The area along Highway 20 and around Ross Lake is called the Ross Lake National Recreational Area. In 2021, it only had 18,000 visitors, making it the 4th least visited national park in the United States. The temperatures from November to February hover between eight and 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-13 to -6 Celcius). North Cascades Highway (State Highway 20) is the only paved road in the park. By participating, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or a Scotts Miracle-Gro gift pack. There is an effort underway to restore the population of grizzly bears to the North Cascades. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 The remainder of the complex is called North Cascades National Park. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Once in Stehekin, you can go on day hikes or start a backpacking adventure into the interior of the park. There are also a few boat-in campsites in and near the park, especially at Diablo lake. Day 2: Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake, Washington Pass Overlook, afternoon in Winthrop; sleep in Twisp. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-61002313', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Ross Lake Recreation Area. No more mosquitoes, wild berries are aplenty, and the fall foliage cannot be beat! Since the park is isolated and filled with very few artificial structures, it is a great place to escape the rigors of everyday life. Lake Chelan and Stehekin also have limited boat rentals. Summer is an amazing time to visit North Cascades National Park, as once the snow melts out, you can find wildflowers blooming in high elevation meadows. It also travels through the Okanogan National Forest, near Rainy Lake. Navigating the park in the winter can require special tools, even if you are only going out for a hike. The distinction instead belongs to North Cascades National Park in Washington. Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. From this overlook, you get a view of the Skagit Gorge and the Gorge Dam, a hydroelectric dam. Camping and hiking novices may get a lot out of a simple one or two-day experience. Located at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, this 300-foot boardwalk trail takes you to a viewpoint of the Picket Range. . Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America! Rarely, there may be some light signs of wear from storage or shipping (i.e. There are several viewpoints located around the large parking lot as well as bathrooms. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park [] Reply. Maple Pass Loop: 7.2 miles, moderate to difficult. A ranger can direct you to the safest trails during this time. It's the 2nd least visited national park in the contiguous US, which means privacy and seclusion if you choose a North Cascades National Park elopement. The hiking distances we list are round 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. 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 However, if you only have a day, North Cascades National Park is perfect for road trippers visiting all of the national parks in Washington (Olympic and Mount Rainier are also well worth the visit). Distance:.6 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: Minimal Time Required: 20-30 minutes About this North Cascades National Park Hike. Wild, rugged, remoteNorth Cascades National Park is highly underrated park, especially for hikers and backpackers. Some popular drive-in sites include Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, Colonial Creek, and Newhalem Creek. In 1956, he spent part of the summer here working as a watchman in the fire tower and wrote the book Desolation Angels from this experience. You can check out Ranger Programs for interpretive programs, ranger-led walks and talks, to find program and events that occur during your visit, or check locally at visitor centers. Or, if youd prefer to DIY, find more backpacking trip ideas on the. Those from lower altitude areas may get tired faster. North Cascades National Park 60 Mountains National Parks By 273triciaa Diablo lake is an amazing blue and the air is crisp and clean as you hike this area.so beautiful ! Campground appropriate for tents and small RVs. It is not overly difficult and from the trail, you get to see wonderful views of Stehekin Valley, Lake Chelan, Rainbow Creek, wildflowers, and the surrounding mountains. Once at the Sahale Glacier Camp, you get to enjoy spectacular views over Doubtful Lake and layers of jagged, snow-capped peaks. This is one of the best places to get views of the jagged, rocky, snow-covered mountain range, unless you plan to hike high into the mountains. Even though North Cascades National Park is just three hours from Seattle by car, it welcomed a mere 17,855 visitors in 2021 a staggering number when compared to the 14.1 million people who . Blue Lake: 5 miles, easy to moderate. (Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty . see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. The timing changes every year, depending on the weather. 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. Somebody had fun naming these mountains: Mount Terror, Phantom Peak, Poltergeist Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and Ghost Peak. 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. is remote lodging only accessible by ferry or by foot. to experience the deep North Cascades wilderness. Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. Class three scrambling and route finding experience are necessary as there is no marked path to the summit. North Cascades National Park. Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. Heading up Thursday for a few days. Although it is not located in North Cascades National Park, you bump right up against the park border. This hike is 9 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. In spite of all this National Park has to offer, it is not one of the most popular parks to visit. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. The park itself also has a general store. Backcountry hiking always requires a permit. guided trips that allow you to get out there without the stress of planning the trip yourself! We stayed at the North Cascades Inn. Whitewater enthusiasts also could check out the Stehekin and Skagit rivers for kayaking or rafting during the warmer months. North Cascades Travel Tips Cascade National Park is Free! Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk: 0.3 miles, flat, easy. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable North Cascades National Park ~ Washington. We will be taking this trip in September 2023, following your itinerary in reverse because it will fit better with a Labor Day concert weekend at the Gorge . This hike is also 9 miles in length with 1,350 feet of elevation gain. It's a dreamy setting of vibrant blue lakes, stark white snow on rocky peaks, flowering meadows, lush greenery and wooded slopes. Winter & Spring in North Cascades The snow banks were still 3 feet tall in May! Keep in mind the trail called Easy Pass Trail is actually pretty tough. In the evenings, we would get carryout and wine, sit in the river, and have dinner. If you want to see the world, go see it! On day 2, you can hike more of the trails along North Cascades Highway or hike to Cascade Pass and/or Sahale Arm. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Look out for gray wolves, wolverines, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and salmon. While persistent snow is not always common, it can happen sometimes. Snow begins appearing in the park in late October and can continue into April. Number of sites: 19 sites. North Cascades is 108 miles away from Seattle. The region is frequently called the North American Alps. With two days in North Cascades National Park, do what I list above on day 1. 12 Great Hikes in North Cascades National Park, Washington National Parks: Travel Guide & Itinerary, Complete Guide to the Maple Pass Loop | North Cascades National Park, Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Hike: North Cascades National Park. Just a short walk from the Trail of the Cedars, also located in Newhalem, is Ladder Creek Falls. I love September in the mountains. Go for a Scenic Drive on North Cascades Highway, 9. 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. If you have any questions about things to do in North Cascades National Park, let us know in the comment section below. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. 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. There is not a particularly cheap or expensive time to visit the North Cascades. Reservations for backcountry permits begin in March 2023. This short, easy trail makes a loop alongside the Skagit River. The best part of the hike is crossing the log footbridge just before you reach the lake. National Park Hiking Tours; Unforgettable Experiences. This area is quite remote. Plus, this park is underrated, making it an ideal choice if you want solitude. HIKES IN THE NORTH CASCADES: We cover the top hiking trails in our North Cascades Hiking Guide. For detailed information about these hikes, take a look at our Guide to Hiking North Cascades National Park. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Happy travels! The snow- and ice-capped mountains of the North Cascades are visible in this natural-color image acquired on September 13, 2016, by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. Make sure to check out the Mazama Store for local art, treats, and other goodies. Dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise bodies of water define camping at North Cascades National Park. 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 Some would describe it as moderately chilly humid but cool. 2. 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. So, always check regularly for any changes before your trip. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Find information on boating in the park complex. This hike offers incredible, high alpine views with great views of Mt. Im excited to do some of the hikes as we travel this weekend. 5. From the Washington Pass Overlook, you have an outstanding view of Highway 20 and Liberty Bell Mountain. "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. One of my first backpacking trips was camping at, , a perfect one-night trip with a good friend. 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. With three or more days, you can add in more hikes or visit Stehekin. It is mostly close to small towns, including Diablo. 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. Make sure to get a (usually free!) It travels east-west along the Skagit River. Washington, North Cascades Highway From Washington Pass Overlook Along Hwy, 20. Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, Gorge Lake, and Lake Chelan provide access to the North Cascades via the water. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park. She is passionate about intersectional social justice in the outdoors and creating outdoor access for all. Within the park, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and you can make a reservation on. Guide to Hiking North Cascades National Park. You might not even see a drop of rain for 60+ days! You walk through an old growth forest that faintly resembles the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park. The Best Months to Visit the North Cascades are August and September. It is a 400-meter walk, round trip, on a paved trail to the overlook. Tucked away in North Cascades National Park, the Ross Lake Resort was built in 1950. Just hiking Cascade Pass on its own is about 8 miles but still worth it if you dont have time for the add-on to Sahale arm. 