Alpine landscapes less than 3 hours away from Seattle. You'll find communities of life adapted to the moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Here you can explore jagged peaks that are crowned by over 300 glaciers. You can listen to waterfalls in forested valleys. Here, you'll be able to see firsthand the effects of the changing climate.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. The park operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem is open during the operational season, dates may vary annually.
Weather
The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. Summer daytime temperatures average in the 70's F. Snow is off most trails by mid-July. Autumn and Spring are popular for color and wildlife. Storms are common: always be prepared for a few days of rain and wind. The east side of the Cascade Mountains (Lake Chelan National Recreation Area) is drier and warmer in the summer than the west side. Summer temperatures at Stehekin reach the 90's F.
Things to Do
Plan a Backcountry Trip
Backcountry camping in the North Cascades can be an exciting adventure for prepared hikers.
Day Hiking in North Cascades
Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America.
Paddling in the North Cascades
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular on the lakes of the North Cascades.
Motorboating in the North Cascades
Motorboating is a popular activity on Gorge, Diablo, and Ross lakes, and Lake Chelan.
Rafting in the North Cascades
The Skagit and Stehekin rivers attract many whitewater enthusiasts for rafting and kayaking, especially during the summer months.
Getting There
Address: 810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley WA 98284
Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. The State Department of Transportation closes a portion of the road between Ross Dam Trailhead and Lone Fir Campground in winter. The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Stehekin) is accessible by ferry or plane from Chelan.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Colonial Creek North Campground
38 sites · $24/night
Colonial Creek North Campground is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. Located on the north side of State Route 20 near mile marker…
Colonial Creek South Campground
93 sites · $24/night
Colonial Creek South Campground is a remote, yet busy campground nestled in old growth forest on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130.Ten walk…
Goodell Creek Campground
19 sites · $20/night
Goodell Creek Campground is situated in lush, old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River. Campsites are suitable for tents and small RVs. First-come, f…
Gorge Lake Campground
8 sites · $20/night
Gorge Lake Campground is located on the bank of Gorge Lake, next to the cascading Stetattle Creek and is a primitive camp with no water. First-come, first-serv…
Harlequin Campground
7 sites · $20/night
Harlequin Campground is located near Stehekin in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Rd from Stehekin Landing and 0.5 miles …
Hozomeen Campground
75 sites · Free
Hozomeen Campground is located at the north end of Ross Lake and is open from late May through October. There is no camping fee, and all sites are first-come, …
Frequently Asked Questions
When is North Cascades National Park open?
North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. The park operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem is open during the operational season, dates may vary annually.
What are the best things to do in North Cascades National Park?
Popular things to do in North Cascades National Park include Plan a Backcountry Trip, Fishing in the North Cascades, Day Hiking in North Cascades, Paddling in the North Cascades. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in North Cascades National Park?
Yes — North Cascades National Park has 10 campgrounds, including Colonial Creek North Campground, Colonial Creek South Campground, Goodell Creek Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.