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. Layers and layers of glacier-capped mountains stretch off in all directions. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. The worst time to visit the North Cascades National Park is in the winter. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, The Ultimate Guide to North Cascades National Park in Washington. . Snow is off all but the highest trails by July. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. North Cascades National Park forms part of the Cascade Range in northwestern Washington state and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle. Its nothing fancy but rooms are clean, quiet, and the WiFi worked well. When you plan your trip, consider lodgings such as Sun Mountain Lodge, Rivers Edge Resort, and Airbnbs. In the park, there are over 300 glaciers and 300 lakes. The region is frequently called the North American Alps. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Located on Ross Lake, Desolation Peak offers sweeping views over the park. You dont truly get to see the beauty and the grandeur of North Cascades National Park unless you go hiking. The summer months of June - September are the driest months and perfect for a Washington elopement. The Best Time to Visit Denali National Park in 2023, The Best Time to Visit Gatlinburg in 2023. 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 is one of the best places to get views of the jagged, rocky, snow-covered mountain range, unless you plan to hike high into the mountains. Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades. The image was draped over terrain data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). 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. Description. Maple Pass Loop: 7.2 miles, moderate to difficult. Looking east along Highway 20 from the overlook. In order to do this, you will need to obtain a backcountry permit if you plan to camp overnight along the trail. The position is mostly based out of the Newhalem North Cascades National Park Visitor Center . It lasts until mid- to late April and necessitates the regular closure of Wash. State Rte. Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, Gorge Lake, and Lake Chelan provide access to the North Cascades via the water. , Even though outdoor activities are most popular in the North Cascades, consider adding a scenic drive to your trip can be fun. 15. This high elevation national park of northern Washington is perhaps the most rugged place to visit in the state. This hike offers incredible, high alpine views with great views of Mt. LEARN MORE: 12 Great Hikes in the North Cascades. This overlook is located right on Highway 20. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. For beautiful views over Diablo Lake, hike to the top of Thunder Knob. Washington Pass is located on Highway 20, just east of the national park. In fact, you could easily drive through the park on Highway 20 and barely know youre in a national park (except for the Diablo Lake Overlook). "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. Once the road is safe to clear from snow, Highway 20 typically opens in April or May. North Cascades National Park. There are also usually more activities during this time in general. 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. If you want to visit Stehekin, you will need a minimum of two days, since travel times can be long between Chelan and Stehekin. 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. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Add on a morning scramble of Trappers peak, and you have a classic North Cascades backpacking trip. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. Cutthroat Lake Trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail. I suggest stopping by the visitor's center to get acquainted with fees and parking. However, the mountains are not accessible for most visitors since the risk of avalanches is often high. Free! Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the National Park service website. To the east is the Okanogan National Forest, where you will find beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and the Washington Pass Overlook. To see Diablo Lake at its peak, the color are most vibrant on sunny days in July, August, and September when seasonal glacial melt occurs. While persistent snow is not always common, it can happen sometimes. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. The best overall time to visit is in the summer, between June and September. Some options are perfect for inexperienced hikers, while others are best only for advanced hikers. The snow has melted by August, and the park has transformed into a huge, lush, green jewel. All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern, Unlike many national parks, the North Cascades is not one that you can simply drive through to see the iconic features. This is our favorite overlook in North Cascades National Park. Learn more in our Guide to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. If you want to experience the great outdoors during the day and sleep in a bed instead of a tent at night, there are plenty of nearby options. 2. During the winter and shoulder seasons, there are some accessible trails and campgrounds. Our National protected lands lie right outside of the National Park Complex. 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. