Where is the North Cascades National Park?
810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
When was the North Cascades National Park Created?
October 2, 1968
Why was the North Cascades National Park Established?
The North Cascades National Park was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to preserve the snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, waterfalls, mountain scenery, and many other unique features of nature this large area of land had to offer.
In 1906 and 1917, local conservation groups demanded that the park be created and protected by the government, but groups with only economic interests won. Later, in 1931, the Forest Service established the Whatcom Primitive Area due to the pressure placed on them by the conservationists. However, by 1937 the local groups who were interested only economically in the park won and were able to continue logging the forest as the Forest Service managed it.
After much debate by conservationists and locals, the ark was established in 1968 and the park was signed into law. The North Cascades Conservation Council (N3C) and their allies who had lobbied to protect the park celebrated, but they knew they would have to keep fighting for the protection of the park.
The North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades National Park is located in northwestern Washington, U.S.. It is a large wilderness area created in 1968, in the region of the North American Alps. The park is separated into two units which extend in two different directions. The north unit reaches to the Canadian border while the south unit extends towards Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. The Ross Lake Recreation Area divides the park into the north and south unit, laying in the center of the two.
The park is three hours from Seattle, Washington and is known for its heightened peaks, deep valleys filled with forest, cascading waterfalls, and over 300 glaciers.
The North Cascades National Park is filled with backpacking trails and loops, short or long hikes, and unique types of nature and wildlife like the gray wolf, Douglas squirrels, Columbia black-tailed deer, and many more. There are several scenic vistas like Highway 20 which leads through the heart of the park to many displays, information boards, and overlooks such as Diablo and Ross Lake overlooks.
You can explore this park by foot or by car. It is the perfect place for family adventures with beautiful scenery, conveniently located and open to the public!
Map of the North Cascades National Park
Park Hours and Fees
The North Cascades National Park is open year round, however the park operational season is open from late May to late September. Although, there are limited services outside of these seasons.
Sun Open 24 hours
Mon Open 24 hours
Tue Open 24 hours
Wed Open 24 hours
Thu Open 24 hours
Fri Open 24 hours
Sat Open 24 hours
Fees and Passes:
Entrance Fee: $0
Entrance Pass: $0
Does the North Cascades National Park Have Lodging?
Car camping reservations:
Car camping reservations are available at Newhalem Creek and Upper and Lower Goodell Creek campgrounds at the park.
You can book individual sites in Loops A, B, and C at Newhalem Creek Campground, Gorge Lake Campground, and south loop Colonial Creek Campground.
North loop campsites are first come first serve.
Make reservations are Recreation.gov
Gorge Lake Campground: $10/night
Newhalem Creek Campground: $16-$40/night
Colonial Creek South Campground: $16-$40/night
Lower Goodell Group Campground: $50/night
Upper Goodell Group Campground: $50/night
Alternative Lodging Options
Ross Lake Resort: Ross Lake Resort is so popular that you need to book your stay months in advance. It is located in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area filled with several rustic cabins connected by boardwalks lining Ross Lake. Rent a fishing boat for $110/day, a canoe or kayak for $36/day, or spend the day taking in the view of Ross Lake.
Rate: starting at $165/night
Buffalo Run Inn: The Buffalo Run Inn is a 1889-vintage cedar roadhouse where many people visiting the North Cascades National Park choose to stay. Before it became a bed-and-breakfast inn, it was a watering hole for gold miners and lumberjacks travelling to the park.
Rate: starting at $49/night
Skagit River Resort: The Skagit River Resort is a 1940s rustic to modern day resort designed to fit several people with a large amount of cabins. It is best known for the “bunny lawn” which attracts numerous wild rabbits.
Rate: starting at $79/night
Totem Trail Motel: The Totem Trail Motel is less popular, located 8units off of the highway.
Rate: starting at $60/night
North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin: The North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin has 28 beautiful units which include magical lakeviews and even include kitchen.
Rate: starting at $122/night
Backcountry Camps: 140 backcountry campsites but permit is necessary.
Directions to the North Cascades National Park
To access the North Cascades National Park you can take the State Route 20 (SR 20 or North Cascades Highway) corridor which will lead you into both the park and the Ross Lake National Recreation Area.
You can take the Silver-Skagit Road and State Route 542 (SR 542) to access the northern regions of the park such as Hozomeen, Mount Shuksan, and Copper Ridge.
The Silver-Skagit Road leads directly to Hozomeen and is the only road which accesses the Ross Lake Shoreline immediately. It is a 37 mile gravel road which connects to the British Columbia Highway 1 (exit 168).
Hikers and climbers can access Copper Righe, the northern Picket Range, and Mount Shuksan from SR 542 east of Bellingham. They can reach the Sulphide Glacier route near Mount Shuksan from Baker Lake Road on the North Cascades Highway at milepost 82.
To access the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area you will need to take a shuttle service which you can find in Stehekin Valley, a ferry, or by foot to reach this area. There is no car access.
How do you get around the North Cascades National Park?
By Air: You can get to Stehekin quickly by taking a floatplane on Chelan Seaplanes which is located next to the dock of the ferries at Chelan. It is about $158 round trip.
By Boat: You can take the Lady Express and the Lady of the Lake II on Lake Chelan to get to and from Stehekin at the north end of the lake. Boat rides range from $39 to $59. You can access water taxis to trailheads and campgrounds from Ross Lake if you are staying at Ross Lake Resort.
By Shuttle Bus: Shuttle busses are available often at the park to transport you to Stehekin Valley Road. You do not have to make a reservation and it is a $10 round trip.
Activities the North Cascades National Park Offers
Hiking
The North Cascades National Park is known for its wide variety of trails and their length and difficulties. The most common season for hiking is between April and October, but the most popular time that hikers visit occurs mid-June through September. There are over 400 miles of hiking trails across the park and too many trails to list. All hikes are no reservation needed and can be hiked for free. Popular hikes include:
Thornton Lake: This trail gradually gets steeper through the rocky mountains of the park over time leading to Thornton Lake. If you have a permit, you can camp overnight on this trail. It is 10.8 miles with an elevation 3,000 feet. It will take about 5 to 8 hours.
Desolation Peak: This trail is one of the harder hikes. It is located at Ross Lake, and provides you with an overall view of the park. You can reach this trail by crossing Ross Lake or hiking an additional 16 miles on the East Bank Trail. It is a steep hike with an elevation of 4,400 feet. It is 9.4 miles. It will take about 5 to 8 hours to hike.
Boating
Kayaking, canoeing, and motor boating are popular activities on Gorge Lake, Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan. However, there are no boat rentals for Gorge Lake or Diablo Lake. You can rent motorboats, kayaks, and canoes at Ross Lake Resort, and some paddle boards can be rented at Stehekin at Lake Chelan.
Rafting is permitted on Skagit and Stehekin River during summer months.
Biking
Biking is a popular activity within the park, however, bikers are nor permitted on any trails. Most bikes bike Highway 20 with automobiles through the park. Bikers can take a leisurely and quiet trail through lower Stehekin Valley or bike the steep, busy Highway 20. Routes include Highway 20, Stehekin Valley Road, and multiple routes from Marblemount.
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