North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park protects over 500,000 acres (200,000 hectares) of remote wilderness in the rugged Cascade Mountains of Washington State, on the border with Canada. The park has more glaciers than anywhere else in the contiguous United States — over 300 glaciers and countless snowfields — making for exceptional alpine scenery and mountain climbing. Steep, glacier-capped mountains rise nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above pristine lakes, and the landscape transitions from lush western forests to the dry eastern Cascades high desert.

The park complex is administered by the National Park Service and includes three protected areas: the park proper (divided into north and south sections by the Skagit River), the Ross Lake National Recreation Area (along the Upper Skagit River Valley), and the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (the northern tip of Lake Chelan). State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway, provides the main road access through the recreation area. Much of the park is designated Wilderness, meaning limited roads and developed facilities.

Summer is the best time to visit. The North Cascades Highway is fully open only from late April to November; the park is largely inaccessible and covered in snow the rest of the year. While the Stehekin ferries run year-round, most businesses in Stehekin are open only seasonally. The climate is typical Pacific Northwest — wet, rainy winters and clear, mild summers — though weather can change rapidly at higher elevations and snowstorms are possible even in July.

By Plane

The nearest commercial airport is Bellingham International Airport (BLI), about 80 miles (129 km) northwest of the park's western boundary. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 120 miles (193 km) southwest. From either airport, a rental car is necessary to reach the park. There is no public bus service to the park interior.

By Train

By Car / Road

State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) is the only paved road crossing the park, running east-west from Sedro-Woolley to Winthrop. From Seattle, take I-5 north to WA-20 east — about 2 hours to the park boundary. From Sedro-Woolley, drive east approximately 46 miles to the park complex boundary. The highway is closed by snow typically from November to late April. Access to Stehekin is via passenger ferry from Chelan (about 2.5 hours on the ferry), trail, or float plane — no road vehicle can reach Stehekin.

There is no public transit within the park. A private vehicle is essential for driving the North Cascades Highway. The Stehekin Valley is accessible only by passenger ferry from Chelan, by trail, or by float plane. The Lake Chelan Ferry (Lady of the Lake) runs daily in summer with reduced winter service. Once in Stehekin, a local shuttle operates along the valley. Most exploration is on foot via the park's extensive trail system.

• Diablo Lake Overlook — A stunning viewpoint of Diablo Lake's turquoise waters, created by glacial sediment. Accessible via a short walk from a parking area along SR-20.

• Ross Lake — A large reservoir along the Skagit River, accessible via SR-20 and boat launches. Popular for kayaking and fishing.

• Newhalem — A small company town built by Seattle City Light for its Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. Features the North Cascades Visitor Center, a walking trail, and a garden.

• Stehekin — A remote community at the north end of Lake Chelan, accessible only by boat, trail, or float plane. Features a visitor center, a bakery, and trail access to the park's backcountry.

• Cascade Pass — A historic trailhead at the end of the Cascade River Road, offering access to high alpine terrain and glacier views.

• Ladder Creek Falls — A scenic waterfall near Newhalem, accessible via a short paved trail.

• Hiking — The park offers hundreds of miles of trails, from easy walks near SR-20 to multi-day backcountry routes. Popular trails include the Thunder Knob Trail (3.6 miles round trip), the Cascade Pass Trail (7 miles round trip), and the Maple Pass Loop (7.2 miles).

• Backcountry camping — Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Permits are available from the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount or at trailheads.

• Kayaking and canoeing — Ross Lake and Diablo Lake offer calm water paddling with mountain scenery. Rentals are available at Ross Lake Resort.

• Fishing — Native trout species inhabit the Skagit River and park lakes. Washington State fishing regulations apply.

• Ski touring and snowshoeing — Winter access is limited, but backcountry skiers and snowshoers can explore the Ross Lake area and Stehekin Valley when conditions allow.

Stehekin Bakery in Stehekin is a beloved destination known for its pastries, breads, and coffee — accessible only by boat, trail, or float plane. The Lodge at Stehekin offers basic meals. Outside the park, Marblemount has a few casual restaurants and diners along SR-20. Within the recreation area, limited food service is available at Diablo Lake and Ross Lake during summer.

Tap water is safe throughout the park. Stehekin has a small café serving coffee and beverages. Outside the park, Marblemount and Rockport have a few restaurants and bars.

• Budget: The park has several campgrounds along SR-20 and near Ross Lake, including Colonial Creek Campground (137 sites, $18/night as of 2020) and Newhalem Campground (18 sites, $18/night). Backcountry camping is free with a wilderness permit.
• Mid-range: Ross Lake Resort offers floating cabin rentals on Diablo Lake from approximately $150–250/night in summer. Colonial Creek Campground provides a more affordable base with lake access.
• Upscale / heritage: The Lodge at Stehekin offers basic rooms from approximately $100–150/night. For more comfort, the Skagit Valley Casino Resort near Bow offers hotel rooms from approximately $120/night, about an hour west of the park.

Gift shops at the North Cascades Visitor Center and Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin sell books, maps, and souvenirs. Stehekin has a small general store and a bakery. Outside the park, Marblemount and Rockport have small outdoor gear shops.

• North Cascades Highway scenic drive (SR-20 east to Winthrop, about 1 hour from park boundary) — A stunning mountain drive with alpine meadows and small-town charm.
• Winthrop (about 1 hour east on SR-20) — A western-themed village with boutique shops, dining, and access to the Methow Valley's cross-country ski trails.
• Sedro-Woolley (about 45 minutes west on SR-20) — A gateway town with the park headquarters and visitor center, plus access to the Skagit River's bald eagle viewing areas in winter.
• Chelan (about 2 hours south via US-97 and SR-153) — A resort town on the shores of Lake Chelan, known for wine tasting and water sports.
• Leavenworth (about 3 hours southeast via I-90 and US-97) — A Bavarian-themed mountain village with hiking, skiing, and festivals.