Located at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, this 300-foot boardwalk trail takes you to a viewpoint of the Picket Range. This valley nestled at the base of the North Cascades has a magic unlike many places I have visited. Most of it is not in the national park proper, but it is close enough and well worth the trip. Look out for ferries, visitor centers, and the dam that produces electricity. This hike takes you through alpine meadows and across barren, rocky terrain to a secluded, deep blue lake. To get to these regions, you can either drive on one of the dirt roads or go backpacking. Layers and layers of glacier-capped mountains stretch off in all directions. North Cascades National Park is an American national park in the state of Washington.At more than 500,000 acres , it is the largest of the three National Park Service units that comprise the North Cascades National Park Complex. From hiking to kayaking to spending days in the backcountry, the real adventure begins when you get out of the car. But, if you have the experience and gear to head out on your own, here are some ideas for backpacking trips in the North Cascades. Once in Stehekin, you can go on day hikes or start a backpacking adventure into the interior of the park. Those from lower altitude areas may get tired faster. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. Some good trails for beginners include Cascade Pass Trail, Thunder Knob, and Fourth of July Pass. The Cascade loop is a 440-mile loop in Washington that includes the North Cascades National Park. If you prefer short, easy hikes, we recommend Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, or Thunder Knob. To. A little farther down the road from Winthrop is Twisp. Developed campgrounds, like. Have your camera ready! Diablo Lake gets its unusual color from the melting glaciers. Keep in mind the trail called Easy Pass Trail is actually pretty tough. The glaciers grind against the rocks, forming a powdery silt. There are also usually more activities during this time in general. . Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Explore the North Cascades right from your office! This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. Just three hours from Seattle, North Cascades National Park's rugged beauty is characterized by jagged peaks, deep forested valleys, cascading waterfalls, and over 300 glaciers more than any other U.S. park outside of Alaska. North Cascades is one of three national parks in the state of Washington, the others being Olympic and Mount Rainier. You will need a $5/daily or $30/annual Northwest Forest Pass for Rainy Lake Trail. We drove up from Leavenworth, visiting Chelan on the way. No more mosquitoes, wild berries are aplenty, and the fall foliage cannot be beat! This is our itinerary for visiting North Cascades National Park. In addition to hiking, you can enjoy kayaks, fishing, riding, swimming, and other activities in the park. From this overlook, you get a view of the Skagit Gorge and the Gorge Dam, a hydroelectric dam. Within the park, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and you can make a reservation on. Listed below are 12 great hikes to do in North Cascades National Park. Somebody had fun naming these mountains: Mount Terror, Phantom Peak, Poltergeist Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and Ghost Peak. As a result, several thousand different plants, animals, and fungi call the North Cascades National Park home. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. Snow is off all but the highest trails by July. Stehekin is a town cut off from the world, accessible only by boat, plane, or foot. Leave city life behind during your visit to North Cascades National Park, a vast wilderness of conifer-clad mountains, glaciers, and lakes. with a guide, hitting the trail by yourself, or just driving through to see the sights, make sure to add the North Cascades to your summer road trip schedule or make it a point to check it out next time youre in Washington. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. . The worst time to visit the North Cascades National Park is in the winter. Read on to learn when the best and worst times are to visit this gorgeous park. If you camp in the park, there may be fire restrictions to reduce forest fires. There is only one paved road in the park. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. When possible, make reservations as early as you can. This is our favorite overlook in North Cascades National Park. Visitors enjoy a large amount of biodiversity and beautiful waterways. Happy travels! These steep and rocky mountains tower above the surrounding area. North Cascades National Park, WA Average high temperature in September: 61F The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (70F). The average temperature in North Cascades National Park in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 63F (17C) and a low of 43F (6C). Shuksan, Mt. Huckleberries and blueberries, heather and many more. Things to Know Before Visiting North Cascades National Park Entrance Fees. Huckleberries yummy. 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. This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after . Always familiarize yourself with current events from the park before venturing into nature. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. She is passionate about intersectional social justice in the outdoors and creating outdoor access for all. The expense will come down to the activities in which you want to participate. Learn about the different camping options within the park complex. With two days in North Cascades National Park, Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the, More Information for Your Trip to Washington. In Stehekin, stay at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin. Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. The Maple Pass Loop offers a little bit of everythingwildflowers, old growth forests, a visit to a lovely alpine lake, and (the best part) panoramic views of the North Cascades. One of my first backpacking trips was camping at, , a perfect one-night trip with a good friend. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Various plans have been proposed to restore grizzly bear populations within North Cascades National Park. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. Overnight camping or parking is only allowed in designated campgrounds or campsites. The study area fell within North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and the western Pasayten Wilderness (Okanogan National Forest). Whether you go to a big city or a rural vista, the weather and available activities can make or break your trip. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. The best time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the summer through early autumn. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Goodell Creek Campground. Then the trail climbs steeply up to a ridgeline. Thunder Knob Trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot elevation gain. Winthrop is a very cool town. Visitors enjoy a large amount of biodiversity and beautiful waterways. North Cascades Highway (State Highway 20) is the only paved road in the park. Some would describe it as moderately chilly humid but cool. If you love beautiful views and want to feel in touch with nature, North Cascades National Park is one of the most beautiful places you can visit. