Here are some common questions about visiting the North Cascades National Park: The ideal length of time will vary based on what activities you want to do and your comfort level with outdoor activities. North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. For a trip to North Cascades in the non-peak season, plan ahead for what's open and what to expect during this variable time of year. Off in the distance, you can see Desolation Peak. Some good options for entry-level scrambles and summits are: With beautiful mountainous lakes right off the highway, there are countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, motor boating, and other water activities in North Cascades National Park. But to experience these sights, youll have to get out of the car. View New Trips. In 1956, he spent part of the summer here working as a watchman in the fire tower and wrote the book Desolation Angels from this experience. This is a classic hike in the Stehekin side of the park. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. So, always check regularly for any changes before your trip. Since the loop is so big, it encompasses many different environments. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Some of the best options are often busy, with Seattle locals driving up on the weekends throughout the summer and fall. If you decide to venture out in this weather, you must bring plenty of warm clothing and water-safe gear. A variety of trails crisscross throughout the park. MOUNT RAINIER: Check out our Mount Rainier National Park Travel Guidefor important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: There is only one paved road in the park. North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, but for those who venture here, it is a serene, beautiful experience. Closure depends on snow and avalanche conditions. Goodell Creek Campground. Your email address will not be published. Trail of the Cedars is one of the easiest hikes in North Cascades National Park at just .3 miles round trip and almost no elevation gain. Overnight camping or parking is only allowed in designated campgrounds or campsites. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. : This 10 mile round trip trail leads you to a lake surrounded by rocky peaks. The worst time to visit the North Cascades National Park is in the winter. You do not need a park pass to visit; however, some areas near Lake Ross require a $5 parking fee (which is covered by the national park pass if you have it). | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 19 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala in 2023, The 16 Best Places to Visit in Sicily in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Florida for Couples in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas in 2023. There are no roads to Stehekin. Cascade Pass 55 Hiking Trails By mistyschulz Lots of wild blueberries and we saw a bear and mountain goats. 13 miles (21 km) east of Marblemount, 74 miles (119 km) west of Winthrop. The best time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the summer through early autumn. While summer is more popular, safer, and has more opportunities, it does carry some risks. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park. If you want to stay in the national park along Highway 20, Ross Lake Resort is the only lodge in this area of the park. Winter Sports Side Trips Rasar State Park, Mt Baker Find places to stay Sep 4 6: Find places to stay with best proximity to your trip This beautiful, remote lake is surrounded by rocky mountains. Read on for our guide to North Cascades National Park. For families or travelers who dont want to spend multiple days in the backcountry, youll have plenty of options for easy hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and exploring this beautiful area. We slept in Marblemount and on day 3 hiked Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. . North Cascades National Park Travel time from Seattle: 2.5 hours National park since: 1968 Area: 504,781 acres Major peaks: Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains Visit for: Ample wildlife, hiking trails, and alpine lakes For more: nps.gov/noca * Visit Seattle partner North Cascades National Park forms part of the Cascade Range in northwestern Washington state and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle. From Winthrop, it takes one hour to drive to Ross Lake and 40 minutes to drive to Rainy Lake Picnic area. Autumn and Spring are becoming more popular for visits since car tours of the Skagit, Okanogan and Stehekin Valleys are enticing for color and wildlife during the less busy "shoulder seasons". Late spring can be a good time to visit the North Cascades, but Highway 20 does not typically open until April or May, so be aware that much of the area will still be in winter mode. A technical rock climb that needs experience and rock climbing gear, this is a fantastic first alpine climb with a few well-traveled, more accessible routes to the summit. If you are not sure of the requirements for the area you are hiking in, talk to a ranger. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. 18 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail travels through North Cascades National Park. If you like to get off the beaten path, hit the trail, or scramble to a summit, the North Cascades will blow your mind. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. You will rarely run into a grizzly, but it is essential to be prepared. Huckleberries yummy. However, if you plan to hike in one of the adjacent national forests (such as Rainy Lake or the Maple Pass Loop) you will need a Northwest Forest Pass. Some parts of the park may even be closed for the winter due to avalanches and other concerning conditions. The best part of North Cascades National Park is the hidden beauty. We started on the east side of the park, hiking the trails in Okanogan National Forest, just east of the national park border. This is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. Here is a link to the travel planner put out by the NPS, http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=269307. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. The view isnt quite as good as it is at the Diablo Lake Overlook, but I still think it is worth the very quick stop. Stay in one of 15 floating cabins on Ross Lake with views out onto the lake and surrounding mountains, or access boat-in-only camping through the resort. Check out our Enchantments Trail Guide and our guide to how to handle the logistics of hiking the Enchantments. Summary of Position North Cascades Institute is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic individual to join our retail team. The park itself also has a general store. To get off the beaten path, heading up is always the way to find the best views with few crowds. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and . There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: the Chelan Lake National Recreational Area (which includes Stehekin), Ross Lake National Recreational Area, and North Cascades National Park. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Located at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, this 300-foot boardwalk trail takes you to a viewpoint of the Picket Range. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. Definitely stop into Sherris Sweet Shop for some ice creamthe perfect treat after a day of hiking. Summer also has the most reliably good weather in the area but always be prepared for storms and cooler weather at higher elevations! Or, if youd prefer to DIY, find more backpacking trip ideas on the. The average maximum daytime temperature in North Cascades National Park in September lies at 20.2C (68.36F). Check in advance to see if there are fire restrictions in the park. The park was established in 1968 to preserve majestic mountain scenery, snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, cascading waterfalls, and other unique natural features in the North Cascade Range. Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the National Park service website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Forks, Sol Duc falls, Hurricane Ridge. Alpine animals such as pikas, marmots, and mountain goats peer down at you from rocky outcroppings. This hike is also 9 miles in length with 1,350 feet of elevation gain. You can check out Ranger Programs for interpretive programs, ranger-led walks and talks, to find program and events that occur during your visit, or check locally at visitor centers. We hiked Hurricane Ridge and I think we saw flowers there too. It covers nearly 1 million acres of land and is home to miles of ocean coastline, a temperate rainforest, and the Olympic Mountain range. Once in Stehekin, you can go on day hikes or start a backpacking adventure into the interior of the park. If you know anything about the Pacific Northwest and the Cascades, you may imagine big snowy volcanoes, which there are plenty of in the area. Check out all of my other NPS brochures that I have available! Once here, you can explore Stehekin Valley on foot, go camping, and discover the cultural history of the people who live here. When possible, make reservations as early as you can. It's the 2nd least visited national park in the contiguous US, which means privacy and seclusion if you choose a North Cascades National Park elopement. Always familiarize yourself with current events from the park before venturing into nature. We drove up from Leavenworth, visiting Chelan on the way. Thanks Daniel Y, that's good to know! see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). If you camp, it is essential to bring warm and comfortable layers, walkable shoes, and rain gear. North Cascades is 108 miles away from Seattle. Washington Pass Overlook is one of the best things to do in North Cascades National Park to get beautiful views with minimal effort.A short .25-mile paved path brings you to a beautiful viewpoint standing at 5,000 feet, overlooking Washington Pass and the infamous Liberty Bell. While persistent snow is not always common, it can happen sometimes. Those from lower altitude areas may get tired faster. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. (Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty . When visiting the North Cascades, visiting in good weather can go beyond enjoyment and play a role in your survival. Stay in one of 15 floating cabins on Ross Lake with views out onto the lake and surrounding mountains, or access boat-in-only camping through the resort. We only had one full day here and unfortunately, storms moved in, so we could not do any hiking. There are ways to camp inside the park. Benefits included four paid Holidays. Developed campgrounds, like. Various guiding companies also run river trips in these areas for those who do not have gear or experience. The best overall time to visit is in the summer, between June and September. The Stehekin Valley has long served as a passageway for travelers, linking Washington's interior wilderness to the rugged Cascade Mountains. Located on Ross Lake, Desolation Peak offers sweeping views over the park. Glacier-covered granite peaks hide in the North Cascades, with cloudy blue lakes and alpine meadows sitting below. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. There are also mudslides that close . So, Whats the Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park? The park peak operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. The journey to the North Cascades may take you slightly longer than this depending on traffic . With three or more days, you can add in more hikes or visit Stehekin. Suggestion by Hannah from That Adventurer Blog. On a backpacking trip you'll camp in the backcountry and carry everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide. By participating, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or a Scotts Miracle-Gro gift pack. I recommend this trip if you want to immerse yourself in the area and have a few days to spend in the backcountry. Location: Washington. Still, daytime temperatures in Joshua Tree National Park in September are generally in the high 80's (30-35C), rarely falling under 75F (24C). These steep and rocky mountains tower above the surrounding area. So be sure to pack lots of water, good walking shoes, and sun . North Cascades National Park. This valley nestled at the base of the North Cascades has a magic unlike many places I have visited. Various plans have been proposed to restore grizzly bear populations within North Cascades National Park. The town of Mazama also makes a nice option. Whitewater enthusiasts also could check out the Stehekin and Skagit rivers for kayaking or rafting during the warmer months. Some essential tools include a shovel, heat packs, GPS, goggles, an avalanche probe, and a small stove with fuel. It is mostly close to small towns, including Diablo. Our Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. ). The unassuming National Park sign sits on the side of a highway, but theres no entrance gate, no entrance fee, nothing except the views, and a map to tell you that you have entered a spectacular national park. Cutthroat Lake Trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail. Backcountry hiking always requires a permit. Keep in mind, climbing and mountaineering requires technical skills and know-how. Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. In Stehekin, stay at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin. The mountains outside Tucson are spectacular. Pack weights vary between 25 and 45 pounds, depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and your height and weight. Then the trail to Trapper Peak branches off to the right before you descend to the campsites at the lakes below. Operating Hours: The park is open 365 days a year, but operating hours of the visitor centers vary depending on the season. Explore the North Cascades right from your office! Wildflowers might be gone, but the ground foliage is resplendent is the fall. Walk Up the Sterling Munro Trail. Ladder Creek Falls: 0.4 miles, easy. Each year, Olympic sees over 3 million visitors while Mount Rainer sees about 2.25 million. Some would describe it as moderately chilly humid but cool. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 During these less busy times, it is vital to be careful when going into the wilderness since if you get into trouble, there may not be many people around to help. We will be taking this trip in September 2023, following your itinerary in reverse because it will fit better with a Labor Day concert weekend at the Gorge . Note: This post contains affiliate links. All meals are prepared by your guide and we provide nearly all the gear. Make sure you either find a guide, a friend with experience, or have the knowledge and gear yourself to do this climb. Listed below are 12 great hikes to do in North Cascades National Park. . Wildland Trekking offers spectacular guided trips that allow you to get out there without the stress of planning the trip yourself! Distance:.6 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: Minimal Time Required: 20-30 minutes About this North Cascades National Park Hike. This very short trail (.25 miles) takes you to a cascading waterfall. From the highest points along the trail, you will have spectacular views of the national park. Find information on boating in the park complex. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. 5. Glaciers cap the mountains and snow blankets trails well into the summer. Day 4: Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike, drive north to Mt. The temps seldom reach too chilly or too hot for comfort in the 60s and 70s. Grizzly bear sightings are rare however that may change. Rarely, there may be some light signs of wear from storage or shipping (i.e. Popular trails may be crowded on many summer and fall weekends, but you can always find secluded areas if you search. North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park [] Reply. Sedro-Woolley Hiking and Camping at Diablo Lake | Explore Washington State on September 22, . Some peaks involve little more than hiking to get to the summit but still involve off-trail travel and the ability to read a map, and the fitness to get up and down. The position is mostly based out of the Newhalem North Cascades National Park Visitor Center . There are also campgrounds in Newhalem and at Diablo Lake. Although it is not located in North Cascades National Park, you bump right up against the park border. These small towns are lovely places to fill up on gas and any supplies you forgot. If you want to try out backpacking but dont have the experience or gear, a guided backpacking trip is the perfect opportunity to get your feet wet and see if you like it. The reason behind this reduced interest is a result of the rougher weather during the shoulder seasons. From June to September, you will find gorgeous weather, safer conditions, and the opportunity for plenty of activities. The image was draped over terrain data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). The Hoh rainforest. In the park, there are over 300 glaciers and 300 lakes. Cutthroat Lake is another lovely lake. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. Blue Lake: 5 miles, easy to moderate. There are generally around 11 rainy days. Sun protection is also essential when hiking or camping. Great guide! Bear in mind that the lands accessible directly adjacent to highway 20 are not in the North Cascades National Park, rather are the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 17 awesome hikes in Olympic National Park. You could spend a lifetime and hardly explore it all. North Cascades National Park, large wilderness area in northwestern Washington, U.S. This is the most popular hike to do in Stehekin Valley. The park surrounds Highway 20, which travels between Sedro Wooley on the west side of the mountains and Mazama and the Methow Valley on the east side. The best part of the hike is crossing the log footbridge just before you reach the lake. USA Hiking Vacations. Read all of our articles about the USA in our United States Travel Guide. If you want a beautiful adventure deep in nature, take a visit to North Cascades National Park. Events from the Park areas for those who do not have gear or experience in hikes! Viewpoint of the least visited parks in the winter and mountaineering requires technical and!, guides, and also campgrounds in Newhalem, this 300-foot boardwalk trail takes you to get out there the..., short hikes, and rain gear on gas and any supplies you.... The campsites at the North Cascades National Park drive to Rainy Lake Picnic area Download the official NPS before... Radiometer ( ASTER ) higher elevations your survival more popular, safer conditions, and recreation areas trail through... Views of the Pacific Crest trail travels through the Park border is link! ( 68.36F ) experience these sights, youll have to get off the highway in the summer, June! Any changes before your trip the highest points along the trail, you can on. 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