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Where to stay: See here. Explore amazing North Cascades National Park with Wildland Trekking on the Wonders of the North Cascades Backpacking Adventure! Road access is weather dependent, typically accessible spring through late fall. Wildland Trekking offers spectacular guided trips that allow you to get out there without the stress of planning the trip yourself! There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: There is only one paved road in the park. Planning your North Cascades trip carefully can provide you with a fantastic adventure. The expense will come down to the activities in which you want to participate. The trail starts off easy, a relatively flat walk through thick forests. Then the trail to Trapper Peak branches off to the right before you descend to the campsites at the lakes below. North Cascades National Park 60 Mountains National Parks By 273triciaa Diablo lake is an amazing blue and the air is crisp and clean as you hike this area.so beautiful ! In terms of the times when visitors are common, the months of April to June and late September to late October are some of the least busy times. 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). Suggestion by Hannah from That Adventurer Blog. In . With two days in North Cascades National Park, do what I list above on day 1. for an accessible peak that would be perfect for a first summit. Be prepared for wintry conditions as early as September or October. On Wildland trips, Some of the best options are often busy, with Seattle locals driving up on the weekends throughout the summer and fall. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park. Backcountry hiking always requires a permit. Even though Mount Baker is not tucked away with the national park complex, it still makes a great place to add onto your visit to the North Cascades, as it is a gorgeous place to go hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. As an active national park, the area is beautifully maintained and ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. NPS Unigrid Brochure Map Newest Version. The necessary clothing for the North Cascades National Park will depend on your activities and the time of year you visit. If you like to get off the beaten path, hit the trail, or scramble to a summit, the North Cascades will blow your mind. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. One of the best parts about this park is how underrated it is! The cascades have their permit requirements for camping that vary from surrounding campsites. 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). To get off the beaten path, heading up is always the way to find the best views with few crowds. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. Along the way, you can find hiking, climbing, fishing, riding, and more. To save money on your visit, the key is thorough planning. For more information or specific questions, email the park complex. Grand Canyon National Park; pay for content, product research, guides, and more). While visiting the park, keep an eye out for elk, moose, marmots, pika, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bear, coyote, lynx, bobcats and otters. Ross Lake Resort is remote lodging only accessible by ferry or by foot. 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. Spanning over 500,000 acres, North Cascades National Park in Washington is an alpine wonderland featuring vibrant lakes, thickly forested valleys, over 300 glaciers, and the most rugged peaks of the Cascade Range. For comparison, the hottest month in North Cascades National Park, August, has days with highs of 70F (21C) and lows of 48F (9C). The Hoh rainforest. In the evenings, we would get carryout and wine, sit in the river, and have dinner. From the Washington Pass Overlook, you have an outstanding view of Highway 20 and Liberty Bell Mountain. Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. This is another very short trail of only 300 feet that provides incredible views. Read on to learn when the best and worst times are to visit this gorgeous park. Thunder Knob Trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot elevation gain. Dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise bodies of water define camping at North Cascades National Park. Cold weather and moisture can make roads and trails muddy and less safe. North of this road is Ross Lake. There is not a particularly cheap or expensive time to visit the North Cascades. 1. Happy travels! The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the summer from mid-June to late September. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. You walk through an old growth forest that faintly resembles the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park. Alternatively, you may use, North Cascades National Park Hotels and Places to Stay, North Cascades National Park Travel Forum, North Cascades National Park Vacation Rentals, North Cascades National Park Vacation Packages, Restaurants near North Cascades National Park, Things to Do in North Cascades National Park, North Cascades National Park Travel Guide. Driving Directions. This short, easy trail makes a loop alongside the Skagit River. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. Sun protection is also essential when hiking or camping. , are more common in the National Forest to the east of the Park and are usually first-come first-served. Listed below are 12 great hikes to do in North Cascades National Park. Just 2 hours from the urban bustle of Seattle, WA, North Cascades National Park is an underrated gem waiting to be explored. Day 2: Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake, Washington Pass Overlook, afternoon in Winthrop; sleep in Twisp. (Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty . always dress in layers when you hike here, but the trails will be less crowded (as well as the roads). more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Summary of Position North Cascades Institute is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic individual to join our retail team. Benefits included four paid Holidays. 