Fall is also a spectacular time to visit, especially along the cascade crest and eastern side of the park, where you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of larches (also known as tamaracks) in full golden glory. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. Suggestion by Hannah from That Adventurer Blog. It lasts until mid- to late April and necessitates the regular closure of Wash. State Rte. North Cascades National Park forms part of the Cascade Range in northwestern Washington state and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle. On day 2, we hiked the Maple Pass Loop and then drove Highway 20 through the park, stopping at the overlooks mentioned above. Rarely, there may be some light signs of wear from storage or shipping (i.e. Three to five days is an ideal amount of time that allows experienced campers the ability to see a large chunk of the cascades and engage in many activities. All of these sites are usually open in the summer, with a few staying open in the winter. Closure depends on snow and avalanche conditions. Whitewater enthusiasts also could check out the Stehekin and Skagit rivers for kayaking or rafting during the warmer months. We also havedetailed trail guides for Mt. 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 North Cascades is the largest of the three National Park Service units which comprise the North Cascades . How Much Time Do You Need in North Cascades National Park? Book your campsite far in advance, look out for sales on hiking or camping gear, and come in with a food plan. Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the National Park service website. Paul Peak is a quiet summit at a popular national park. Wildland Trekking offers spectacular guided trips that allow you to get out there without the stress of planning the trip yourself! On Wildland trips, This includes the area north and south of Highway 20. Summertime offers the best weather in the park, averaging around 70 degrees during the daytime. This valley nestled at the base of the North Cascades has a magic unlike many places I have visited. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. These bears do not generally bother humans as long as they store food properly and engage in other safe practices. Some would describe it as moderately chilly humid but cool. There are also a few boat-in campsites in and near the park, especially at Diablo lake. Our For a trip to North Cascades in the non-peak season, plan ahead for what's open and what to expect during this variable time of year. 20. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. Some good trails for beginners include Cascade Pass Trail, Thunder Knob, and Fourth of July Pass. When visiting the North Cascades, visiting in good weather can go beyond enjoyment and play a role in your survival. View New Trips. "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. Leave the natural space as you find it and avoid proliferating invasive species. Kulshan, and the North Cascades off in the distance. Benefits included four paid Holidays. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Desolation Peak - 9.4 miles 4400 foot gain (where Jack Kerouac stayed for 63 days at the fire lookout) Cutthroat Lake Trail - 3 mile roundtrip with a 410 foot elevation gain. Stay safe by knowing which animals to look out for, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and planning. Cost per night: $20/night for reservations. North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is a peaceful, beautiful experience. But if you hit it on a weekday or early in the morning, it can still be possible to have a popular trail all to yourself. 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. Ross Lake Resort is remote lodging only accessible by ferry or by foot. As a result, you will need to plan in terms of gas, transportation, and food. The park itself also has a general store. Thunder Knob Trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot elevation gain. 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. Planning your North Cascades trip carefully can provide you with a fantastic adventure. You will hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. Washington Pass is located on Highway 20, just east of the national park. Since the North Cascades National Park is so large, it contains many environments, including temperate rainforests and dry ponderosa pine forests. USA Hiking Vacations. North Cascades National Park does not require permits to hike in some areas while requiring a permit in others. Within the park, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and you can make a reservation on. We just came back from our Washington trip. 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 weather is especially nice in the NE Cascades, so be sure to stay a couple days around Mazama and do nearby hikes. NCNP features over 300 glaciers and even more snowfields, making it the most heavily glaciated area in the lower 48. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm: 12 miles, hard. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable If you travel to the North Cascades to hike, keep the altitude in mind. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! Now, visitors follow in his footsteps, hiking to the top of Desolation Peak. Things to Know Before Visiting North Cascades National Park Entrance Fees. Its short and relatively easy, so its perfect for almost all ages and ability levels. There are also many options for lodging outside of North Cascades National Park. We only had one full day here and unfortunately, storms moved in, so we could not do any hiking. This beautiful, remote lake is surrounded by rocky mountains. The North Cascades Range, for which this park is named, has the largest glacial system in the United States, other than Alaska. You could spend a lifetime and hardly explore it all. Developed campgrounds, like Early Winters Campground, are more common in the National Forest to the east of the Park and are usually first-come first-served. Always familiarize yourself with current events from the park before venturing into nature. So, those seasons can get more expensive, leaving summer as the cheapest season. 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. HIKES IN THE NORTH CASCADES: We cover the top hiking trails in our North Cascades Hiking Guide. In colder weather, it is always good to have socks, a hat, and good socks. When navigating the lakes within the North Cascades, there is a ferry that can take you between Diablo and Ross lakes. For comparison, the hottest month in North Cascades National Park, August, has days with highs of 70F (21C) and lows of 48F (9C). Once the road is safe to clear from snow, Highway 20 typically opens in April or May. Desolation Peak: 9.4 miles, hard. Waterproofed items are essential to survival in cold temperatures. Thunder Knob: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate. Winthrop is a very cool town. If you want to visit Stehekin, you will need a minimum of two days, since travel times can be long between Chelan and Stehekin. Read on for our guide to North Cascades National Park. North Cascades National Park, large wilderness area in northwestern Washington, U.S. Still, the drive is gorgeous, and you'll see flashes of yellow and orange lighting up the landscape around you. There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: There is only one paved road in the park. Check out the day hikes options below if you only have a day. This can be purchased for $5 at the trailhead. Since the loop is so big, it encompasses many different environments. Explore amazing North Cascades National Park with Wildland Trekking on the Wonders of the North Cascades Backpacking Adventure! It is smaller than Winthrop but it is located closer to the east entrance of the park so you will have a shorter drive. guided trips that allow you to get out there without the stress of planning the trip yourself! Just 2 hours from the urban bustle of Seattle, WA, North Cascades National Park is an underrated gem waiting to be explored. Here are the 9 best things to do in North Cascades National Park. This is a classic hike in the Stehekin side of the park. There are lots of mushrooms to be seen, and if the views afield are good, so much the better. Colonial Creek South Campground in North Cascades National Park is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. People love to visit the park because of the plethora of flora and fauna available. Be prepared for wintry conditions as early as September or October. North Cascades National Park. . Layers and layers of glacier-capped mountains stretch off in all directions. Location: Washington. Spring snags . When hiking, choosing the best trails for you is an essential step. 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. . - September 8th, 2022 Several fires in North Cascades National Park in Washington state have led to some backcountry camp closures. Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Lake Chelan and Stehekin also have limited boat rentals. Learn more in our Guide to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. The Cascade loop is a 440-mile loop in Washington that includes the North Cascades National Park. The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. If you are staying on the east side of the park, I highly recommend one of my favorite places in the world: Mazama and the Methow Valley. With such prominent peaks and exceptional natural features, it's no surprise that the park has been nicknamed the "American Alps". Keep in mind, however, that winter arrives early at high elevations. However, this option is accessible only by a ferry ride from Chelan or a 23-mile hike from Highway 20 and a shuttle bus from High Bridge. If you have any questions about things to do in North Cascades National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Add on a morning scramble of Trappers peak, and you have a classic North Cascades backpacking trip. This hike shares the same trailhead as the Maple Pass Loop. I suggest stopping by the visitor's center to get acquainted with fees and parking. A variety of trails crisscross throughout the park. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. Along this hike, you will have stunning views of the North Cascades range, with views of Sahale, Forbidden, and Boston peaks. 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