boats on the water with mountains and trees surrounding

North Cascades National Park

National Park · Washington

NPS Photo/D.Dixon

📍 StateWashington

🏛️ TypeNational Park

🎟️ EntryFree

🏃 Activities30

Official NPS Website →

National Park in Washington, United States

North Cascades National Park is a national park of the United States in Washington. At more than 500,000 acres (200,000 ha), it is the largest of the three National Park Service units that comprise the North Cascades National Park Complex. North Cascades National Park consists of a northern and southern section, bisected by the Skagit River that flows through the reservoirs of Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Lake Chelan National Recreation Area lies on the southern border of the south unit of the park. In addition to the two national recreation areas, other protected lands including several national forests and wilderness areas, as well as Canadian provincial parks in British Columbia, nearly surround the park. North Cascades National Park features the rugged mountain peaks of the North Cascades Range, the most expansive glacial system in the contiguous United States, the headwaters of numerous waterways, and vast forests with the highest degree of flora biodiversity of any American national park.

Wikipedia WikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About North Cascades National Park

Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. Witness a landscape sensitive to the Earth's changing climate. Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades.

Park Photos

Trees surround the frame with glacier and mountains in the background

Person with backpacking and climbing gear hikes on a trail.

Jagged mountain peaks give way to glaciers.

Operating Hours

North Cascades National Park Service Complex

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter North Cascades National Park?

North Cascades National Park is free to enter.

What are the best activities at North Cascades National Park?

Popular activities at North Cascades National Park include: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Road Biking, Boating, Motorized Boating, Boat Tour, Camping.

What is the weather like at North Cascades National Park?

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.

How do I get to North Cascades National Park?

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.