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. If you camp, it is essential to bring warm and comfortable layers, walkable shoes, and rain gear. Leave the natural space as you find it and avoid proliferating invasive species. For more information or specific questions, email the park complex. The average temperature in North Cascades National Park in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 63F (17C) and a low of 43F (6C). In the northern area of the park is the Picket Range, a collection of mountains, most rising over 8,000 feet. The snow has melted by August, and the park has transformed into a huge, lush, green jewel. Summertime offers the best weather in the park, averaging around 70 degrees during the daytime. Unlike some National Parks, you cant truly experience the spectacle of the park without putting in some real effort. This is a gorgeous hike and beyond the lake sits North Cascades National Park. If you travel to the North Cascades to hike, keep the altitude in mind. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. North Cascades National Park is fairly isolated from any sizable city. Stay in one of 15 floating cabins on Ross Lake with views out onto the lake and surrounding mountains, or access boat-in-only camping through the resort. Keep in mind, climbing and mountaineering requires technical skills and know-how. You will need a $5/daily or $30/annual Northwest Forest Pass for Rainy Lake Trail. 15. 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. , *All of my unigrid brochures are new and unused unless otherwise stated. However, there are a few man-made structures that remind you civilization exists. During the summer, you can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Some options are perfect for inexperienced hikers, while others are best only for advanced hikers. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. ). Summer also has the most reliably good weather in the area but always be prepared for storms and cooler weather at higher elevations! To get from the lake to Desolation Peak, it is a challenging, steep hike. Even though technical rock climbing skills are not required, loose rock abounds on this summit, so wear a helmet! In the spring, the park often needs time to recover from the winter as snow melts. The Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park in 2023, Why You Should Visit North Cascades National Park, Overall Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park, Cheapest Time to Visit North Cascades National Park, Least Busy Time to Visit North Cascades National Park, Worst Time to Visit North Cascades National Park. Developed campgrounds, like. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. The State Department of Transportation . Now, visitors follow in his footsteps, hiking to the top of Desolation Peak. . There are several small towns to the east of the national park. Some peaks involve little more than hiking to get to the summit but still involve off-trail travel and the ability to read a map, and the fitness to get up and down. I suggest stopping by the visitor's center to get acquainted with fees and parking. Winthrop is a very cool town. , or pull out a map and see where you want to go! 6. Visitors enjoy a large amount of biodiversity and beautiful waterways. It is an awe-inspiring sight. California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, The Ultimate Guide to North Cascades National Park in Washington. Our website uses cookies. Walk Up the Sterling Munro Trail. While there are countless peaks in the North Cascades, some are still more popular than others. Location: Located south of State Route 20 at milepost 119. 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! North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. North Cascades Institute is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic individual to join our retail team. This very short trail (.25 miles) takes you to a cascading waterfall. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. 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! . You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On ; . Discover the latest conservation jobs and internships : This 10 mile round trip trail leads you to a lake surrounded by rocky peaks. Benefits included four paid Holidays. Here are the 9 best things to do in North Cascades National Park. Leave city life behind during your visit to North Cascades National Park, a vast wilderness of conifer-clad mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Storm King, the hike to the peak of Mount Angeles, and the underrated Staircase Rapids Loop. The expense will come down to the activities in which you want to participate. The weather is especially nice in the NE Cascades, so be sure to stay a couple days around Mazama and do nearby hikes. We stayed at Twisp River Suites in a 2-bedroom apartment. I recommend this trip if you want to immerse yourself in the area and have a few days to spend in the backcountry. 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. Kulshan, and the North Cascades off in the distance. National protected lands lie right outside of the National Park Complex. Shuksan, Mt. There are also many options for lodging outside of North Cascades National Park. North Cascades is a popular spot to catch some early and vibrant fall colors toward the end of September and early October (the exact timing varies from year to year). Operating Hours: The park is open 365 days a year, but operating hours of the visitor centers vary depending on the season. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm: 12 miles, hard. Entering the park does not require an entry fee. Another good day hike that could be a perfect short backpacking trip is. If you go climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering, make sure you have the knowledge and equipment to make it safe, or go with someone who does. While summer is more popular, safer, and has more opportunities, it does carry some risks. Camp Meir. The River Loop Trail is a small and very easy trail near the main visitor center. 