Best Guide to Visiting North Cascades National Park Washington

The North Cascades National Park, Washington was the last US National Park we visited during our three-month cross-country road trip. It’s also the last part of the Pacific North Crest Trail for hikers who’ve hiked the PCT from south to North.

The year we visited winter had been kinda crazy all along the west coast so some roads were still closed at the beginning of June but that didn’t stop us from exploring the park.

Despite this, we were still able to enjoy our visit to North Cascades National Park. It truly is a beautiful National Park. You’ll be right in amongst the North Cascades mountain range and whatever time of year you visit, you’ll be wowed by the scenery of the Pacific North West.

Since we then lived in Vancouver for 6 years afterward we spent more time in the mountains of Washington State and North Cascades National Park exploring these remote and beautiful North Cascade mountains.

If you’re planning a trip to this Washington National Park then below you’ll find everything you need to know about the park. I’ve included information on how to get there, where to stay in North Cascades National Park, the best things to do, hikes in North Cascades, and information on camping and permits, passes, and fees.

About North Cascades National Park

Often called “The American Alps”, North Cascades National Park is full of glacial mountain peaks, forested valleys, and emerald green lakes. It’s truly beautiful and felt very different from the other National Parks we visited in the US.

North Cascades National Park makes up what’s known as the North Cascades National Park Service Complex along with Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan national recreation areas.

When it comes to North Cascades wildlife there’s plenty! As you explore you may see mule and black-tailed deer, black bears, marmots, and mountain goats. Less often seen but still around are mountain lions and bobcats.

This park is very popular with backpackers, hikers, and mountaineers thanks to the wildness of the terrain and the numerous peaks!

The different areas of North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park in Washington State is a vast and diverse expanse of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and sparkling cascades. The park is essentially divided into several key areas, each with its own unique features.

• Ross Lake National Recreation Area: Ross Lake NRA is in the park’s southern region. It’s home to Ross Lake, a long, thin reservoir perfect for boating, fishing, and camping. The NRA also includes three dams: Ross, Diablo, and Gorge, offering you great views. The area has several campgrounds and hiking trails, including the Desolation Peak trail.
• Lake Chelan National Recreation Area: Accessible by foot, boat, or floatplane, this area is home to the remote village of Stehekin, situated at the northern end of Lake Chelan. Stehekin is free from the hustle and bustle of modern life, as there are no roads leading in or out of the village. Don’t miss the Stehekin Pastry Company, known for its delicious baked goods.
• Stehekin Valley: Stehekin Valley is the heart of the North Cascades. Explore the Golden West Visitor Center, go for a bike ride, or take a shuttle to the beautiful Rainbow Falls. The valley also offers a range of accommodation options, including the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin, Stehekin Valley Ranch, and several campgrounds.
• Picket Range and Boston Basin: For those looking for a challenging hike and some of the most breathtaking views in the park, the Picket Range and Boston Basin offer just that. They are among the most remote and rugged parts of the park, with trails suitable for experienced hikers and mountaineers.
• Cascade Pass: This is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the park. The trail provides an opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery of glacier-carved valleys and snow-capped peaks.

Remember that many parts of North Cascades National Park are remote and rugged, requiring a strong degree of preparedness. It’s always a good idea to check with park rangers for trail conditions and potential hazards before setting out.

Towns near North Cascades National Park

There are also a few towns near North Cascades National Park, while not large they do offer North Cascade lodging as well as some basic amenities.

• Winthrop: Has an Old West ambiance with wooden boardwalks, unique shops, and eateries. It offers access to outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
• Twisp: Often referred to as the “Heart of the Methow Valley”, Twisp is home to local artists and a growing community. It features a weekly farmers market, a brewpub, and the Twisp River trail for outdoor lovers.
• Marblemount: A small, unincorporated community, Marblemount is one of the last stops for food and fuel before entering the park. It’s the starting point for many hikes in the park and also the location for ranger-led programs at the local ranger station.
• Concrete: Named for its cement production history, Concrete is a bit further from the park but offers additional lodging and dining options. The town is close to the Baker Lake area, which provides recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and hiking.
• Newhalem: Located within the park boundary, Newhalem is a company town owned by Seattle City Light. There are a few camping areas, a visitor center, and access to multiple trails in and around Newhalem. It doesn’t have many amenities, but its location makes it a good base for exploring the park.
• Sedro-Woolley: Known as the “Gateway to the North Cascades”, Sedro-Woolley is a larger town offering a variety of services, including supermarkets, restaurants, and lodging options. It’s located near the Skagit River and offers activities like fishing and river rafting.

