North Cascades National Park
WA
Park Alerts (8)
About North Cascades National Park
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
Plan a Backcountry Trip
Backcountry camping in the North Cascades can be an exciting adventure for prepared hikers.
Fishing in the North Cascades
Fishing is popular in many lakes and rivers of the North Cascades.
Day Hiking in North Cascades
Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America.
Paddling in the North Cascades
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular on the lakes of the North Cascades.
Motorboating in the North Cascades
Motorboating is a popular activity on Gorge, Diablo, and Ross lakes, and Lake Chelan.
Rafting in the North Cascades
The Skagit and Stehekin rivers attract many whitewater enthusiasts for rafting and kayaking, especially during the summer months.
Available Activities
Weather
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
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.
Plan Your Visit
Let Cairn help you plan the perfect trip to North Cascades National Park with AI-powered itineraries.
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North Cascades National Park Service Complex
North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. The park operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem is open during the operational season, dates may vary annually.