On the other side of the mountains, coming from Seattle or Bellingham, you could stay in Sedro Wooley, Newhalem, or Marblemount. In addition to hiking, you can enjoy kayaks, fishing, riding, swimming, and other activities in the park. During this high season, you can catch some views at the North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass Overlook, and Cascade Pass. North Cascades is 108 miles away from Seattle. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the National Park service website. To get here, it is a mostly flat walk through a forest. 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! However, with cold temperatures, it may be good to avoid camping unless you are comfortable camping in cold weather. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. Washington Pass Overlook is one of the best things to do in North Cascades National Park to get beautiful views with minimal effort.A short .25-mile paved path brings you to a beautiful viewpoint standing at 5,000 feet, overlooking Washington Pass and the infamous Liberty Bell. Grizzly bear sightings are rare however that may change. Lake Chelan and Stehekin also have limited boat rentals. You will cross a narrow suspension bridge next to the Gorge Powerhouse and then follow the loop trail up to viewpoints of the waterfall. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. Since the park is isolated and filled with very few artificial structures, it is a great place to escape the rigors of everyday life. , or pull out a map and see where you want to go! North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park [] Reply. Since the North Cascades National Park is so large, it contains many environments, including temperate rainforests and dry ponderosa pine forests. This can be purchased for $5 at the trailhead. We had an excellent week of weather. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information (Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty . Make sure to get a (usually free!) This is technically located outside of the North Cascades National Park Complex but it is still well worth the visit. . 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. North Cascades National Park does not require permits to hike in some areas while requiring a permit in others. All of these sites are usually open in the summer, with a few staying open in the winter. On day 2, we hiked the Maple Pass Loop and then drove Highway 20 through the park, stopping at the overlooks mentioned above. If you camp in the park, there may be fire restrictions to reduce forest fires. This is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. Within the park, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and you can make a reservation on Recreation.gov. The Stehekin Valley has long served as a passageway for travelers, linking Washington's interior wilderness to the rugged Cascade Mountains. Goodell Creek Campground. 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". Desolation Peak: 9.4 miles, hard. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. Olympic National Park Vs. North Cascades: Overviews. On day 2, you can hike more of the trails along North Cascades Highway or hike to Cascade Pass and/or Sahale Arm. Look out for ferries, visitor centers, and the dam that produces electricity. There is only one paved road in the park. Washington Pass is the highest point on Highway 20 and marks the middle of the western and eastern sections of . Our website uses cookies. Somebody had fun naming these mountains: Mount Terror, Phantom Peak, Poltergeist Pinnacle, Mount Fury, and Ghost Peak. Hiking and Camping at Diablo Lake | Explore Washington State on September 22, . Due to the popularity, this trail is often busy. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. If you prefer short, easy hikes, we recommend Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, or Thunder Knob. Of course, more time is always better. For more information or specific questions, email the park complex. You will rarely run into a grizzly, but it is essential to be prepared. The Cascade loop is a 440-mile loop in Washington that includes the North Cascades National Park. 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. Youll discover the hidden beauty of one of the most beautiful alpine regions of the country. 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. Entering the park does not require an entry fee. Day 4: Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike, drive north to Mt. 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. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm: 12 miles, hard. Even though technical rock climbing skills are not required, loose rock abounds on this summit, so wear a helmet! It is just a short drive from Seattle, Washington but North Cascades only gets a handful of the visitors that flock to nearby Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks. see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. Keep in mind the trail called Easy Pass Trail is actually pretty tough. Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. Now, visitors follow in his footsteps, hiking to the top of Desolation Peak. North Cascades National Park is gorgeous, and just driving through still has a lot to offer. The town of Mazama also makes a nice option. Here are the 9 best things to do in North Cascades National Park. North Cascades National Park ~ Washington. In colder weather, it is always good to have socks, a hat, and good socks. National protected lands lie right outside of the National Park Complex. The view isnt quite as good as it is at the Diablo Lake Overlook, but I still think it is worth the very quick stop. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. However, you will need to access them by trail or boat. With two days in North Cascades National Park, Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the, More Information for Your Trip to Washington. NCNP features over 300 glaciers and even more snowfields, making it the most heavily glaciated area in the lower 48. Rainy Lake Trail is an easy 2.0-mile out-and-back trail near Stehekin. Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. Plus, this park is underrated, making it an ideal choice if you want solitude. If you want to see the world, go see it! If you want to visit Stehekin, you will need a minimum of two days, since travel times can be long between Chelan and Stehekin. Following all these steps and more can allow you to save money and have an easier time overall. The PCT cuts through the narrow sliver of park land, just north of Stehekin. One of the best parts about this park is how underrated it is! There are also mudslides that close . , are more common in the National Forest to the east of the Park and are usually first-come first-served. The key to any trip is knowing the best time to schedule your visit. 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. 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. 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. These small towns are lovely places to fill up on gas and any supplies you forgot. When hiking, choosing the best trails for you is an essential step. 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. National Park Hiking Tours; Unforgettable Experiences. 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. Various guiding companies also run river trips in these areas for those who do not have gear or experience. You dont truly get to see the beauty and the grandeur of North Cascades National Park unless you go hiking. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." If you want to camp in the campground, you can use one of the options near the park. The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the summer from mid-June to late September. 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. The cascades have their permit requirements for camping that vary from surrounding campsites. 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. On the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, you may need to deal with more weather concerns and, as a result, more specialty gear. North Cascades National Park, large wilderness area in northwestern Washington, U.S. This trail makes for a great overnight trip as well. Definitely stop into Sherris Sweet Shop for some ice creamthe perfect treat after a day of hiking. Day 2: Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake, Washington Pass Overlook, afternoon in Winthrop; sleep in Twisp. Note: This post contains affiliate links. During the summer, you can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. All of these activities are safer and more fun during the summer months. Book your campsite far in advance, look out for sales on hiking or camping gear, and come in with a food plan. North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is a peaceful, beautiful experience. As a result, you will need to plan in terms of gas, transportation, and food. Rachel Means. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 This park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. 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. Tucked away in North Cascades National Park, the Ross Lake Resort was built in 1950. North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. Highway 20, the main road in North Cascades National Park, is typically closed from early November through early May, although these times can change depending on snowfall amounts. Interesting Facts About North Cascades National Park, Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park. In the evenings, we would get carryout and wine, sit in the river, and have dinner. 2022-10-27. The summer months of June - September are the driest months and perfect for a Washington elopement. This area is quite remote. 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. The temps seldom reach too chilly or too hot for comfort in the 60s and 70s. *All of my unigrid brochures are new and unused unless otherwise stated. This is another very short trail of only 300 feet that provides incredible views. There are also many options for lodging outside of North Cascades National Park. If you want to try out backpacking but dont have the experience or gear, a, is the perfect opportunity to get your feet wet and see if you like it. The park itself also has a general store. Waterproofed items are essential to survival in cold temperatures. 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. Thanks Daniel Y, that's good to know! Wildflowers might be gone, but the ground foliage is resplendent is the fall. Drive north on I-5 from Seattle towards . What a gorgeous view, dont you think? Visit the scenic overlooks, yes . As an active national park, the area is beautifully maintained and ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Some popular drive-in sites include Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, Colonial Creek, and Newhalem Creek. Make sure to check out the Mazama Store for local art, treats, and other goodies. 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). 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 . Benefits included four paid Holidays. The best time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the summer through early autumn. If you camp, it is essential to bring warm and comfortable layers, walkable shoes, and rain gear. 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. Bear in mind that the lands accessible directly adjacent to highway 20 are not in the North Cascades National Park, rather are the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For a more secluded and peaceful camping experience, head into the backcountry on foot or by boat to one of many backcountry or boat-in campsites available. Check out the Mazama Country Inn and the Freestone Inn. "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. Rainy Lake: 2 miles, easy. Shuksan, Mt. The park surrounds Highway 20, which travels between Sedro Wooley on the west side of the mountains and Mazama and the Methow Valley on the east side. 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