Where is North Cascades National Park located?

North Cascades National Park is in Washington, USA, and forms part of the Cascade Mountain Range; so called due to the many, many waterfalls found in it.

The range runs from British Columbia to northern California and it’s believed that the North Cascades mountains as they are today rose up around 5-6 million years ago!

How to get to North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park maps

If you’re looking for a North Cascades Trail Map you can get a basic one from the visitor center in the park. You can also see a North Cascades highway map – which is the road running through the park from east to west – here.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

Alternatively, I like to use the Alltrails+ app to do some quick research into hikes and routes and carry a proper trail map with me when going on a longer hike.

How to get to North Cascades Park

You can get to near North Cascades by flying, but the final bit requires driving from an airport or nearby town and city in Washington or British Columbia Canada.

Flights to North Cascades National Park

When it comes to North Cascades National Park nearby airports for those choosing to fly, the closest international airports are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in the United States and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada.

From both Seattle and Vancouver the driving times are pretty similar.

For domestic flights, Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is the closest airport to North Cascades National Park but it’s not particularly big so flight options are limited.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Driving to North Cascades National Park

Below are some basic directions to north cascades national park from a few nearby cities and towns on the West Coast.

• The drive from Seattle to North Cascades National Park generally takes about 3 hours. The route follows I-5 N and WA-20 E, spanning a distance of roughly 108 miles.
• From Bellingham, the park is about 73 miles away, which usually translates to a 2-hour drive via WA-20 E.
• Traveling from Vancouver to North Cascades National Park is slightly more time-consuming, with the journey taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours via BC-1 E and WA-20 E, covering around 135 miles. Bear in mind that the border crossing can introduce delays, especially at the often-busy Peace Arch crossing on weekends.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

North Cascades entrance fees & permits

Here are some of the following permits, passes, and fees you may need to pay during your North Cascades trip.

North Cascades National Park Entrance fees

There’s no fee to enter North Cascades National Park – it’s completely free! However, there are fees for the ferry and transport to Stehekin.

Get a USA National Parks Pass for just $80 and save a tonne of money if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks in a year, or visiting the same one more than once!

Backcountry Permit Camping Fees and Reservations

With almost 644 km of trails in the North Cascades National Park, there’s plenty of wilderness exploring to be done. If you’re planning on backcountry camping in North Cascades National Park then you’ll need to get a backcountry permit.

Permits are required all year for overnight stays in the backcountry of North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan.

Permits are specific to a site or a cross-country zone and you must follow the itinerary listed on your permit.

How to Get a Backcountry Permit

You can get a backcountry permit for the North Cascades either through advanced reservation (this holds a site but needs to be converted to a permit before entering the park), or through getting a walk-up permit. Permits must be picked up at a ranger station in or around the park.

60% of permits are advanced permits and they are allocated in full very quickly each year. If you don’t have a permit for the coming year but still want to explore the backcountry you can, but you’ll likely have to do a less popular trail.

Northwest Forest Pass (required at USFS trailheads only)

Depending on where you’re hiking in the North Cascades National Park, you may need to buy a Northwest Forest Pass. These allow you to park at the trailheads on National Park Service lands.

A permit is $5 a day, or $30 for a year. You can get these at most ranger stations, many local businesses, and online.

North Cascades National Park Camping

There’s a lot of camping available through the North Cascades area. And most of them can be reserved in advance through recreation.gov. Other campsites in the North Cascades are available on a first-come, first served basis.

Some of these North Cascades National Park campgrounds are free, and others cost up to $16 a night.

Each campsite spot is limited to 8 people with a max of 3 tents and 2 vehicles. You can have a fire in the firepit but must buy locally sourced firewood from a vendor in the surrounding areas and must not collect your own firewood.

North Cascades camping sites

• Goodell Creek Campground: Main Campground is first-come, first-served with the Upper and Lower Campgrounds available for reservation, $20 (free in winter). Group campground, $75
• Newhalem Creek Campground:  Close to the town of Newhalem, Washington, and the Skagit River surrounded by forests. Reservable. $24
• Gorge Lake Campground: Reservable, $20
• Colonial Creek Campground: Reservable up to 6 months in advance, $24 (free in winter)
• Hozomeen Campground: Reservable up to 6 months in advance, $24 (free in winter)

Bicycle campsites

If you’re cycle touring through the North Cascades National Park then you’ll be pleased to hear there are some bicycle campground sites reserved just for cyclists. T

here’s one at Newhalem Creek Campground (site A3) and another at Colonial Creek (south site 115)

If unoccupied after 8 pm, campers with vehicles may occupy this site for 1 night only. Cyclists can also find many camping options in Stehekin.

