Est. 1968 | Washington | 504,780 acres

North Cascades

With only one highway bisecting the mountain range from east to west, 94-percent of North Cascades National Park is protected backcountry wilderness. Less than three hours from Seattle, visitors treat themselves to endless trails winding through mossy forests, over craggy peaks, and alongside turquoise waters. To experience the character of this park, one must be willing to step off the road and search for the hidden gems scattered throughout.

North Cascades National Park is essentially divided into two isolated sections: the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and surrounding backcountry in the north, and the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area in the south. The northern region is more popular and more accessible with Highway 20 piercing east-west through the heart of the park. However, this route is the only roadway in the northern portion of the park. Every attraction and trail branches off this highway. The mountain town of Newhalem is the epicenter of this Highway 20, offering a campground and visitor center. To reach the far north, near the U.S.-Canada border, hikers will pack in on the Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail, laterally crossing the Cascades from east to west. This trail dips down and brushes Highway 20 briefly before turning back north to Mount Shuksan.

Similarly, the remote town of Stehekin is the home base of the southern Lake Chelan portion of the park. This isolated town is only accessible by ferry. Stehekin staffs the small Golden West Visitor Center, along with limited lodging, dining and grocery options. A small unpaved road, Cascade River Road, does access a small selection of trails on the southwestern boundary of the park near above Lake Chelan, but it is hardly a thoroughfare into the park and does not easily access Stehekin.

Must-see highlights in North Cascades National Park

Diablo Lake Overlook—One of the most accessible destinations in the park, Diablo Lake Overlook is a simple rest stop along Highway 20 offering sweeping views of Diablo Lake, Diablo Dam (the hydroelectric power source for Seattle) and surrounding mountain peaks. If the weather is clear, consider this location for sunrise or sunset.

Trappers Peak—A strenuous 5-mile trek up 3,800 feet rewards hikers with some of the best sights in the park. With 360º views of surrounding jagged peaks, hemlock forest, turquoise lakes and ancient glaciers, Trappers Peak is especially gorgeous at sunset as the last light of day falls on the distant Crescent Spires, a dramatic ridgeline to the north. To reach Trappers Peak, drive 5 miles to the end of Thornton Lakes Road off Highway 20. Hike 4 miles along Thornton Lakes Trail until you reach a pass overlooking the lakes. At this point turn onto Trappers Peak Trail and ascend the final mile up steep rocky terrain. Some scrambling is required near the top to reach the summit. Though the trail is not especially dangerous, know your abilities and take your time. Watch for weather as the summit is exposed to lightning.

Copper Ridge Trail—Located in the northwest corner of the park, this scenic trail is reached from the Hannegan Trailhead through Mount Baker Wilderness. When combined with Hannegan Trail and Chilliwack Trail, this route makes an excellent 40-mile multi-day backpacking loop through pristine wilderness with views of glaciated Whatcom Peak and Mount Shuksan. This is truly an escape into the wilderness. Permits required for this overnight loop sell out quickly so be prepared to book trips early.

Cascade Pass—At the end of Cascade River Road, a 4 mile, trail leads to Cascade Pass providing unparalleled views of the southern regions of the park. At the summit of the pass, consider hiking an extra 2 miles up to Sahale Glacier for a rocky high altitude adventure granting ever widening views of the surrounding landscape. This sensational trek through forested valleys and alpine ridges is a popular destination for backpackers in the summer.

Best time to visit North Cascades National Park

The eastern side of North Cascades National Park is typically warmer and drier as Pacific moisture collects and precipitates on the western slopes. But elevation is everything in North Cascades National Park. Even on the eastern slopes, higher elevations receive more snowfall and cooler temperatures, continually affected by weather closures throughout the year. Because snow lingers in the park 8 months out of the year, North Cascades National Park is best experienced in the summer when weather is warm and the park is fully operational. Fall is continually becoming more popular as crowds and shoulder season prices drop before the onslaught of winter.

Spring (March to May): Spring is often still snowy at high elevations and trails may be impassible. North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) reopens from winter closure in April allowing passage from east to west through the park. The cool temperatures of March warm up to highs of 65ºF in May.
Summer (June to August): With open facilities and warm weather, it is no wonder summer is the busiest season for North Cascades. Average temperatures top out in the upper 70sºF. In mid-June, snow melts from the upper elevation trails and by July the park experiences its peak sunlight, averaging 9 hours of sun per day .These dry and warm days create excellent hiking conditions, but also invite seasonal wildfires. Many years wildfires do not disrupt park operations, but occasionally fire threat and mitigation can close down trails and roads. Consult the official park website before arriving to set expectations for your trip. For a taste of navigating summer fires, read my 2024 trip report, Hidden Character of North Cascades National Park.
Fall (September to October): As August cools down, rain returns more frequently in September and October. Though cooler highs (50–60ºF) become the norm, the mountains undergo a beautiful transformation as maples, alder and poplar change color. The park is notorious for its golden larches in late September and early October, the only conifers to drop their needles in preparation for winter.
Winter (November to February): Winter is the wettest and coldest season for the North Cascades. November sees the most precipitation, nearly 12 inches. North Cascades Highway closes annually in November between Ross Dam Trailhead and Washington Pass due to increased avalanche risk.