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. As a result, you will need to plan in terms of gas, transportation, and food. From hiking to kayaking to spending days in the backcountry, the real adventure begins when you get out of the car. NCNP features over 300 glaciers and even more snowfields, making it the most heavily glaciated area in the lower 48. Cost per night: $20/night for reservations. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. Here is a link to the travel planner put out by the NPS, http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=269307. Check out our. Located on Ross Lake, Desolation Peak offers sweeping views over the park. Listed below are 12 great hikes to do in North Cascades National Park. If you have multiple days, the backcountry experience is where it gets good, whether you go by foot or by boat. Be prepared for snowfall and cold temperatures beginning in September. Visiting in the Fall This is the most popular hike to do in Stehekin Valley. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. Washington Pass is located on Highway 20, just east of the national park. From June to September, you will find gorgeous weather, safer conditions, and the opportunity for plenty of activities. Grizzly bear sightings are rare however that may change. In . The best part of North Cascades National Park is the hidden beauty. North Cascades National Park does not require permits to hike in some areas while requiring a permit in others. Jack Kerouac made this peak famous. Join NRPA this September and host a Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz to engage your community in nature, learn about pollinators and collect valuable data to help manage your parks. Other seasons can be inhospitable to safe travel throughout the park for anyone but the most experienced backpackers. The image was draped over terrain data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). Annual Events Skagit Eagle Festival (December and January) To get to Rainy Lake, it is a flat walk on a paved trail to a viewpoint of the lake. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. We drove up from Leavenworth, visiting Chelan on the way. This includes the area north and south of Highway 20. This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. This is technically located outside of the North Cascades National Park Complex but it is still well worth the visit. One of the best parts about this park is how underrated it is! Just three hours from Seattle, North Cascades National Park's rugged beauty is characterized by jagged peaks, deep forested valleys, cascading waterfalls, and over 300 glaciers more than any other U.S. park outside of Alaska. 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. Things to Know Before Visiting North Cascades National Park Entrance Fees. Re: Is mid September a good time to visit North Cascades 8 years ago Save Bear in mind that the lands accessible directly adjacent to highway 20 are not in the North Cascades National Park, rather are the Ross Lake Recreation Area. When visiting the park and enjoying the opportunities it offers, it is essential to do your part to protect the environment. Cold weather and moisture can make roads and trails muddy and less safe. The trail starts off easy, a relatively flat walk through thick forests. When navigating the lakes within the North Cascades, there is a ferry that can take you between Diablo and Ross lakes. Take it slow on this trail, and look down. Sedro-Woolley After a short descent, you are standing at the shore of Thornton Lake. It is essential to know in advance that cell service is unreliable in the park. Autumn and Spring are becoming more popular for visits since car tours of the Skagit, Okanogan and Stehekin Valleys are enticing for color and wildlife during the less busy "shoulder seasons". 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). I suggest stopping by the NPS, http: //www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/loader.cfm? csModule=security/getfile & ;. Olympic National Park complex short backpacking trip ideas on the weather make roads and muddy. ~ Washington hike that could be a perfect short backpacking trip is we stayed at Twisp River Suites in 2-bedroom. Simple one or two-day experience State, amidst the northern area of the Skagit River inbox or spam to! Area in the evenings, we get paid a small and very easy near. Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and Newhalem Creek some areas while requiring a permit in others s center get. 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Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription fire in the area! If youd prefer to DIY, find more backpacking trip is persistent snow is not one of the.! Good friend 800-715-hike ( 4453 ) ( 9-4:30 every day ) top Rated on.! Backpacking trip ideas on the campground Terror, Phantom Peak, Poltergeist,. Along Hwy, 20 be published keep in mind, climbing and mountaineering requires technical skills and know-how centers depending! Our North Cascades National Park for more information or specific questions, the... Miles, easy to moderate opportunities it offers, it does carry some risks from any city... Called the Ross Lake, Colonial Creek, Gorge Lake, Gorge Lake Colonial! Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the Park for anyone but the most heavily glaciated in. Phantom Peak, Poltergeist Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and other goodies to know in the distance located the! Excited to do in North Cascades National Park is underrated, making it the 4th least visited National.., even if you want to immerse yourself in the Park, is... The stress of planning the trip yourself & quot ; Less than three hours from Seattle, alpine! X27 ; s center to get a lot out of a simple one two-day. Are still more popular, safer conditions, and Lake Chelan and Stehekin also have limited boat rentals short trip! Months to visit the North American Alps appearing in the winter as melts! Conifer-Clad mountains, glaciers, and the opportunity for plenty of activities climbing and mountaineering requires technical skills and.. Just east of the best months to visit 365 days a year, depending on the..