Where to stay for North Cascades National Park

Because North Cascades is a bit more ‘wild’ than other National Parks in the US, you’re not going to find a lot of places to stay in North Cascades National Park itself which means knowing where to stay when visiting North Cascades National Park can be tricky.

Because of this, I wrote a complete guide with the 14 best places to stay in North Cascades National Park.

As you’ll see in that guide, and below, there are plenty of places to stay just outside of the National Park as well as campsites within it, and, as above, it’s not that far from Vancouver and Seattle if you really don’t want to camp and want to visit in a day.

North Cascades National Park hotels + cabins

Below is a selection of the top North Cascades National Park cabins and hotels near North Cascades National Park.

These are my pick of where to stay in North Cascades National Park and include a mix of Airbnbs/VRBOs, hotels, and lodges near the North Cascades NP.

• Sun Mountain Lodge: The most luxurious option, Perfect for those wanting a resort experience with varied amenities and activities
• River’s Edge Resort: Best for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and outdoor adventure, with convenient access to local dining and outdoor activities in a cute small-town setting. Private hot tubs are available.
• Spacious Riverside A-Frame Cabin w/ Mount Baker Views: This chalet is ideal for larger groups seeking adventure, with its proximity to outdoor activities and amenities for self-catering, all set against stunning mountain views.
• Ross Lake Resort: Great for outdoor lovers who enjoy off-the-grid living, fishing, and water activities
• North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin: Those looking for a secluded retreat with spectacular views, only accessible on foot, floatplane, or ferry.

Top 5 things to do in North Cascades Washington

Here are some of the top North Cascades attractions that you should add to your “What to do in North Cascades National Park?” itinerary!

• Cascade Pass: This pass offers some of the most iconic views in the park. You can see spectacular glacier-carved valleys and jagged mountain peaks from this vantage point and drive the orth Cascades Scenic Highway (check here for “Is the North Cascades highway open?“).
• Diablo Lake: This vibrant turquoise-colored lake is a must-see. Take in the beautiful views from the Diablo Lake Overlook or get closer by kayaking or canoeing on the lake itself.
• Ross Lake: A vast reservoir with crystal clear water, perfect for boating or fishing. The lake is surrounded by scenic mountains, making it a great place for photography.
• Newhalem area: Don’t miss the historic company town of Newhalem – stop by General Goodwin’s House, visit the beautiful Gorge Creek Falls, and walk the easy Trail of the Cedars.
• Washington Pass Overlook: At an elevation of 5,477 feet, this overlook offers breathtaking views of the Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winters Spires, and the North Cascades Highway as it snakes through the park.

5 Best Hikes in the North Cascades National Park WA

With so many North Cascades hikes to do, it’s virtually impossible to say which are best. However, here are 5 North Cascades National Parks hikes that include a mix of easy hikes and backpacking routes.

• Cascade Pass Trail: This 7-mile round-trip hike provides incredible views of glacier-capped peaks and is one of the most popular hikes in the park.
• Thunder Knob Trail: An easier, family-friendly 3.6-mile hike that offers stunning views of Diablo Lake and surrounding peaks.
• Hidden Lake Trail: A challenging 8-mile hike that takes you to a beautiful alpine lake and lookout with panoramic views of the North Cascades.
• Maple Pass Loop: A 7.2-mile loop hike offering stunning views of peaks, valleys, and Lake Ann. Especially beautiful in fall when the maple leaves change color.
• Desolation Peak Trail: A challenging 9-mile hike to the fire lookout where famous writer Jack Kerouac spent the summer of 1956. Offers stunning panoramic views of Ross Lake and surrounding mountains.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

5 Best places to visit near North Cascades National Park

Here are a few things to do near North Cascades National Park

• Bellingham: This coastal city is home to an arts scene, historic districts, beautiful parks, and a variety of great restaurants and cafes. Check out this what to do in Bellingham in 1 day itinerary.
• Seattle: Known for its iconic Space Needle, Seattle is a cool city with attractions like the Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Museum of Pop Culture.
• Leavenworth: This Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains is known for its German Christmas Market, German beer, and the Nutcracker Museum.
• Mt Baker Ski Area: Known for having the world record for the greatest snowfall in a season, this is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts with awesome snowshoe trails like Artist Point and summer hikes such as Heliotrope Ridge.

