North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is located in the state of Washington in the United States. It encompasses a vast area of 504,781 acres, making it one of the largest parks in the country. The park is situated in the northwestern part of the state, close to the Canadian border.

This national park holds a significant historical background. Native populations have inhabited the North Cascades region, including the Skagit, Nlaka'pamux, and Upper Skagit tribes, for thousands of years. European settlement in the area began in the late 19th century when miners and loggers arrived, seeking their fortunes in the abundant natural resources of the region. The park itself was established in 1968, with the primary goal of preserving the unique natural beauty and ecosystems found within.

North Cascades National Park offers visitors a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy. With over 300 glaciers, the park is often referred to as the "American Alps" due to its stunning alpine scenery. Hiking is a popular pastime here, with numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain treks. The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the park, attracting long-distance hikers.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse array of animals found in the park, including black bears, mountain goats, gray wolves, and more. Birdwatchers can spot over 200 avian species, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons. The park's pristine lakes, such as Ross Lake and Lake Chelan, provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

In addition to the park itself, there are several attractions nearby worth exploring. The visitor center at Newhalem offers educational exhibits and ranger-led programs, providing insight into the area's natural and cultural history. The North Cascades Institute, located on Diablo Lake, provides educational programs and excursions for both children and adults. Furthermore, the nearby city of Seattle offers a range of cultural amenities, such as museums, theaters, and world-class dining.

Overall, North Cascades National Park in Washington is a magnificent destination that showcases the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Its grand mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

North Cascades National Park is nestled in the rugged, mountainous region of the North Cascades in the state of Washington. Located in the northwestern part of the state, it sits on the border with Canada, offering a mesmerizing panorama of towering peaks, deep valleys, and beautiful alpine lakes. This national park is part of the larger Cascade Range, which stretches from British Columbia in Canada all the way down to California. The North Cascades National Park encompasses a vast expanse of over 500,000 acres, providing visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife spotting. With its remote and pristine location, this park offers a true escape into nature with its unparalleled beauty and untouched wilderness.

Address & Contact

810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Driving Directions
Phone: 3608547200
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit North Cascades National Park would be during the months of May, June, and September. During May, the average maximum temperature is 68°F, the average minimum temperature is 46°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 2.9 inches. In June, the average maximum temperature is 71°F, the average minimum temperature is 50°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 2.3 inches. September offers a slightly cooler climate with an average maximum temperature of 71°F, an average minimum temperature of 51°F, and an average monthly precipitation of 4 inches. During these months, visitors can enjoy pleasant weather for outdoor activities without the large crowds experienced in the summer months.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in North Cascades National Park are: Guided Tours Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Paddling Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Boat Tour Group Camping RV Camping Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour Citizen Science

Topics

Learn about these topics at North Cascades National Park: Animals Birds Cats (wild) Fish Wilderness Wolves Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Lakes Mountains Natural Sounds

Visitor Centers

Wilderness Information Center

The Wilderness Information Center is the main backcountry permit office for North Cascades National Park and the adjacent Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Backcountry permits are required for overnights in the park year-round and are available at an outdoor self-issue station when the center is closed during the winter season. Information desk. Sales area with books, maps, videos, and other items related to the national park and adjacent national forests.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Wilderness Information Center.

Campsites within or near North Cascades National Park

Colonial Creek North Campground

Colonial Creek North Campground is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. Located on the north side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 41 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. Recreational opportunities include a fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch on Diablo Lake, as well as hiking opportunities for various abilities on Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Colonial Creek Summer Fees), 0.00 (Colonial Creek CG Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 41
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Colonial Creek South Campground

Colonial Creek South Campground is a remote, yet busy campground nestled in old growth forest on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130.Ten walk-in, tent-only sites are available first-come, first-served in the winter (sites #64-74). Sites may be difficult to access in winter. Reservations required late May to September. Recreational opportunities include a fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch on Diablo Lake, as well as hiking opportunities on Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Colonial Creek Summer Fees), 0.00 (Colonial Creek CG Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 96
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Goodell Creek Campground

Goodell Creek Campground is situated in lush, old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River. Campsites are suitable for tents and small RVs. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Nearby recreational opportunities include a raft/kayak launch on the Skagit River and fishing on the Skagit and its tributaries.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Goodell Creek Campground Summer Fees), 0.00 (Goodell Creek Campground Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 19
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Gorge Lake Campground

Gorge Lake Campground is located on the bank of Gorge Lake, next to the cascading Stetattle Creek and is a primitive camp with no water. First-come, first-served during the winter. Summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Nearby recreational opportunities include a boat launch on Gorge Lake, fishing, and hiking trails.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Gorge Lake Campground)
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Harlequin Campground

Harlequin Campground is located near Stehekin in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Rd from Stehekin Landing and 0.5 miles from the public airstrip. All sites are walk-in sites though some have limited parking. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Harlequin Campground Peak Season Fees), 0.00 (Harlequin Campground Non-peak Season Fees)
Total Campsites: 7
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hozomeen Campground

Hozomeen Campground is located at the north end of Ross Lake and is open from late May through October. There is no camping fee, and all sites are first-come, first-served. Facilities include boat launches, pit toilets, potable water, picnic tables and fire grates. Guests must pack-out all trash. Campsites located in the Upper Loop are closed until further notice due to hazard trees.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Hozomeen Campground Fees)
Total Campsites: 75
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Lakeview Campground

Located at the head of Lake Chelan, Lakeview Campground is a five minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. All sites are walk-in sites for small to medium-sized tents. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Lakeview Campground Peak Season Fees), 0.00 (Lakeview Campground Non-peak Season Fees)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground

Lower Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. Each group site has tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 50 people (20 vehicles) per site. Lower Goodell sites can accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service provided is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water.
Fees (US$): 75.00 (Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground - Summer Fees), 0.00 (Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground - Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Newhalem Creek Campground

Newhalem Campground is a comfortable facility close to the town of Newhalem, Washington, and the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forests that that can be explored through the area's many hiking trails. The campground has individual campsites as well as two group sites. It is private and secluded, yet the town, a visitor center and other amenities are only a short walk away.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Newhalem Creek Campground Reservation Fee), 75.00 (Newhalem Creek Group Campsites)
Total Campsites: 107
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Purple Point Campground

Located at the head of Lake Chelan, Purple Point Campground is a ten minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. All sites are walk-in sites for small to medium-sized tents. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Purple Point Campground Peak Season Fees), 0.00 (Purple Point Non-peak Season Fees)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Upper Goodell Creek Group Campsite

Upper Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. The group site has tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 30 people (10 vehicles). Upper Goodell cannot accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water.
Fees (US$): 75.00 (Upper Goodell Creek Group Campground - Summer Fees), 0.00 (Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground - Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Lower Goodell Group Campground

Lower Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. Each group site has 5 tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 50 people and 20 vehicles per site. Lower Goodell sites can accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water.
Fees (US$): 75.00 (Lower Goodell Group Campground Campsite Reservation Fee)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near North Cascades National Park

Mt. Baker Hotel

With a stay at Mt. Baker Hotel in Concrete, you'll be 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Lake Shannon and 14.2 mi (22.8 km) from Baker Lake. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 45951 Main St, Concrete, Washington 98237-96
Web: Link