker and the west side of North Cascades. The hikes featured colorful alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, rugged mountain passes, and wide-open views that seemed to stretch forever. Maple Pass certainly lived up to its reputation as one of Washington's classic hikes, and Easy Pass was another unforgettable day with spectacular scenery. After looking through all of my photos, I've realized that ranking these three regions isn't as easy as I first thought. Each has its own unique character: 🏔️ *Mt. Baker* – glaciers, snow-covered volcanoes, and endless alpine meadows. ⛰️ *North Cascades (Concrete)* – dramatic jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and breathtaking high-country scenery. 🌄 *North Cascades (Winthrop)* – colorful mountain landscapes, beautiful passes, peaceful alpine lakes, and expansive vistas. Instead of picking a winner, I think I'll just say this: *Washington is truly a hiker's paradise.* Every region left me with incredible memories, and I'd happily return to any of them. Thanks to *Ning* and *Katy* for planning such an amazing trip, and thanks to all my hiking companions for making this adventure so enjoyable. Until the next adventure! 📸🥾❤️