North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park, often referred to as the American Alps, is a stunning landscape of jagged peaks, panoramic views, and alpine lakes. Nestled in the northwest corner of Washington State, the park boasts over 300 glaciers and countless waterfalls, truly embodying the Cascade Range's name. Despite being one of the lesser-visited national parks in the country, the North Cascades offers a myriad of activities and experiences for its visitors. This guide will delve into everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to the North Cascades National Park.
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Backcountry and campground permits are available via Recreation.gov.
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Several campgrounds are available via Recreation.gov.
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Stay at the wonderful Freestone Inn in Mazama.
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Leashed dogs are allowed in campgrounds and parking lots.
About North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park was established in 1968 and covers an area of over 500,000 acres.
The park is located in the northern part of Washington State and is home to some of the most beautiful and rugged mountain scenery in the United States.
North Cascades National Park is known for its glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and gray wolves.
Getting to North Cascades National Park
Located approximately two hours north of Seattle and three hours south of Vancouver, British Columbia, the park is easily accessible for day trips or extended stays. The primary access is via State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway. From the west, it connects with Interstate 5, and from the east, it connects with U.S. Route 97 and State Route 153.
Note: The North Cascades Highway closes seasonally, usually from November through April or early May, between the Ross Dam Trailhead and Lone Fir Campground due to avalanche danger. This closure is critical to note as this highway is the sole route through the park.
Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park
The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is mild, and the park is bustling with activity.
The fall months of October and November are also a good time to visit as the fall foliage is stunning, but there are large crowds associated with this.
Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades National Park offers hundreds of miles of trails, including sections of the famous Pacific Crest Trail, making it a haven for backpackers, mountain climbers, and casual hikers. The hiking season typically spans from late April through October, with the busiest and driest months being from late June through September. Trails at higher elevations often remain snow-covered into July.
One popular route is the Thunder Knob trail, a 3.6-mile round-trip hike that starts from Colonial Creek and offers stunning views of the azure waters of Diablo Lake, Pyramid Peak, and the waterfalls cascading down Sourdough Mountain.
Boating and Fishing
For water enthusiasts, the park offers multiple lakes that are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, paddling, and boating. There are also plenty of fishing opportunities in the park, though it's important to acquire a fishing license before your visit as they are not available for purchase within the park.
Wildlife Viewing
Home to over 200 bird species and diverse wildlife such as the gray wolf, fisher, and wolverine, the North Cascades is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. However, visitors are reminded to maintain a safe distance and never feed or approach wildlife.
The Most Deadly National Park
A 2020 report by personal injury law firm Panish Shea & Boyle LLP in conjunction with data agency 1Point21 Interactive named North Cascades National Park to be the United State’s most deadly National Park.
Data examines the years between 2007 and 2018, and relates the number of deaths per 10 million park visitors.
It is not the park with the most deaths, but data suggests that North Cascades National Park is the park where you're most likely to die.
Though the park gets only around 30,000 annual visits, the report states, it had a "death rate of 652 per 10 million visititors —6.5 times higher than [runner-up] Denali National Park & Preserve and nearly 22 times higher than the average."
Safety Tips for visiting North Cascades National Park
While North Cascades National Park is a beautiful and serene place, it is important to remember that it is still a wilderness area. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when visiting the park:
Always carry a map and compass, and know how to use them.
Bring plenty of water and food, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Be aware of wildlife, and keep a safe distance.
Stay on designated trails to avoid getting lost or damaging the environment.
The History of North Cascades National Park
The history of North Cascades National Park dates back to the early 1900s when the area was first explored by naturalists and adventurers.
In the 1920s, the area was logged extensively, which led to concerns about preserving the natural beauty of the region.
In the 1950s, a movement began to establish a national park in the area, and in 1968, North Cascades National Park was officially established.
Backcountry and Campground Camping in North Cascades National Park
The backcountry of North Cascades National Park is a vast wilderness of conifer-clad mountains, frigid glaciers and alpine lakes.
Camping is a popular activity in North Cascades National Park, and there are several campgrounds to choose from. The park's main campground is the Newhalem Creek Campground, which is open from May to October. The campground has 107 sites, and reservations are recommended during peak season. There are also several backcountry camping options for those who want to get off the beaten path.
Marble Creek Campground is an excellent staging ground for your backcountry adventures while the nearby towns of Marblemount and Mazama are ripe with adventure supplies and food.
Backcountry and campground permits are available via Recreation.gov.
Wildlife Viewing in North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and gray wolves.
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity in the park, and there are several areas where you are likely to spot animals.
The Ross Lake National Recreation Area is a great place to see bald eagles and ospreys, while the Sahale Arm Trail is a good spot for mountain goat sightings.
Photography Opportunities in North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is a photographer's dream, with stunning landscapes and wildlife to capture.
Some of the best photography spots in the park include Diablo Lake, Mount Baker, and the North Cascades Highway.
The park is also a great place to photograph the night sky, with minimal light pollution and clear skies.
North Cascades National Park Accommodations
Located just 15 miles West of Winthrop in Mazama, Washington, the Freestone Inn offers a quiet setting in casual atmosphere.
This unique location in the upper Mazama Valley has hiking/ski trails near by, a stocked pond, and an in-house bar and restaurant.
The Cabins and rooms are rustic and well equipped with cozy beds and fireplaces.
There are several other lodging options in and around North Cascades National Park. The park's main lodging option is the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin, which is located on the shores of Lake Chelan.
The lodge offers a variety of accommodations, including cabins and rooms. There are also several private lodges and vacation rentals in the area.
North Cascades National Park Restaurants and Dining Options
There are several restaurants and dining options in and around North Cascades National Park.
The North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also several cafes and diners in the nearby towns of Marblemount, Mazama, and Winthrop.
North Cascades National Park Packing Lists
When visiting North Cascades National Park, it is important to pack appropriately for the weather and activities. Here are a few packing lists to consider:
A Pacific Northwest Gem
North Cascades National Park is a hidden gem that offers stunning landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or a photographer, there is something for everyone in this beautiful park.
With this comprehensive guide, you can plan an unforgettable adventure in North Cascades National Park.
Blog
The Skagit River: Salmon and Hydroelectricity
Over 370 glaciers feed the Skagit River’s waters.
The glacial melt helps to provide water to George, Diablo, and Ross Lakes.
All three of these lakes are dammed, with hydroelectric stations that power the city of Seattle.
Geology
The North Cascades Mountain Range is still rising, shifting and forming.
Fossil and rock studies indicate that the North Cascades terranes were formed thousands of miles south in the Pacific Ocean.
Attached to moving plates of oceanic rock, the terranes drifted northward, merging and colliding with the North American Continent about 90 million years ago.
Movement is still occurring in these mountains and along the plate boundaries to this day (2023).
