The best overall time to visit is in the summer, between June and September. If you have any questions about things to do in North Cascades National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise bodies of water define camping at North Cascades National Park. Diablo Lake gets its unusual color from the melting glaciers. There are also usually more activities during this time in general. However, there are a few man-made structures that remind you civilization exists. It rarely gets too hot, and it's always about 10 degrees cooler on the coast than the forecast for Seattle. Since nature is unpredictable, those open areas can change quickly. We spent three days in the North Cascades as part of a three-week road trip through Washington state. Picture an alpine wonderland full of blue lakes, meadows, and towering peaks. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Walk Up the Sterling Munro Trail. 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. Colonial Creek South Campground in North Cascades National Park is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. Road access is weather dependent, typically accessible spring through late fall. , or pull out a map and see where you want to go! Trail of the Cedars is one of the easiest hikes in North Cascades National Park at just .3 miles round trip and almost no elevation gain. The best part of the hike is crossing the log footbridge just before you reach the lake. However, you can still drive to Diablo Lake and hike some of the lower-elevation trails like Thunder Knob. North Cascades National Park. The Stehekin Valley has long served as a passageway for travelers, linking Washington's interior wilderness to the rugged Cascade Mountains. Stay safe by knowing which animals to look out for, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and planning. In the park, there are over 300 glaciers and 300 lakes. Otherwise, there are lodges and Airbnbs nearby for you to stay at. 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. This is another very short trail of only 300 feet that provides incredible views. North Cascades National Park is fairly isolated from any sizable city. 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. Be prepared for wintry conditions as early as September or October. Desolation Peak - 9.4 miles 4400 foot gain (where Jack Kerouac stayed for 63 days at the fire lookout) Cutthroat Lake Trail - 3 mile roundtrip with a 410 foot elevation gain. Backcountry hiking always requires a permit. 6. Keep in mind the trail called Easy Pass Trail is actually pretty tough. Most of the day hikes listed above can be made into short overnight trips or extended into longer backpacking trips. A ranger can direct you to the safest trails during this time. 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. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On ; . Class three scrambling and route finding experience are necessary as there is no marked path to the summit. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! The park is full of plenty of great places to camp, and there are several more nearby. Thunder Knob Trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot elevation gain. Its well worth a stay in addition to being excellent access for North Cascades National Park and the surrounding mountains. Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the National Park service website. North Cascades National Park is gorgeous, and just driving through still has a lot to offer. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, Gorge Lake, and Lake Chelan provide access to the North Cascades via the water. North Cascades National Park is nicknamed the American Alps, getting its name from the jagged, rocky mountain peaks and emerald green slopes. If you travel to the North Cascades to hike, keep the altitude in mind. Whether you go to a big city or a rural vista, the weather and available activities can make or break your trip. Olympic National Park is located in the far northwestern corner of Washington state on the Olympic Peninsula. The North Cascades National Park Day Tourpromises to "Re-Wild" Your Spirit! 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. While that snow often appears at higher elevations, it can have a big impact on parts of the park at a lower elevation. In spite of all this National Park has to offer, it is not one of the most popular parks to visit. If you like to get vertical, the alpine rock climbing, mountaineering, and scrambling in the park are incredible ways to get a view and experience without anyone else around. These accommodations can be more expensive during the busy summer season. Find information on boating in the park complex. Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. Number of sites: 19 sites. 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. The park consists of two sections, called units. I love September in the mountains. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Even though Mount Baker is not tucked away with the national park complex, it still makes a great place to add onto your visit to the North Cascades, as it is a gorgeous place to go hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. This makes a great place to stay if you plan to hike Cascade Pass or Hidden Lake, since Cascade River Road starts in this town. Sun protection is also essential when hiking or camping. Late spring can be a good time to visit the North Cascades, but Highway 20 does not typically open until April or May, so be aware that much of the area will still be in winter mode. Check out all of my other NPS brochures that I have available! California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, The Ultimate Guide to North Cascades National Park in Washington. View New Trips. The hike to Sahale Arm and the Glacier Camp is truly spectacular, and in our opinion, the best way to experience this national park, other than going on a backpacking trip. Maple Pass Loop: 7.2 miles, moderate to difficult. 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. When navigating the lakes within the North Cascades, there is a ferry that can take you between Diablo and Ross lakes. If you dont have a watercraft, Ross Lake Resort rents kayaks, canoes, motorboats, and other equipment, making the perfect daytime activity for families or anyone wanting to spend time on the water. This hike shares the same trailhead as the Maple Pass Loop. Get the full details in our guide to the Maple Pass Loop. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains as you hike to a peaceful (blue) lake. Some popular drive-in sites include Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, Colonial Creek, and Newhalem Creek. 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. Baker region. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. 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. 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. Cutthroat Lake: 4 miles, easy. Due to the popularity, this trail is often busy. 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 Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. USA Hiking Vacations. 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. 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. 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. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park. . This area is quite remote. Discover the latest conservation jobs and internships Still, the drive is gorgeous, and you'll see flashes of yellow and orange lighting up the landscape around you. Rarely, there may be some light signs of wear from storage or shipping (i.e. After a short descent, you are standing at the shore of Thornton Lake. Spanning over 500,000 acres, North Cascades National Park in Washington is an alpine wonderland featuring vibrant lakes, thickly forested valleys, over 300 glaciers, and the most rugged peaks of the Cascade Range. Various guiding companies also run river trips in these areas for those who do not have gear or experience. The park peak operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. With two days in North Cascades National Park, do what I list above on day 1. The glaciers grind against the rocks, forming a powdery silt. You walk through an old growth forest that faintly resembles the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park. Hidden Lake: 9 miles, moderate to strenuous. Cutthroat Lake is another lovely lake. To get to these regions, you can either drive on one of the dirt roads or go backpacking. 