Guided flight · Pacific Northwest
North Cascades
Wild peaks, turquoise lakes and the high Cascade divide
1S2 → W12
The North Cascades form one of the most rugged sections of the Cascade Range, a landscape of deep forested valleys, heavily glaciated peaks, narrow alpine passes and striking mountain lakes. Much of the region remains roadless wilderness, while the Skagit River corridor cuts through the mountains with a chain of reservoirs and hydroelectric projects.
This flight crosses that landscape from west to east, beginning near Darrington beneath the western Cascades before passing Glacier Peak and the alpine terrain around Cascade Pass. From there it follows the dramatic reservoir country of Diablo and Ross Lakes before crossing the high crest near Washington Pass and Liberty Bell Mountain.
Origin
Darrington Municipal Airport
Destination
Lost River Airport
Waypoints
5
Distance
92 NM
Leg 1 · 1S2 to W12
Route
Recommended aircraft
Rugged high-performance single-engine aircraft
Examples: Daher Kodiak 100, Cessna 182, Pilatus PC-12
Well suited to mountain flying, stronger climb performance, and the rugged airfields and high terrain of the North Cascades.
Suggested altitude
6,500–9,500 ft, terrain permitting
Mountains · Wilderness · Glaciers · Lakes · National Park · Scenic · General Aviation
Ready to fly
Start North Cascades
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Places along the way
Waypoint 1
Glacier Peak
One of Washington’s major Cascade volcanoes, rising above an unusually remote landscape of glaciers, forests and wilderness valleys.
Waypoint 2
Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm
A dramatic alpine crossing surrounded by steep peaks, glaciers and high meadows in the heart of North Cascades National Park.
Waypoint 3
Diablo Lake & Diablo Dam
A striking turquoise reservoir beneath steep Cascade peaks, formed by Diablo Dam as part of the Skagit River hydroelectric system.
Waypoint 4
Ross Lake Resort
A remote floating resort on Ross Lake, accessible without a public road and surrounded by the mountains and forests of the North Cascades.
Waypoint 5
Washington Pass & Liberty Bell Mountain
A spectacular high crossing of the Cascade crest beneath the granite spires of Liberty Bell Mountain and neighboring peaks.