Just got back last night from 4 days in the Cascades. Simply put, this place is amazing.

Recap:
- Stayed on a weed farm in Rockport that had no running water or electricity. Very peaceful, really cool layout, creek for swimming, and the cabin was awesome. Local legend known as the Peace Wizard who recently passed lived on the farm. Owner had a ton of stories

- Hikes were:
Day 1- Thornton Knob Trail. Really easy trail and not too long. Great view of Diablo Lake at the top. Good family trail
Day 2 - Hidden Lake trail. Some tough inclines but stunning views from the top. Actually have a lookout that is open for backpackers to stay. Easily done in a day, but would be a great overnight backpack trip to camp on the lake.
Day 3 - Cascade pass and Sahale Arm. 11 miles and it had it all. Death by switchback in the forest the leads to an awesome view of the pass. Tons of wildlife, mainly mountain goats (saw 15+) on the sahale arm portion. The last 400m or so is extremely steep up to the glacier, but the views are incredible of the pass, Doubtful Lake, and the Cascades Range. Another I would recommend as backpacking trip. Doing in a day was rough especially after getting rained/hailed on for the last 1.5 miles
Day 4 - Maple Loop and Blue Lake trails. cgrand suggestion for Maple did not disappoint. Has a little bit of everything as far as views go. Forest, mountain lake, maple pass views and plenty peaks. Panorama at the trail's summit was incredible. Could be a little long for a family but relatively easy. Blue lake hike was easier and the end was well worth it. The lake is beautiful and reminded me of Switzerland. Took a swim here and those alpine lakes are no joke, but damn it's refreshing.

Rockport and Marblemount were both cool towns with some great locals. Spent every night at the pub chatting it up with them.

I can't say enough good things about this Park. Hiking was the best I've ever experienced, and the park was easy to maneuver. While all campsites were full, it never felt crowded and never had to wait in traffic at trailheads. Highly recommend to anyone.