From hiking to kayaking to spending days in the backcountry, the real adventure begins when you get out of the car. I love September in the mountains. Trail of the Cedars. Day 2: Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake, Washington Pass Overlook, afternoon in Winthrop; sleep in Twisp. 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. North Cascades National Park is fairly isolated from any sizable city. Skyline Divide. 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. There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: There is only one paved road in the park. The Maple Pass Loop offers a little bit of everythingwildflowers, old growth forests, a visit to a lovely alpine lake, and (the best part) panoramic views of the North Cascades. Even though outdoor activities are most popular in the North Cascades, consider adding a scenic drive to your trip can be fun. Now, visitors follow in his footsteps, hiking to the top of Desolation Peak. As such, the color is most vibrant on sunny days July through September when seasonal glacial melts occur. 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. Lake Chelan is in the southeast part of the North Cascades National Park Complex. This high elevation national park of northern Washington is perhaps the most rugged place to visit in the state. This hike takes you through alpine meadows and across barren, rocky terrain to a secluded, deep blue lake. Get the full details in our guide to the Maple Pass Loop. We went to Ruby, Second, and LaPush beaches. For comparison, the hottest month in North Cascades National Park, August, has days with highs of 70F (21C) and lows of 48F (9C). On a backpacking trip you'll camp in the backcountry and carry everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Huckleberries yummy. Discover the latest conservation jobs and internships This is a classic hike in the Stehekin side of the park. Check out the Mazama Country Inn and the Freestone Inn. Sedro-Woolley If you have any questions about things to do in North Cascades National Park, let us know in the comment section below. If you are not sure of the requirements for the area you are hiking in, talk to a ranger. Areas around Washington Pass or Heather/Maple pass often become crowded with hikers and photographers when Larch Madness descends in September or October. 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. Some would describe it as moderately chilly humid but cool. Learn more in our Guide to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 You can check out Ranger Programs for interpretive programs, ranger-led walks and talks, to find program and events that occur during your visit, or check locally at visitor centers. During these less busy times, it is vital to be careful when going into the wilderness since if you get into trouble, there may not be many people around to help. Still, the drive is gorgeous, and you'll see flashes of yellow and orange lighting up the landscape around you. The trailhead can be reached by crossing Ross Lake by boat or by hiking an additional 16 miles on the East Bank Trail. Stay safe by knowing which animals to look out for, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and planning. From June to September, you will find gorgeous weather, safer conditions, and the opportunity for plenty of activities. The summer is short in the North Cascades, which is one reason why it's one of the least-visited parks in the country. People love to visit the park because of the plethora of flora and fauna available. As the snow melts, conditions may not be particularly hospitable. If you like, you can continue another 600 meters along a dirt trail through the woods, for more views of the river, before looping back to the parking lot. To see Diablo Lake at its peak, the color are most vibrant on sunny days in July, August, and September when seasonal glacial melt occurs. This can be purchased for $5 at the trailhead. Road access is weather dependent, typically accessible spring through late fall. North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. Dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise bodies of water define camping at North Cascades National Park. With such prominent peaks and exceptional natural features, it's no surprise that the park has been nicknamed the "American Alps". As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. In spite of all this National Park has to offer, it is not one of the most popular parks to visit. However, the trails are where North Cascade National Park really shines. However, if you only have a day, North Cascades National Park is perfect for road trippers visiting all of the national parks in Washington (, Camping is the perfect way to explore this beautiful national park. Where to stay: See here. Have your camera ready! guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to Popular trails may be crowded on many summer and fall weekends, but you can always find secluded areas if you search. 13 miles (21 km) east of Marblemount, 74 miles (119 km) west of Winthrop. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. This is a great to add on to your North Cascades to-do list. Olympic National Park is located in the far northwestern corner of Washington state on the Olympic Peninsula. You will need a $5/daily or $30/annual Northwest Forest Pass for Rainy Lake Trail. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Are the miles on each of the hike above round trip or one way? In Stehekin, stay at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin. National protected lands lie right outside of the National Park Complex. Check out all of my other NPS brochures that I have available! Baker region. While persistent snow is not always common, it can happen sometimes. Plus, this park is underrated, making it an ideal choice if you want solitude. From North Cascades National Park, we drove north to the Mount Baker area. This short, easy trail makes a loop alongside the Skagit River. For detailed information about these hikes, take a look at our Guide to Hiking North Cascades National Park. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. Thunder Knob Trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot elevation gain. HIKES IN THE NORTH CASCADES: We cover the top hiking trails in our North Cascades Hiking Guide. Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk: 0.3 miles, flat, easy. When hiking, choosing the best trails for you is an essential step. : This popular loop trail traverses ridges and provides excellent views of mountains, wildflowers, and yellow larches in the fall. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. There are also a few boat-in campsites in and near the park, especially at Diablo lake. Driving Directions. Check out our Enchantments Trail Guide and our guide to how to handle the logistics of hiking the Enchantments. To get to Rainy Lake, it is a flat walk on a paved trail to a viewpoint of the lake. It is essential to know in advance that cell service is unreliable in the park. Just 2 hours from the urban bustle of Seattle, WA, North Cascades National Park is an underrated gem waiting to be explored. 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. Be prepared for wintry conditions as early as September or October. In fact, you could easily drive through the park on Highway 20 and barely know youre in a national park (except for the Diablo Lake Overlook). . 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. The average minimum temperature goes down to around 10.0C (50F) (often the minimum temperature is noted at night). Located on Ross Lake, Desolation Peak offers sweeping views over the park. , North Cascades National Park. North Cascades is the largest of the three National Park Service units which comprise the North Cascades . There are no roads to Stehekin. All very beautiful. We just came back from our Washington trip. For backpackers, this makes a great starting or ending point for a multi-day hike through the park. The water washes this silt (also called rock flour) into the lake, giving it this milky green-blue color. Always bring some survival tools with you when you hike in the winter. Too late for flowers, but the bugs will be gone, there will be few people, weather is still generally good, and there will be blueberries/huckleberries and a little fall color. You need a bare minimum of one full day for North Cascades National Park. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. : This 10 mile round trip trail leads you to a lake surrounded by rocky peaks. This is another very short trail of only 300 feet that provides incredible views. Olympic National Park Vs. North Cascades: Overviews. Summer also has the most reliably good weather in the area but always be prepared for storms and cooler weather at higher elevations! Once the road is safe to clear from snow, Highway 20 typically opens in April or May. Once here, you can explore Stehekin Valley on foot, go camping, and discover the cultural history of the people who live here. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. During the winter, Highway 20 closes through most of the Park from just west of Mazama to Ross Lake. Waterproofed items are essential to survival in cold temperatures. Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the National Park service website. Also, there is no entrance booth along Highway 20. Youll discover the hidden beauty of one of the most beautiful alpine regions of the country. Unlike many national parks, the North Cascades is not one that you can simply drive through to see the iconic features. Some of the best options are often busy, with Seattle locals driving up on the weekends throughout the summer and fall. Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk - .3 miles. You will hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. It is an awe-inspiring sight. Keep in mind, climbing and mountaineering requires technical skills and know-how. Glaciers drape over their slopes, cracking around the terrain to expose deep icy-blue crevasses. Of course, more time is always better. The North Cascades Range, for which this park is named, has the largest glacial system in the United States, other than Alaska. Its nothing fancy but rooms are clean, quiet, and the WiFi worked well. A little farther down the road from Winthrop is Twisp. 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. If you only saw the North Cascades from the viewpoints along Highway 20, you would be missing out on a lot. North Cascades National Park does not require permits to hike in some areas while requiring a permit in others. To get off the beaten path, heading up is always the way to find the best views with few crowds. Unlike some National Parks, you cant truly experience the spectacle of the park without putting in some real effort. North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is a peaceful, beautiful experience. 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. The cascades have their permit requirements for camping that vary from surrounding campsites. You will cross a narrow suspension bridge next to the Gorge Powerhouse and then follow the loop trail up to viewpoints of the waterfall. Summary of Position North Cascades Institute is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic individual to join our retail team. 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). While summer is more popular, safer, and has more opportunities, it does carry some risks. 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. If you like to get off the beaten path, hit the trail, or scramble to a summit, the North Cascades will blow your mind. 