How long should I visit North Cascades National Park?

Because it is predominantly backcountry wilderness, North Cascades National Park requires some extra effort to experience the essence of its character. The highlights along Highway 20 can easily be seen in 1–2 days, but a longer 3–4 day trek along the remote trails may be worth the extra time. Consider a hybrid trip with 1–2 nights backpacking along the backcountry trails and 1–2 days exploring the front country attractions. With few roads traversing the park, allow several hours to reach different areas of the park.

Getting to North Cascades National Park

To reach the Ross Lake area of the park, simply find Highway 20, (either along Interstate 5 from the west or along Highway 97 in the east) and follow it to Newhalem, the heart of the park. The upper Picket Range containing Copper Ridge Trail and Mount Shuksan can only be reached on foot through Mount Baker Wilderness, by driving north on Interstate 5 to Bellingham and turning east on State Route 542.

Reaching the Lake Chelan section of the park is a bit more involved. Follow Highway 97 to the town of Chelan at the southern tip of Lake Chelan. Two ferry companies are prepared to transport visitors 50 miles up Lake Chelan to the town of Stehekin, where lodges, dining and a visitor center await. Though day trips to Stehekin are possible, each ferry ride lasts 3–4 hours leaving little time to explore the park.

If traveling to North Cascades National Park by air, the only obvious option is to land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), rent a car and drive 2.5 hours (130 miles) to Newhalem or 3 hours (185 miles) to Chelan. Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) in Wenatchee is an alternative to Seattle if Lake Chelan is your primary destination. As a smaller regional airport it is more expensive, but only requires an hour (45 miles) drive to the town of Chelan.

Where to stay in North Cascades National Park

Lodging—The national park has two notable lodges within park boundaries, though both are remote and require additional effort to access. Ross Lake Resort is located off Highway 20 across the lake from Ross Dam Trailhead and North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin requires a 3 hour ferry ride from Chelan. The websites below for each lodge will have more information on arrivals and accessibility. Other hotel-style accommodations are available in neighboring towns just outside the park.

Ross Lake Resort—Ross Lake area, 15 cabins, open June–October
North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin—Lake Chelan area, 27 hotel rooms (and additional cabins), open year round

Campgrounds—North Cascades hosts 8 front country campgrounds throughout Ross Lake and Lake Chelan. All other campgrounds require a backcountry permit. All campgrounds open year-round are first come, first served during the offseason (October–April) and reservable during peak season (May–September).

Ross Lake Area

Colonial Creek North Campground—37 sites (tent only), open May–September
Colonial Creek South Campground—93 sites (tent only), open May–September
Goodell Creek Campground—19 sites (RV and tent), open year-round
Gorge Lake Campground—8 sites (tent only), open year-round
Newhalem Creek Campground—107 sites (RV and tent), open year-round

Lake Chelan Area

Harlequin Campground—7 sites (tent only), open year-round
Lakeview Campground—9 sites (tent only), open year-round
Purple Point Campground—6 sites (tent only), open year-round

When should I book?

The North Cascades come highly recommended. From viral social media posts to word of mouth, the limited facilities in the park fill up quickly in the short summer months.

Lodging within the park is highly competitive. Ross Lake Resort holds a lottery each year for their short summer season with 15 cabins. Many visitors attempt several years before scoring a stay at Ross Lake Resort. North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin is not as competitive but will fill to capacity quickly. Consider contacting the lodge as early as 1 year in advance to check availability.

The story is similar with campgrounds. The earlier you book the better. However, while all campgrounds allow sites to be booked 6 months in advance, most campgrounds reserve a block of campsites for reservations 2 weeks in advance or on a first come, first served basis to allow for more flexible last minute plans.

How much should I budget?

A 2–3 day trip to North Cascades booked 2 months in advance can cost roughly $750–$1,000 depending on your required needs. Here is a range of what to expect:

Roundtrip Airfare to Fresno	$170–$300
Car Rental	$55–$100/day (not including taxes/fees)
Lodges and cabins	$185–$320/night (not including taxes/fees)
Campgrounds	$20–24/night
Meals	$15–$25/meal
Park Entrance Fee	Free

Packing list for North Cascades National Park

Each park requires different gear for its unique characteristics. For North Cascades National Park, we wouldn’t want to be caught without water resistant hiking shoes, rain jacket and a headlamp for longer day hikes.

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed trip report for a peek into our trip to North Cascades.

For more detailed information on North Cascades National Park, visit the official park website.