About North Cascades
Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. Witness a landscape sensitive to the Earth's changing climate.
Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades.
Things to do: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Biking · Road Biking · Boating · Motorized Boating · Boat Tour · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Canoe or Kayak Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Group Camping · RV Camping
Trails
North Cascades has roughly 400 named trails. Log the one you hiked in the app — or just the park if you're not sure.
Camping
Approximately 400 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (July – September).
Best time to visit
Peak season: July – September. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. Summer daytime temperatures average in the 70's F. Snow is off most trails by mid-July. Autumn and Spring are popular for color and wildlife. Storms are common: always be prepared for a few days of rain and wind. The east side of the Cascade Mountains (Lake Chelan National Recreation Area) is drier and warmer in the summer than the west side.
Summer temperatures at Stehekin reach the 90's F.
Getting there
Nearest city: Bellingham, WA. Park center: 48.700°, -121.200°.
Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. The State Department of Transportation closes a portion of the road between Ross Dam Trailhead and Lone Fir Campground in winter.
The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Stehekin) is accessible by ferry or plane from Chelan.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit North Cascades National Park?
Entry is Free. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park.
When is the best time to visit North Cascades?
Peak season is July – September. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. Summer daytime temperatures average in the 70's F. Snow is off most trails by mid-July. Autumn and Spring are popular for color and wildlife. Storms are common: always be prepared for a few days of rain and wind. The east side of the Cascade Mountains (Lake Chelan National Recreation Area) is drier and warmer in the summer than the west side.
Can you camp in North Cascades National Park?
Yes — about 400 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to North Cascades National Park?
Bellingham, WA is the nearest major city. Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. The State Department of Transportation closes a portion of the road between Ross Dam Trailhead and Lone Fir Campground in winter.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.