The scenic drives and overlooks give you a glimpse of the beauty of this place, but to truly discover the majesty of the North Cascades, youll have to hit the hiking trails. When possible, make reservations as early as you can. North Cascades National Park is a group of federally protected lands including wilderness areas as well as Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the Ross Lake Recreation Area, collectively known and managed as the North Cascades National Park Complex. Reservations for backcountry permits begin in March 2023. If you are staying on the east side of the park, I highly recommend one of my favorite places in the world: Mazama and the Methow Valley. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. 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. 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 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. Glacier-covered granite peaks hide in the North Cascades, with cloudy blue lakes and alpine meadows sitting below. North Cascades National Park. We slept in Marblemount and on day 3 hiked Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. From this overlook, you get a view of the Skagit Gorge and the Gorge Dam, a hydroelectric dam. 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. 2. North Cascades is 108 miles away from Seattle. Jack Kerouac made this peak famous. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. The best time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the summer through early autumn. Guide to Hiking North Cascades National Park. If you are not sure of the requirements for the area you are hiking in, talk to a ranger. There are also a few boat-in campsites in and near the park, especially at Diablo lake. Planning your North Cascades trip carefully can provide you with a fantastic adventure. Position Summary: The North Cascades National Park is recruiting one 680 Hour Trail Crew Steward Individual Placement beginning May through September 2023 to provide recreation and natural resource management assistance. Washington Pass is the highest point on Highway 20 and marks the middle of the western and eastern sections of . North Cascades NP offers visitors the opportunity to gaze in wonder at the mountains, turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, and the scenic views along State Route 20. However, there are a few man-made structures that remind you civilization exists. There is not a particularly cheap or expensive time to visit the North Cascades. Visit the scenic overlooks, yes . The North Cascades Range, for which this park is named, has the largest glacial system in the United States, other than Alaska. One of my first backpacking trips was camping at, , a perfect one-night trip with a good friend. There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: There is only one paved road in the park. 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. Upon your arrival at North Cascades National Park, it will take very little time to discover why so many people love the park. Summary of Position North Cascades Institute is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic individual to join our retail team. The vast expanses of sand dunes, the towering rock formations, and the clear night skies all contribute to the captivating allure of the desert. Leave city life behind during your visit to North Cascades National Park, a vast wilderness of conifer-clad mountains, glaciers, and lakes. The weather is especially nice in the NE Cascades, so be sure to stay a couple days around Mazama and do nearby hikes. While persistent snow is not always common, it can happen sometimes. Are the miles on each of the hike above round trip or one way? The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. Pack weights vary between 25 and 45 pounds, depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and your height and weight. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. During the winter, Highway 20 closes through most of the Park from just west of Mazama to Ross Lake. Backcountry hiking always requires a permit. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm: 12 miles, hard. This is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. Interesting Facts About North Cascades National Park, Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park. 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). Make sure to get a (usually free!) All of these sites are usually open in the summer, with a few staying open in the winter. With three or more days, you can add in more hikes or visit Stehekin. This park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. The Cascade loop is a 440-mile loop in Washington that includes the North Cascades National Park. From the popular to the obscure, here are a few good day hikes in North Cascades National Park. Visitors enjoy a large amount of biodiversity and beautiful waterways. The trail ends at the Blue Lake, a brilliantly blue lake that is surrounded by towering mountains. 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). This high elevation national park of northern Washington is perhaps the most rugged place to visit in the state. All very beautiful. To get to these regions, you can either drive on one of the dirt roads or go backpacking. However, this option is accessible only by a ferry ride from Chelan or a 23-mile hike from Highway 20 and a shuttle bus from High Bridge. Hidden Lake: 9 miles, moderate to strenuous. To get here, it is a mostly flat walk through a forest. Look out for ferries, visitor centers, and the dam that produces electricity. The Maple Pass Loop offers a little bit of everythingwildflowers, old growth forests, a visit to a lovely alpine lake, and (the best part) panoramic views of the North Cascades. Located on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 94 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. Once the road is safe to clear from snow, Highway 20 typically opens in April or May. Navigating the park in the winter can require special tools, even if you are only going out for a hike. Though summer is spectacular here, I highly recommend autumn in the North Cascades. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Also, there is no entrance booth along Highway 20. Julie Last updated: November 7, 2022 United States 25 Comments. The timing changes every year, depending on the weather. 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). Be prepared for snowfall and cold temperatures beginning in September. . Of course, more time is always better. This 4.5-mile hike right off of Washington Pass also might not be entirely in the National Park boundaries, but this is the perfect short hike to take a leg stretcher while driving the North Cascades highway. The area is popular with snowmobilers, skiers, and other winter backcountry travelers. However, if you plan to hike in one of the adjacent national forests (such as Rainy Lake or the Maple Pass Loop) you will need a Northwest Forest Pass. 