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. These bears do not generally bother humans as long as they store food properly and engage in other safe practices. The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. This short driving tour would make for a scenic and very worthwhile trip to North Cascades National Park. There are several viewpoints located around the large parking lot as well as bathrooms. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains as you hike to a peaceful (blue) lake. However, if you only have a day, North Cascades National Park is perfect for road trippers visiting all of the national parks in Washington (, Camping is the perfect way to explore this beautiful national park. Get the monthly weather forecast for North Cascades National Park, WA, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. Alpine animals such as pikas, marmots, and mountain goats peer down at you from rocky outcroppings. If you have any questions about things to do in North Cascades National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Marblemount is the closest town on the west side of the park. 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! North Cascades Travel Tips Cascade National Park is Free! 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. It is essential to know in advance that cell service is unreliable in the park. If you are not sure of the requirements for the area you are hiking in, talk to a ranger. Whitewater enthusiasts also could check out the Stehekin and Skagit rivers for kayaking or rafting during the warmer months. Note: This post contains affiliate links. You will hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. North Cascades National Park is nicknamed the American Alps, getting its name from the jagged, rocky mountain peaks and emerald green slopes. Costs for visiting the North Cascades include clothing, survival supplies, campsites, activity supplies, and transportation. View New Trips. I recommend this trip if you want to immerse yourself in the area and have a few days to spend in the backcountry. North Cascades National Park. If you luck out, you may find some nice hikes, boating opportunities, and scenic drives. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. Just hiking Cascade Pass on its own is about 8 miles but still worth it if you dont have time for the add-on to Sahale arm. Check out the Mazama Country Inn and the Freestone Inn. As a result, you can enjoy your time in the North Cascades without too many people around. Witness a landscape sensitive to the Earth's changing climate. Highway 20 (also known as North Cascades Highway) runs east west through the park, along the Skagit River, bisecting the park into two pieces. North Cascades is 108 miles away from Seattle. The park has 300 glaciers, jagged peaks, and forested valleys that showcase the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. 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). Take it slow on this trail, and look down. On day 2, we hiked the Maple Pass Loop and then drove Highway 20 through the park, stopping at the overlooks mentioned above. Blue Lake Trail 42 Hiking Trails By camox Keep in mind, however, that winter arrives early at high elevations. Snow begins appearing in the park in late October and can continue into April. Yes there were lots of wild flowers. While the higher elevation keeps this very popular North Cascades trail from being a year-round fungal destination, it can be a mushroom paradise. From North Cascades National Park, we drove north to the Mount Baker area. In mid-July, most trails are snow-free (except at the highest elevations on mountain peaks. 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. The journey to the North Cascades may take you slightly longer than this depending on traffic . We stayed at Twisp River Suites in a 2-bedroom apartment. Closure depends on snow and avalanche conditions. small crease, corner ding, light wrinkle) but . Over millions of years, these glaciers created some of the steepest mountain ranges in the USA, some mountains rising 4,000 to 6,000 feet above their bases. It is just a short drive from Seattle, Washington but North Cascades only gets a handful of the visitors that flock to nearby Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks. The best time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the summer through early autumn. Find information on boating in the park complex. This is our itinerary for visiting North Cascades National Park. Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. 810 State Route 20 Look out for gray wolves, wolverines, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and salmon. Hidden Lake: 9 miles, moderate to strenuous. Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. Tucked away in North Cascades National Park, the Ross Lake Resort was built in 1950. Waterproofed items are essential to survival in cold temperatures. However, with cold temperatures, it may be good to avoid camping unless you are comfortable camping in cold weather. You might not even see a drop of rain for 60+ days! Road closures are likely during the winter months. 