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. Look out for ferries, visitor centers, and the dam that produces electricity. These small towns are lovely places to fill up on gas and any supplies you forgot. The hiking distances we list are round trip. While there are countless peaks in the North Cascades, some are still more popular than others. Various guiding companies also run river trips in these areas for those who do not have gear or experience. When visiting the North Cascades, visiting in good weather can go beyond enjoyment and play a role in your survival. Due to the popularity, this trail is often busy. Here are the 9 best things to do in North Cascades National Park. But despite not receiving nearly the visitation of nearby Olympic or Rainier National Parks (in 2020, North Cascades received ~30,000 visitors compared to Olympics 2.5 million and Rainiers 1 million), North Cascades National Park is well worth the visit. A ranger can direct you to the safest trails during this time. North Cascades National Park ~ Washington. This includes the area north and south of Highway 20. She is passionate about intersectional social justice in the outdoors and creating outdoor access for all. Winter & Spring in North Cascades The snow banks were still 3 feet tall in May! This is the most popular hike to do in Stehekin Valley. Winter Sports Side Trips Rasar State Park, Mt Baker Find places to stay Sep 4 6: Find places to stay with best proximity to your trip Some peaks involve little more than hiking to get to the summit but still involve off-trail travel and the ability to read a map, and the fitness to get up and down. North Cascades National Park is an American national park in the state of Washington.At more than 500,000 acres , it is the largest of the three National Park Service units that comprise the North Cascades National Park Complex. Its well worth a stay in addition to being excellent access for North Cascades National Park and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains as you hike to a peaceful (blue) lake. 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. The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. Another good day hike that could be a perfect short backpacking trip is. This weather limits the activities available to you. Some options are perfect for inexperienced hikers, while others are best only for advanced hikers. The unassuming National Park sign sits on the side of a highway, but theres no entrance gate, no entrance fee, nothing except the views, and a map to tell you that you have entered a spectacular national park. This is technically located outside of the North Cascades National Park Complex but it is still well worth the visit. The best part of North Cascades National Park is the hidden beauty. Its short and relatively easy, so its perfect for almost all ages and ability levels. If you camp in the park, there may be fire restrictions to reduce forest fires. Ross Lake Resort is remote lodging only accessible by ferry or by foot. Rainy Lake Trail is an easy 2.0-mile out-and-back trail near Stehekin. 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. . ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. But to experience these sights, youll have to get out of the car. When you plan your trip, consider lodgings such as Sun Mountain Lodge, Rivers Edge Resort, and Airbnbs. Our website uses cookies. 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 ! The worst time to visit the North Cascades National Park is in the winter. Some popular drive-in sites include Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, Colonial Creek, and Newhalem Creek. Road closures are likely during the winter months. Number of sites: 19 sites. Description. Tucked away in North Cascades National Park, the Ross Lake Resort was built in 1950. North Cascades Hiking and Leave No Trace Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm: 12 miles, hard. Day 4: Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike, drive north to Mt. 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. Look out for gray wolves, wolverines, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and salmon. Then the trail climbs steeply up to a ridgeline. Fall brings excellent color to the North Cascades, though like most places in Washington State, the weather is going to be a little bit more variable starting in late September. 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. The State Department of Transportation . If you want to pack in as many activities and sights as possible on your day trip to North Cascades National Park from Seattle, it makes sense to embark on short hikes rather than full-day treks. North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is a peaceful, beautiful experience. Along the way, you can find hiking, climbing, fishing, riding, and more. WA If you want to try out backpacking but dont have the experience or gear, a guided backpacking trip is the perfect opportunity to get your feet wet and see if you like it. Washington Pass is located on Highway 20, just east of the national park. As a result, you will need to plan in terms of gas, transportation, and food. It lasts until mid- to late April and necessitates the regular closure of Wash. State Rte. Desolation Peak: 9.4 miles, hard. Thunder Knob: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate. Check out our. Off in the distance, you can see Desolation Peak. Blue Lake Trail 42 Hiking Trails By camox 810 State Route 20 We started on the east side of the park, hiking the trails in Okanogan National Forest, just east of the national park border. Distance:.6 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: Minimal Time Required: 20-30 minutes About this North Cascades National Park Hike. North Cascades NP offers visitors the opportunity to gaze in wonder at the mountains, turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, and the scenic views along State Route 20. Day 3: Maple Pass Loop hike, scenic drive and overlooks on Highway 20; sleep in Marblemount. There is an effort underway to restore the population of grizzly bears to the North Cascades. During this high season, you can catch some views at the North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass Overlook, and Cascade Pass. It is mostly close to small towns, including Diablo. Be prepared for snowfall and cold temperatures beginning in September. We stayed at Twisp River Suites in a 2-bedroom apartment. The park encompasses over a half-million acres, including the noteworthy Lake Chelan and Ross Lake National Recreation Areas. 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