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. September 20, 1999 Fifty hair snags were set up over the course of the summer: 27 in the early season (May 24 - July 15) and 23 in the late season (July 15 - September 20). North Cascades National Park Highway: One of the World's Best. It looks like something out of the wild west and it is worth the drive out this way just to see it. North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. You walk through an old growth forest that faintly resembles the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park. 20. The small towns of Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp have lots to offer on their own, and the Methow Valley as a whole holds many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? Top 25 National Parks Where You're Most Likely to Die North Cascades National Park - Washington (652.35 deaths per 10 million visitors) Denali National Park - Alaska (100.50) Upper. It is mostly close to small towns, including Diablo. Road closures are likely during the winter months. Still, daytime temperatures in Joshua Tree National Park in September are generally in the high 80's (30-35C), rarely falling under 75F (24C). Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! Explore the North Cascades right from your office! 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 If you want to camp in the campground, you can use one of the options near the park. If you luck out, you may find some nice hikes, boating opportunities, and scenic drives. Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America! Required fields are marked *. 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. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Even though technical rock climbing skills are not required, loose rock abounds on this summit, so wear a helmet! There are several viewpoints located around the large parking lot as well as bathrooms. It rarely gets too hot, and it's always about 10 degrees cooler on the coast than the forecast for Seattle. 5. For detailed information about these hikes, take a look at our Guide to Hiking North Cascades National Park. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. Layers and layers of glacier-capped mountains stretch off in all directions. This hike is 9 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. Few visit the North Cascades area in the winter, which begins creeping up in October in the upper elevations and mid-November in the lower elevations. Summertime offers the best weather in the park, averaging around 70 degrees during the daytime. And then we tried to go in September, and there were forest fires. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and For beautiful views over Diablo Lake, hike to the top of Thunder Knob. Make sure to check out the Mazama Store for local art, treats, and other goodies. The journey to the North Cascades may take you slightly longer than this depending on traffic . Its well worth a stay in addition to being excellent access for North Cascades National Park and the surrounding mountains. These accommodations can be more expensive during the busy summer season. 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 hiking distances we list are round trip. MOUNT RAINIER: Check out our Mount Rainier National Park Travel Guidefor important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. Many travelers enjoy experiencing a drive through the loop as they stop for different experiences. This is our itinerary for visiting North Cascades National Park. If you know anything about the Pacific Northwest and the Cascades, you may imagine big snowy volcanoes, which there are plenty of in the area. I suggest stopping by the visitor's center to get acquainted with fees and parking. North Cascades Highway (State Highway 20) is the only paved road in the park. Even though outdoor activities are most popular in the North Cascades, consider adding a scenic drive to your trip can be fun. North Cascades Institute is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic individual to join our retail team. So, always check regularly for any changes before your trip. . The worst time to visit the North Cascades National Park is in the winter. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park? One of the best parts about this park is how underrated it is! With such prominent peaks and exceptional natural features, it's no surprise that the park has been nicknamed the "American Alps". Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. The Hoh rainforest. NORTH CASCADES: Take a look at our North Cascades National Park Travel Guidefor important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. In the spring, the park often needs time to recover from the winter as snow melts. Stay safe by knowing which animals to look out for, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and planning. This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. The town of Mazama also makes a nice option. Alpine animals such as pikas, marmots, and mountain goats peer down at you from rocky outcroppings. You could drive Highway 20, stop at Diablo Lake, and then hike a few miles to Blue Lake at Washington Pass. Backcountry permits are required year-round. Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. It includes eight distinct life zones thanks to its variety of elevation and fire ecology. Grizzly bear sightings are rare however that may change. It is essential to know in advance that cell service is unreliable in the park. The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the summer from mid-June to late September. Its short and relatively easy, so its perfect for almost all ages and ability levels. 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. North Cascades offers a variety of programs in the different areas of the park. From Chelan, you can take a boat, plane, or hike to Stehekin, a very small town that is located at the northern end of Lake Chelan. As an active national park, the area is beautifully maintained and ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The key to any trip is knowing the best time to schedule your visit. Description. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. 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. Storm King, the hike to the peak of Mount Angeles, and the underrated Staircase Rapids Loop. It is an awe-inspiring sight. There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: the Chelan Lake National Recreational Area (which includes Stehekin), Ross Lake National Recreational Area, and North Cascades National Park. Plan a trip into the backcountry of the North Cascades. Stehekin is a small community located on the far northern end of Lake Chelan. The study area fell within North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and the western Pasayten Wilderness (Okanogan National Forest). Some essential tools include a shovel, heat packs, GPS, goggles, an avalanche probe, and a small stove with fuel. Driving Directions. The only way to get here is by boat, plane, or on foot. 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! In colder weather, it is always good to have socks, a hat, and good socks. Currently based out of Southwest Colorado, she spends her free time climbing, running, and skiing in the mountains, and exploring the world. Road access is weather dependent, typically accessible spring through late fall. If you have any questions about things to do in North Cascades National Park, let us know in the comment section below. From North Cascades National Park, we drove north to the Mount Baker area. 