North Cascades National Park
River Loop Trail
easy FamiliesEasy Day HikesForest Bathing
1.8 mi Distance
Varies Estimated Time
loop Trail Type
What to Expect
This gentle loop winds through old-growth forest along the milky-green Skagit River near Newhalem, the tiny company town that serves as North Cascades' unofficial welcome mat. The trail is flat, soft underfoot with packed dirt and the occasional root, and shaded almost entirely by towering Douglas firs and western red cedars. You'll hear the river before you see it, and when you do, the glacial color stops you cold — that chalky turquoise you only get from rock flour. The loop crosses a footbridge and passes interpretive signs about the hydroelectric history of the area, giving the walk a sense of place beyond just pretty trees. This is the trail for families with little legs, anyone recovering from yesterday's bruiser up Cascade Pass, or visitors who just want a quick forest bath before driving on.
Trail Details
Distance 1.8 miles round-trip
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type loop
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead River Loop Trail
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Start from the Newhalem campground trailhead rather than the visitor center side — the river views come faster and you avoid the initial stretch along the road.
Trail Tip
Pair this with the nearby Trail of the Cedars for a solid morning of easy hiking that covers both riverside and old-growth without breaking a sweat.
Trail Tip
The footbridge over the Skagit is the money shot for photographers — late afternoon light catches the glacial water color best, especially in July and August when snowmelt is peaking.
