North Cascades National Park (NCNP) spans over 500,000 acres of wilderness. It boasts the greatest diversity of plant life of any American national park. It also has the largest glacial systems in the contiguous United States. But while you prepare to embark on your next adventure, what should you know before you go? Read on for your guide to North Cascades National Park!
What to Know Before You Go
The closest international airport to NCNP is Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport, which is about 130 miles from the North Cascades Visitor Center. From Sea-Tac airport, drive up Interstate 5 and catch SR 20 at Sedro-Wooley and head east. Sedro-Woolley is the largest town on the western side of NCNP. If approaching from the east, then Winthrop is the largest town near NCNP. The Visitor Center is located in the town of Newhalem, just over an hour drive from Sedro-Woolley. However, if you need backcountry permits, first stop at the Wilderness Information Center near the town of Marblemount. This is about a 20-minute drive southwest of Newhalem along SR 20. You can also gain access to NCNP from the south via the town of Chelan. In Chelan, take the Lady of the Lake ferry (passenger-only) to Stehekin.
Sleeping
It’s best to make reservations early for all campgrounds at NCNP during operational season which extends from late May through September. From July 1st through Labor Day, you can camp for no more than 14 consecutive days at a site. During any other part of the year, this limit is extended to 30 days. Please remember that dispersed camping is not available at the park, and all overnight parking or camping must be at established campsites and campgrounds. If you need provisions — such as gas, ice, or firewood — pick them up before arriving at the park. The closest town for supplies is Marblemount, WA.
Visit recreation.gov to make campground reservations and to check for specific dates when reservations are required. If you plan to camp outside those dates, then it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. Winter is a special and unpredictable time at NCNP. Only the following campgrounds are open throughout the winter and are available on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Gorge Lake – Appropriate for smaller RVs and tents (8 sites)
- Goodell Creek – Appropriate for smaller RVs and tents (19 sites)
- Colonial Creek – Appropriate for walk-in tent only (10 sites)
Camping sites are also available at Stehekin. Peak season is from late May to early September, and reservations are required at the following popular destinations: Harlequin, Lakeview, and Purple Point campgrounds. For the remaining months, campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Boat-in camping is a wonderful and unique way to enjoy NCNP. These sites may be accessed via one of three lakes: Chelan, Ross and Diablo.
Hiking
North Cascades offers strolling paths and hiking trails for all level of adventurers. As expected, trails are most popular during the summer months between June through early September. Please remember that many of the trails that reach higher elevations are often covered in snow even during July and August.
Heavy rain typically begins in November and lasts through March. Various trails and access roads may close at a moment’s notice because of snowfall or floods. It’s best to check current conditions before adventuring.
Easy Hikes
River Loop Trail – 1.8 mile (loop)
This is one of several trails available in the Newhalem area. It starts at the northeast part of the North Cascades Visitor Center, leads you through forest growth, and offers unobstructed views of the Skagit River. This trail also connects to loops A and B of the Newhalem Creek Campground.
Ladder Creek Falls – 0.4 mile (loop)
This trail can be found behind the Gorge Powerhouse in Upper Newhalem. You’ll eventually end up at Ladder Creek Falls as you walk through some lovely, manicured gardens. The powerhouse can be accessed via a foot suspension bridge.
Moderate Hikes
Pyramid Lake Trail – 4.2 miles (out and back)
The Pyramid Lake Trail is a moderately strenuous hike with about 1, 500 ft of elevation gain over a 2-mile distance. It’s accessed via SR 20 just east of Gorge Lake (mile post 126.8). Parking is available on the north side of the road. The trailhead is marked with a signpost. The trail ends at a mountain lake with many logs floating on its surface.
Thunder Knob Trail – 3.6 miles (out and back)
This is one of my favorite hikes to do with kids. The path gives you great views of Diablo Lake and the jagged peaks of the North Cascades. Find the trail head at Colonial Creek Campground which is located at milepost 130 on SR 20. At the north side of Colonial Creek Campground, you’ll have to go over a couple of footbridges and stroll by a few walk-in campsites before reaching the trail head.
Strenuous Hikes
Park Butte – 7.5 miles (out and back)
This trail head is located at the North Cascades – Mount Baker Area. Elevation gain is 2,200 feet. Please note there is a seasonal bridge for this hike which closes from early fall to spring. This is a gorgeous hike which offers panoramic views of the Twin Sisters, North Cascades, and Mount Baker.
Sourdough Mountain Trail – 10.4 miles (out and back)
This is one of the most strenuous hikes in the park, but the views are stunning! There is a lookout at the summit of Sourdough Mountain. This trail has two approaches (Diablo and Pierce Mountain). I recommend the Pierce Mountain approach. It’s longer but less steep. The lower part of the trail follows Ross Lake, and the upper portion eventually leads to Pierce Mountain Camp. From there, you’ll need to follow the rock cairns as the path itself can be inconspicuous. Eventually, the trail ends at Sourdough Lookout.