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. On Wildland trips, Read on for our guide to North Cascades National Park. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. : This popular loop trail traverses ridges and provides excellent views of mountains, wildflowers, and yellow larches in the fall. Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information It also travels through the Okanogan National Forest, near Rainy Lake. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Glaciers drape over their slopes, cracking around the terrain to expose deep icy-blue crevasses. There are no roads to Stehekin. Just 2 hours from the urban bustle of Seattle, WA, North Cascades National Park is an underrated gem waiting to be explored. 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. Here are some common questions about visiting the North Cascades National Park: The ideal length of time will vary based on what activities you want to do and your comfort level with outdoor activities. North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, but for those who venture here, it is a serene, beautiful experience. Keep in mind the trail called Easy Pass Trail is actually pretty tough. . 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 . Some good options for entry-level scrambles and summits are: With beautiful mountainous lakes right off the highway, there are countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, motor boating, and other water activities in North Cascades National Park. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in North Cascades National Park is to go hiking. You only have two options for places to stay in North Cascades National Park other than at a campsite. Those from lower altitude areas may get tired faster. Some of the best options are often busy, with Seattle locals driving up on the weekends throughout the summer and fall. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. This hike shares the same trailhead as the Maple Pass Loop. If you plan a spring trip to North Cascades National Park, be ready to explore trails at lower elevations and prepare for any sort of weather! Snow begins appearing in the park in late October and can continue into April. for an accessible peak that would be perfect for a first summit. Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk: 0.3 miles, flat, easy. Whether you end up booking a trip with a guide, hitting the trail by yourself, or just driving through to see the sights, make sure to add the North Cascades to your summer road trip schedule or make it a point to check it out next time youre in Washington. There are lots of mushrooms to be seen, and if the views afield are good, so much the better. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. The most popular time to visit North Cascades National Park is July through September, when the snow has melted from the trails and the sun shines high in the sky. If you want to see the world, go see it! This tiny town isnt as scenic as Winthrop and doesnt have nearly as many restaurants, but we stayed here and loved it. With two days in North Cascades National Park, do what I list above on day 1. 17 awesome hikes in Olympic National Park. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. But, if you have the experience and gear to head out on your own, here are some ideas for backpacking trips in the North Cascades. The State Department of Transportation . Some good trails for beginners include Cascade Pass Trail, Thunder Knob, and Fourth of July Pass. During this high season, you can catch some views at the North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass Overlook, and Cascade Pass. Explore amazing North Cascades National Park with Wildland Trekking on the Wonders of the North Cascades Backpacking Adventure! Things to Know Before Visiting North Cascades National Park Entrance Fees. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. North Cascades National Park is fairly isolated from any sizable city. For a view over Ross Lake, make the quick stop at the Ross Lake Overlook. Or, if youd prefer to DIY, find more backpacking trip ideas on the. is remote lodging only accessible by ferry or by foot. By participating, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or a Scotts Miracle-Gro gift pack. 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. You might not even see a drop of rain for 60+ days! . This very short trail (.25 miles) takes you to a cascading waterfall. Then the trail to Trapper Peak branches off to the right before you descend to the campsites at the lakes below. Rent either an entire house or cabin or a room at the lodge, where you can gaze out at the beautiful Lake Chelan and the mountains of the North Cascades. Along the way, you can find hiking, climbing, fishing, riding, and more. , As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. There is only one paved road in the park. This is another very short trail of only 300 feet that provides incredible views. These small towns are lovely places to fill up on gas and any supplies you forgot. Still and all, a lovely time to visit with the Larch turning golden along with the sunlight. The necessary clothing for the North Cascades National Park will depend on your activities and the time of year you visit. Dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise bodies of water define camping at North Cascades National Park. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. 1. The park touches Canada on the north and reaches south to Lake Chelan, where you can access one of the gems of the North Cascades, Stehekin. Check out the day hikes options below if you only have a day. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park. These small towns have many lodging options, but a few small hotels and inns mixed in with Airbnbs and other vacation rentals make for a great lodging option if you dont want to camp. But if you hit it on a weekday or early in the morning, it can still be possible to have a popular trail all to yourself. enjoy the natural world. This is a gorgeous hike and beyond the lake sits North Cascades National Park. In spite of all this National Park has to offer, it is not one of the most popular parks to visit. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. From hiking to kayaking to spending days in the backcountry, the real adventure begins when you get out of the car. Due to the popularity, this trail is often busy. Learn how to stay safe while enjoying the park complex. 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. NPS Unigrid Brochure Map Newest Version. North Cascades National Park Travel time from Seattle: 2.5 hours National park since: 1968 Area: 504,781 acres Major peaks: Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains Visit for: Ample wildlife, hiking trails, and alpine lakes For more: nps.gov/noca * Visit Seattle partner On a backpacking trip you'll camp in the backcountry and carry everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 6. The trail starts off easy, a relatively flat walk through thick forests. This trail makes for a great overnight trip as well. 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