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. The image was draped over terrain data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). But if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This hike offers incredible, high alpine views with great views of Mt. Check out the day hikes options below if you only have a day. From North Cascades National Park, we drove north to the Mount Baker area. Just a short walk from the Trail of the Cedars, also located in Newhalem, is Ladder Creek Falls. Some popular drive-in sites include Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, Colonial Creek, and Newhalem Creek. Reservations for backcountry permits begin in March 2023. Popular trails may be crowded on many summer and fall weekends, but you can always find secluded areas if you search. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Some of the best options are often busy, with Seattle locals driving up on the weekends throughout the summer and fall. 12 Great Hikes in North Cascades National Park, Washington National Parks: Travel Guide & Itinerary, Complete Guide to the Maple Pass Loop | North Cascades National Park, Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Hike: North Cascades National Park. . In Winthrop, Rivers Edge Resort, Mt Gardner Inn, and Methow River Lodge all get great reviews. There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: There is only one paved road in the park. Wildland Trekking offers spectacular guided trips that allow you to get out there without the stress of planning the trip yourself! During this high season, you can catch some views at the North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass Overlook, and Cascade Pass. Since the park is isolated and filled with very few artificial structures, it is a great place to escape the rigors of everyday life. But the North Cascades developed geologically separately from the volcanoes, so they look different from what most people think of when considering the PNW. Great guide! 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. | 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. North Cascades Travel Tips Cascade National Park is Free! Be prepared for wintry conditions as early as September or October. North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park [] Reply. Navigating the park in the winter can require special tools, even if you are only going out for a hike. Day 3: Maple Pass Loop hike, scenic drive and overlooks on Highway 20; sleep in Marblemount. Some parts of the park may even be closed for the winter due to avalanches and other concerning conditions. If you only saw the North Cascades from the viewpoints along Highway 20, you would be missing out on a lot. The area is popular with snowmobilers, skiers, and other winter backcountry travelers. As an active national park, the area is beautifully maintained and ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. 1. backcountry permit from the ranger station in Marblemount before heading into the backcountry. Highway 20, the main road in North Cascades National Park, is typically closed from early November through early May, although these times can change depending on snowfall amounts. There is an effort underway to restore the population of grizzly bears to the North Cascades. If you stay at a lodge instead of camping, the overall price can also be higher. Wildland Trekking offers. However, you will need to access them by trail or boat. Road closures are likely during the winter months. ). Feb 27 - Northwest Youth Corps hiring North Cascades National Park - Trail Crew Steward Internship in Stehekin, Washington on Conservation Job Board. Hike a Portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. 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. Guide to Hiking North Cascades National Park. For a more secluded and peaceful camping experience, head into the backcountry on foot or by boat to one of many backcountry or boat-in campsites available. 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. North Cascades NP offers visitors the opportunity to gaze in wonder at the mountains, turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, and the scenic views along State Route 20. Many travelers enjoy experiencing a drive through the loop as they stop for different experiences. 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. Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades. ENCHANTMENTS: The Enchantments is an epic hike in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State. Located on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 94 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. North Cascades offers a variety of programs in the different areas of the park. National protected lands lie right outside of the National Park Complex. North Cascades National Park. This is a classic hike in the Stehekin side of the park. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. There are only a few class three moves as you follow the south ridge to the summit, so most experienced hikers will be able to attempt this summit. This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! Washington Pass is the highest point on Highway 20 and marks the middle of the western and eastern sections of . Backcountry permits are required year-round. Make sure you either find a guide, a friend with experience, or have the knowledge and gear yourself to do this climb. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. North Cascades National Park Highway: One of the World's Best. North Cascades National Park is a group of federally protected lands including wilderness areas as well as Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the Ross Lake Recreation Area, collectively known and managed as the North Cascades National Park Complex. "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. From Chelan, you can take a boat, plane, or hike to Stehekin, a very small town that is located at the northern end of Lake Chelan. If you are staying on the east side of the park, I highly recommend one of my favorite places in the world: Mazama and the Methow Valley. There are generally around 11 rainy days. enjoy the natural world. 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. Summer is an amazing time to visit North Cascades National Park, as once the snow melts out, you can find wildflowers blooming in high elevation meadows. Location: Washington. Sun protection is also essential when hiking or camping. It is not overly difficult and from the trail, you get to see wonderful views of Stehekin Valley, Lake Chelan, Rainbow Creek, wildflowers, and the surrounding mountains. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Still, the drive is gorgeous, and you'll see flashes of yellow and orange lighting up the landscape around you. If you want to see the world, go see it! Benefits included four paid Holidays. Annual Events Skagit Eagle Festival (December and January) Stay safe by knowing which animals to look out for, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and planning. During the operational season (mid-May to early September), a ll sites in campgrounds along State Route 20 and in Stehekin can be reserved in advance. The least busy time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the winter since visiting in the winter is not always safe. With three or more days, you can add in more hikes or visit Stehekin. This weather limits the activities available to you. Entering the park does not require an entry fee. Even though outdoor activities are most popular in the North Cascades, consider adding a scenic drive to your trip can be fun. The area along Highway 20 and around Ross Lake is called the Ross Lake National Recreational Area. 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