Cascade Mountain Range Guide

Ah, the Cascade Mountain Range – a hiker’s dream and a nature enthusiast’s playground. Stretching from northern California all the way up to British Columbia, the Cascades are a treasure trove of lush forests, stunning volcanoes, and gushing waterfalls just waiting to be explored. So, lace up your boots, don't forget your camera, and get ready for an adventure through one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic landscapes. We've put together this guide to ensure you hit all the high points, discover the hidden gems, and maybe even hear an elk bugle at dusk. Let’s take a walk on the wild side and see what the Cascades have in store for us!

Mount Rainier National Park, WA Parks Mt Saint Helens Interpretive Center, North Cascades National Park Ranger District, Olympic National Park, Crater Lake National Park

• Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, United States

  
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  Don't miss the iconic Mount Rainier on your trip through the Cascades. This historic park boasts serene landscapes, exciting wildlife, and boundless adventure all surrounding an active volcano. Park your camper van for a night or a week, and take in all this fantastic park has to offer. You won't see it all, but you'll get more than enough by visiting this incredible destination.

• WA Parks Mt Saint Helens Interpretive Center in Washington, United States

  
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  Make your way to the Mt. St Helens Visitor Center to get an informational overview of this national treasure. Soak in the scientific displays, movie theatre, and other educational opportunities. When you're done, park your camper van at a nearby campsite and enjoy camping under the fresh Washington sky!

• North Cascades National Park Ranger District in Washington, United States

  
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  The North Cascades National Park Ranger District serves as a key point of contact for those seeking adventure within the majestic setting of the North Cascades. As part of the Cascade Mountain Range Guide, the Ranger District provides invaluable information on hiking trails, permits, camping options, and safety guidelines to ensure camper van visitors can fully enjoy the rugged beauty of this mountainous region. With its complex topography of deep valleys, high peaks, and over 300 glaciers, the North Cascades are often referred to as the 'American Alps', and the Ranger District plays a crucial role in both preserving this wilderness and facilitating public access.

• Olympic National Park in Washington, United States

  
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  Olympic National Park, a jewel within the Olympic Peninsula and distinct from the Cascade Mountain Range, provides an alternative Pacific Northwest experience, encompassing glacier-capped peaks, lush rainforests, and rugged coastline. The park's Olympic Mountains offer a diverse array of ecosystems and adventures unlike the volcanoes and ridges of the nearby Cascades. Visitors inspired by the Cascade Range's iconic volcanic vistas will find the Olympic's alpine meadows and towering old-growth forests equally enchanting, making it an essential destination for any camper van trip to this region's natural splendor.

• Crater Lake National Park, United States

  
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  Crater Lake National Park, located in the southern part of Oregon, is a crowning jewel of the Cascade Mountain Range. Famous for its vivid blue water and the picturesque, caldera-lake formed approximately 7,700 years ago by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama, the park provides an awe-inspiring experience for camper van campers. With the surrounding cliffs rising up to 2,000 feet and opportunities for hiking, boat tours, and scenic drives, Crater Lake offers a unique opportunity to explore the volcanic legacy of the Cascade Range amidst stunning natural beauty.