What to know before visiting North Cascades National Park Washington

Here are some important things to consider before visiting North Cascades National Park:

• Climate: North Cascades National Park experiences all four seasons. Winters can be harsh with heavy snowfall leading to road closures, while summers are usually mild and sunny, but can still be unpredictable with sudden changes.
• Entry and Permits: Entry to the park is free, but certain activities like camping and boating require permits. Check the park’s official website for the most current information.
• Camping: Reservations are recommended for campgrounds during peak summer months. Be aware of bear safety guidelines if you plan on camping.
• Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of wildlife including black bears, mountain goats, and a variety of bird species. Be sure to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.
• Hiking: Trails in the park range from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Always have a map, check trail conditions before setting out, and tell someone your plans.
• Road Closures: The North Cascades Highway (WA-20), the main road through the park, is often closed from late November until April due to heavy snowfall.
• Limited Services: There are no gas stations, food services, or lodging within the park boundaries. The nearest services can be found in surrounding communities.
• Safety: Be prepared for rapid changes in weather and bring appropriate gear for your activities. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks.
• Connectivity: Cell phone service is very limited in the park, so plan accordingly.
• Leave No Trace: Please follow the Leave No Trace principles to help protect the park’s natural environment and ensure a pleasant experience for future visitors.
• Visitor Centers: The park has a number of visitor centers that provide valuable information, exhibits, and ranger-led programs. The centers may have seasonal hours, so it’s worth checking their operation times before your visit.

Remember, it’s important to always check the National Park Service’s official website for the most current and detailed information before your visit.

What to pack for visiting North Cascades National Park WA

Below is a general packing list for visiting North Cascades National Park assuming you’re going to do some hikes as you explore the park.

Clothing:

• Layered Clothing: Weather can change rapidly in the park, so pack clothing that can be layered. Include thermal under-layers, a lightweight waterproof jacket, and comfortable, moisture-wicking hiking clothes.
• Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are very useful to have when hiking in the Pacific North West, especially if you plan to explore the trails. Don’t forget good quality socks to prevent blisters.
• Hat/Cap: To protect you from the sun during summer hikes, or to keep warm during cooler seasons.
• Gloves: These are essential during colder months, and could be useful even in summer for high-elevation hikes.
• Rain Gear: As the weather can be unpredictable, rain gear like waterproof pants and jackets are necessary.

Equipment:

• Backpack: You’ll need a good quality backpack for day hikes to carry essentials.
• Map and Compass: Even if you’re on a well-marked trail, having these on hand is always a good idea.
• Water Bottles/Hydration Pack: It’s important to stay hydrated while hiking. Consider a reusable water bottle or hydration pack.
• Hiking Poles: They can take some pressure off your knees and provide stability on uneven terrain.
• Headlamp: Essential if you’re out after dark. Even if you’re not planning to be, it’s a good backup to have.
• Camping Gear: If you’re planning to camp, you’ll need a tent, sleeping bag suitable for the climate, sleeping mat, camping stove, and cooking utensils.

Personal Items:

• Sunscreen: To protect your skin from harmful UV rays, regardless of the season.
• Insect Repellent: Particularly important in the warmer months.
• First-Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, pain relievers, and any necessary personal medication.
• Food and Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, and other easily-packable food items can be a lifesaver on long hikes.
• Camera: To capture the breathtaking views of the park!
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife: These compact tools can come in handy in various situations.
• Toilet Paper and/or Kula cloth: Some trails might not have well-maintained facilities.

Optional:

• Binoculars: Useful for bird watching or spotting wildlife at a safe distance.
• Notebook/Pen: For jotting down any thoughts, sketches, or notes about the trails for future reference.

Remember to adjust this list according to your personal needs, the season, and the activities you plan to undertake in North Cascades National Park. Always pack so that you’re prepared for a variety of weather conditions and situations.

FAQs about North Cascade National Park

Final thoughts on visiting the Northern Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park in Washington is absolutely beautiful and often missed by many people when they think of National Parks.

As this guide has hopefully shown, there’s plenty to do in this beautiful wilderness as well as some super cool places when it comes to where to stay near NorthCascades National Park. The park’s diversity in landscape, wildlife, scenic drives, and hiking trails makes it a must-visit destination.

If you’re continuing your West Coast USA road trip to explore Washington State, be sure to check out Mt Rainier National Park including the awesome hikes like the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier. There’s also the Mount St Helen’s National Monument not too far away as well as Olympic National Park in Western Washington that’s well worth visiting too.

Last Updated on August 4, 2023 by Hannah