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. Summertime offers the best weather in the park, averaging around 70 degrees during the daytime. Currently based out of Southwest Colorado, she spends her free time climbing, running, and skiing in the mountains, and exploring the world. Sedro-Woolley Interesting Facts About North Cascades National Park, Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park. North Cascades is the largest of the three National Park Service units which comprise the North Cascades . This trail makes for a great overnight trip as well. 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 . While visiting the park, keep an eye out for elk, moose, marmots, pika, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bear, coyote, lynx, bobcats and otters. NPS Unigrid Brochure Map Newest Version. The town of Mazama also makes a nice option. If you camp, it is essential to bring warm and comfortable layers, walkable shoes, and rain gear. There are also many options for lodging outside of North Cascades National Park. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 19 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala in 2023, The 16 Best Places to Visit in Sicily in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Florida for Couples in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas in 2023. . Visiting in the Fall By participating, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or a Scotts Miracle-Gro gift pack. Rainy Lake: 2 miles, easy. The Best Time to Visit Denali National Park in 2023, The Best Time to Visit Gatlinburg in 2023. Ilana is a writer, photographer, and lifelong learner. In the evenings, we would get carryout and wine, sit in the river, and have dinner. Olympic National Park Vs. North Cascades: Overviews. 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. As an active national park, the area is beautifully maintained and ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. If you want to see the world, go see it! This is technically located outside of the North Cascades National Park Complex but it is still well worth the visit. 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! The image was draped over terrain data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). Our Lake Chelan is in the southeast part of the North Cascades National Park Complex. Great guide! Explore amazing North Cascades National Park with Wildland Trekking on the Wonders of the North Cascades Backpacking Adventure! Read on to learn when the best and worst times are to visit this gorgeous park. Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! Camping and hiking novices may get a lot out of a simple one or two-day experience. Certain times of the year are much better when planning your visit to this park. This hike offers incredible, high alpine views with great views of Mt. Suggestion by Hannah from That Adventurer Blog. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. Even though technical rock climbing skills are not required, loose rock abounds on this summit, so wear a helmet! Listed below are 12 great hikes to do in North Cascades National Park. Definitely stop into Sherris Sweet Shop for some ice creamthe perfect treat after a day of hiking. Waterproofed items are essential to survival in cold temperatures. This high elevation national park of northern Washington is perhaps the most rugged place to visit in the state. enjoy the natural world. Leave the natural space as you find it and avoid proliferating invasive species. to experience the deep North Cascades wilderness. During the summer, you can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Make sure to get a (usually free!) 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. Within the park, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and you can make a reservation on Recreation.gov. North Cascades National Park does not require permits to hike in some areas while requiring a permit in others. National protected lands lie right outside of the National Park Complex. Another good day hike that could be a perfect short backpacking trip is. 1. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To save money on your visit, the key is thorough planning. North of this road is Ross Lake. For more information or specific questions, email the park complex. Note: Highway 20 is usually closed between November and April due to snowfall. Required fields are marked *. To get here, it is a mostly flat walk through a forest. Alternatively, you may use, North Cascades National Park Hotels and Places to Stay, North Cascades National Park Travel Forum, North Cascades National Park Vacation Rentals, North Cascades National Park Vacation Packages, Restaurants near North Cascades National Park, Things to Do in North Cascades National Park, North Cascades National Park Travel Guide. Unlike many national parks, the North Cascades is not one that you can simply drive through to see the iconic features. Youll discover the hidden beauty of one of the most beautiful alpine regions of the country. "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. 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 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 ! Arizona. Keep in mind, however, that winter arrives early at high elevations. If you stay at a lodge instead of camping, the overall price can also be higher. When visiting the North Cascades, visiting in good weather can go beyond enjoyment and play a role in your survival. Highway 20 (also known as North Cascades Highway) runs east west through the park, along the Skagit River, bisecting the park into two pieces. North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. You dont truly get to see the beauty and the grandeur of North Cascades National Park unless you go hiking. Some parts of the park may even be closed for the winter due to avalanches and other concerning conditions. Note: This post contains affiliate links. 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. 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. 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. On day 2, we hiked the Maple Pass Loop and then drove Highway 20 through the park, stopping at the overlooks mentioned above. I recommend this trip if you want to immerse yourself in the area and have a few days to spend in the backcountry. Reservations for backcountry permits begin in March 2023. Ross Lake Resort is remote lodging only accessible by ferry or by foot. . With three or more days, you can add in more hikes or visit Stehekin. We stayed at Twisp River Suites in a 2-bedroom apartment. So, those seasons can get more expensive, leaving summer as the cheapest season. While the higher elevation keeps this very popular North Cascades trail from being a year-round fungal destination, it can be a mushroom paradise. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Here are the 9 best things to do in North Cascades National Park. Along this hike, you will have stunning views of the North Cascades range, with views of Sahale, Forbidden, and Boston peaks. During this high season, you can catch some views at the North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass Overlook, and Cascade Pass. In 2021, it only had 18,000 visitors, making it the 4th least visited national park in the United States. 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