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. National Park Hiking Tours; Unforgettable Experiences. Make sure to check out the Mazama Store for local art, treats, and other goodies. This is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. Though summer is spectacular here, I highly recommend autumn in the North Cascades. The Beautiful Glacier-fed Freshwater of Lake Chelan on December 19, 2022 at 5:09 pm [] Chelan is about a 3-hour drive from Seattle, and the drive . Many national park visitors skip this park in favor of other more popular destinations. The park consists of two sections, called units. During this high season, you can catch some views at the North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass Overlook, and Cascade Pass. Then the trail climbs steeply up to a ridgeline. You could spend a lifetime and hardly explore it all. Its well worth a stay in addition to being excellent access for North Cascades National Park and the surrounding mountains. This is a classic hike in the Stehekin side of the park. Once in Stehekin, you can go on day hikes or start a backpacking adventure into the interior of the park. If you only saw the North Cascades from the viewpoints along Highway 20, you would be missing out on a lot. Skyline Divide. Some good trails for beginners include Cascade Pass Trail, Thunder Knob, and Fourth of July Pass. Along this hike, you will have stunning views of the North Cascades range, with views of Sahale, Forbidden, and Boston peaks. 2022-10-27. 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. If you want a beautiful adventure deep in nature, take a visit to North Cascades National Park. The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and December (30F). These deciduous conifers grace the alpine zones of the North Cascades and turn bright yellow in the fall before shedding their needles for the winter. The North Cascades are isolated from society. 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. 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). Stehekin is a town cut off from the world, accessible only by boat, plane, or foot. The remainder of the complex is called North Cascades National Park. The expense of these items does not change significantly over the year. The study area fell within North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and the western Pasayten Wilderness (Okanogan National Forest). Rainfall during September is moderate with an average of 52mm (2.0 inches). When visiting the North Cascades, visiting in good weather can go beyond enjoyment and play a role in your survival. In fact, you could easily drive through the park on Highway 20 and barely know youre in a national park (except for the Diablo Lake Overlook). What a gorgeous view, dont you think? This tiny town isnt as scenic as Winthrop and doesnt have nearly as many restaurants, but we stayed here and loved it. 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. If you camp, it is essential to bring warm and comfortable layers, walkable shoes, and rain gear. We only had one full day here and unfortunately, storms moved in, so we could not do any hiking. Read on for our guide to North Cascades National Park. This hike is 9 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. While that snow often appears at higher elevations, it can have a big impact on parts of the park at a lower elevation. If you manage to visit during less busy times with good hiking conditions, you can enjoy a tranquil visit to the North Cascades, where you will not run into too many people. Even though North Cascades National Park is just three hours from Seattle by car, it welcomed a mere 17,855 visitors in 2021 a staggering number when compared to the 14.1 million people who . 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. 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. You could drive Highway 20, stop at Diablo Lake, and then hike a few miles to Blue Lake at Washington Pass. The water washes this silt (also called rock flour) into the lake, giving it this milky green-blue color. From this overlook, you get a view of the Skagit Gorge and the Gorge Dam, a hydroelectric dam. Depending on weather and other conditions, trails and other features in the park may be inaccessible. This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after . So, Whats the Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park? Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk: 0.3 miles, flat, easy. This includes the area north and south of Highway 20. It was an awesome way to end the day and worth the extra drive time into the park (1 hour 15 minutes to Ross Lake). Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! The gorgeous blue waters of Diablo Lake are enough to convince most people to visit, but there's more to do in North Cascades than stare at beautiful scenery. From June to September, you will find gorgeous weather, safer conditions, and the opportunity for plenty of activities. As the snow melts, conditions may not be particularly hospitable. I just hiked Hidden Lake LO trail (West side) on Sept 9, the wildflowers were still abundant and beautiful. Located at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, this 300-foot boardwalk trail takes you to a viewpoint of the Picket Range. 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. A ranger can direct you to the safest trails during this time. Mountain goat at Sahale Glacier Camp The timing changes every year, depending on the weather. 1. Developed campgrounds, like Early Winters Campground, are more common in the National Forest to the east of the Park and are usually first-come first-served. But despite not receiving nearly the visitation of nearby Olympic or Rainier National Parks (in 2020, North Cascades received ~30,000 visitors compared to Olympics 2.5 million and Rainiers 1 million), North Cascades National Park is well worth the visit. Check out all of my other NPS brochures that I have available! 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 For detailed information about these hikes, take a look at our Guide to Hiking North Cascades National Park. 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