If you think glaciers are only something you see in Alaska or on a postcard from Iceland, think again, because Washington is hiding some seriously epic icy landscapes.
We’re talking massive frozen rivers sliding down volcanoes, bright blue lakes fed by melting snow, and hiking trails where you can actually hear glaciers cracking in the distance.
This glacier road trip takes you deep into the wild parts of Washington, where the views are straight-up jaw-dropping and the crowds are way smaller than you’d expect.
You’ll drive twisty mountain roads, park at trailheads that feel like secret spots, and stand face-to-face with some of the most mind-blowing scenery in the state.
1. Mount Baker
Mount Baker is a 10,781-foot volcano in Washington’s North Cascades and it’s one of the snowiest places on Earth.
It even holds the world record for the most snowfall in a single season for the 1998-1999 season when it received 1140 inches of snowfall!
You can see over a dozen glaciers here, including the easily visible Coleman Glacier from the 5.5-mile Heliotrope Ridge Trail.
The best spot to park up is at the Mount Baker Ski Area or the Heliotrope Ridge trailhead off Forest Service Road 39, but be aware that the road can get rough, so go slow.
In summer, you can hike, picnic, and snap insane photos of crevasses and icefalls; in winter, it’s a dream for skiing and snowboarding.
💡 Fun fact: Mount Baker is the second-most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states, right after Mount Rainier.
2. North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park feels like a place that shouldn’t exist outside of a fantasy novel, with its jagged peaks, bright turquoise lakes, and over 300 glaciers packed into one wild place.
If you want glacier views without a brutal climb, hit up the 7.4-mile Cascade Pass Trail, where you’ll see Johannesburg Glacier hanging dramatically across the valley on the face of Johannesburg Mountain.
Park at the Cascade Pass trailhead off Cascade River Road (it’s long and bumpy, but totally worth it), or stop by the Washington Pass Overlook for a jaw-dropping view with zero hiking.
This park is also home to the mighty Boston Glacier, the biggest in the park, and you can spot it from high points like Sahale Arm if you’re up for a tougher trek.
Bonus: Diablo Lake’s neon blue water is glacier-fed and absolutely unreal, so bring your camera and a kayak if you’ve got one.
3. Mount Rainier National Park
Next up is the giant of them all, Mount Rainier National Park, home to the tallest mountain in Washington at 14,410 feet and wrapped in more than 25 named glaciers.
This place is glacier central, with the massive Emmons Glacier (the largest in the lower 48 by surface area) and the mighty Carbon Glacier (with the most volume) stealing the show.
For an easy but epic view, check out the 1.2-mile Nisqually Vista Trail from Paradise, where you can see the Nisqually Glacier stretching down the mountainside like a frozen river.
Paradise and Sunrise are the main hubs, with lots of parking, bathrooms, and trailheads.
Make sure to explore the super popular Skyline Trail, a 5.5-mile loop packed with glacier views, wildflowers, and marmots.
Even just driving through the park gives you views that’ll make you want to pull over every five minutes.
4. Goat Rocks Wilderness
If you’re looking for glacier views without the crowds, Goat Rocks Wilderness is the place to be.
This wild stretch between Mount Rainier and Mount Adams has patches of old volcanic rock, alpine meadows, and several small glaciers, including the Packwood and McCall Glaciers tucked into the higher peaks.
The 12-mile out-and-back Goat Lake Trail is a fan favorite, as it takes you above the treeline for jaw-dropping views of Goat Lake and the surrounding ice-capped ridges.
You’ll want to park at the Berry Patch Trailhead or Snowgrass Flats, depending on your route, and come prepared for some steep, rocky sections.
Plus, you might spot actual mountain goats up here, just casually chilling on cliffs like it’s no big deal.
5. Olympic National Park
The last stop on this glacier-packed road trip is Olympic National Park, where you get glaciers, rainforests, and ocean views all in one place.
The star here is Mount Olympus, which stands at 7,980 feet and is covered in ice.
On Mount Olympus, you’ll find the Blue Glacier, which stretches about 2.6 miles and descends over 3700 feet.
To see it up close, head out on the 17.3-mile Hoh River Trail (yep, it’s a beast, but totally worth it), or just soak in the rainforest vibes from the shorter 0.8-mile Hall of Mosses Trail if you’re not feeling the trek.
Park at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center to start, and get ready for moss-draped trees, elk sightings, and glacier meltwater rushing alongside the trail.
Olympic National Park is the only place in Washington where you can watch a glacier in the morning and stick your toes in the Pacific by sunset.
Best Time To Do The Trip
Plan your trip no earlier than mid-July, and aim for August through mid-September for the best balance of:
- Open access roads.
- Glacier visibility.
- Good weather and wildflowers.
- Lower risk of early snow return.
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