Other Activities
Visit Stehekin
Stehekin, a quaint little getaway accessible only by foot, boat or plane, is located towards the north end of Lake Chelan. Getting to Stehekin is an experience, so enjoy the journey. Please remember the following before visiting Stehekin:
- There is no cell phone service, but there is a public phone by the boat landing area.
- There are no ATMs. Most businesses accept credit cards, but some do not. Be sure to carry some cash.
- Grocery and other services are only available during the peak season (summer months).
- Make lodging reservations before arriving at Stehekin.
The most convenient method to arrive at Stehekin is via the passenger ferry from Chelan. In the winter, skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities. During the other seasons, hiking, boating, and fishing are also well-established activities at Stehekin.
Drive Along SR 20
SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) offers some stunning views and overlooks. It is about 30 miles long and traverses the entire park from west to east. Please note that portions of the SR 20 are closed between November and April because of snowfall. If you have some extra time, it’s worth visiting the small towns east of the park. My favorite is Winthrop. It’s a bit of a drive, but you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a town from the old west. It’s great for shopping, dining, and winter activities such as snowshoeing.
Best Time to Visit
NCNP has something to offer all year round. The summer is always busy, so if you don’t like crowds, it’s best to visit during the other seasons.
Summer – The days are pleasant and rain-free. Most hiking trails are open, but you may still encounter few snow-covered areas if you hike the high-altitude trails.
Fall – During later part of September is when most of the park’s visitor and information centers begin to close. By mid-November, SR 20 is closed at milepost 130 (Colonial Creek Campground) or 134 (Ross Dam Trailhead).
Winter – Winter offers its own set of opportunities and challenges at NCNP. It is a perfect chance to enjoy the solitude of the park, but please be prepared before heading out. Avalanches are common in the mountainous terrain and may unexpectedly close SR 20.
Spring – Because of the higher elevations, winter-like weather persists well into spring. SR 20 usually re-opens in late April or early May. However, the higher elevation trails and roads are frequently still covered with snow well into July.
Wildlife
NCNP offers one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Consequently, a variety of wildlife may be encountered. Some, such as wolverine and gray wolves, travel in small numbers and are infrequently encountered. However, black-tailed deer and squirrels are plentiful. Occasionally, grizzly bears have also been documented.
Check out How to Protect From Bears While Camping to make sure you’re prepared.
A variety of birds call the NCNP their home. Eagles are frequently encountered during the winter months along Skagit River. Migratory species, such as swallows, thrushes, warblers, and hummingbirds, return every spring.
The salmon is the best known fish of the Pacific Northwest, and the Skagit River is home to all runs of Pacific salmon species (King, Coho, Pink, Sockeye, and Chum). Between August and December, thousands of salmon make the arduous, upstream journey in the Skagit River to their spawning grounds, attracting tourists and bald eagles in droves.
Photography Hot Spots
Skagit River along SR20 – From late fall through winter, bald eagles are plentiful. Bring your telephoto lens and keep your eyes peeled. The best time of day to photograph these majestic birds is early morning as they feed on the salmon in Skagit River.
Ross Lake overlook – This provides an all-encompassing view of the water and surrounding cascades’ peaks. I recommend visiting at sunrise or during the new moon for amazing astrophotography.
Heather Meadows – Located at the northernmost part of NCNP, this area is worth a side trip along SR 542 from Sedro-Woolley. My favorite spot is the appropriately named “Picture Lake,” where you can capture an amazing reflection of Mt. Shuksan. Later afternoon and evenings usually offer the best conditions. However, I’ve captured some amazing sunrises here as well.
Ferry ride to Stehekin – As mentioned above, this location cannot be reached by car. I recommend taking the Lady of the Lake passenger ferry from Chelan. There are gorgeous photographic opportunities just from the ferry ride itself.
Park Butte – The view of Mt. Baker at the top of this strenuous 7-mile hike is breath-taking.
Packing
It’s best to dress in layers. Rain and snow can fall at any time, so be sure to invest in some good water-proof and warm gear.
General Packing Checklist
- Layered clothing, including some waterproof gear
- Hat
- Headlamp
- Hiking boots
- Hiking poles
- First aid kit
Winter Packing Checklist
- Shovel
- Full-length insulated sleeping pad
- Stove and fuel
- Heat Packs
- Goggles and wool hat
- Gloves (base/mid/shell layers)
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Avalanche Probe
- GPS (with extra batteries)
Article and Photos by Mahesh Thapa.
Mahesh Thapa is predominately a nature and landscape photographer based out of Seattle, WA. He has been creating content professionally for over 10 years and is an ambassador for several photography related companies including Sony Alpha and Lowepro. Mahesh is also a physician at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor of Radiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. You can see more of his work at his website, starvingphotographer.com, Instagram @StarvingPhotographer, YouTube, and Facebook.
