National Parks Journal
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.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances & departure points
- Directions to North Cascades Visitor Center (Newhalem) (opens in a new tab)
North Cascades Visitor Center (Newhalem)Main
Newhalem, WA · Park open year-round; WA-20 east of Newhalem/Ross Dam usually closed in winter; visitor center open late May–September
- Directions to Wilderness Information Center (Marblemount) (opens in a new tab)
Wilderness Information Center (Marblemount)
Marblemount, WA · Open daily mid-May–mid-October; backcountry permits
- Directions to Lake Chelan ferry to Stehekin (Chelan) (opens in a new tab)
Lake Chelan ferry to Stehekin (Chelan)
Chelan, WA · Lake Chelan Boat Company (Lady of the Lake) · Year-round, reduced schedule in winter
Stehekin has no road access; reached by boat, floatplane or trail
Airports
- BLI
Bellingham International Airport · Bellingham, WA
ClosestMid-size airport - SEA
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport · SeaTac, WA
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Chelan, WAFor Stehekin (Lake Chelan ferry)
Activities
Top Hikes
7.4 mi · 1,700 ft gain · out & back
The park's most popular day hike with spectacular views of peaks and glaciers at the historic Cascade Pass.
Starts at: End of Cascade River Road
3.7 mi · 680 ft gain · out & back
Climb to stunning views of turquoise Diablo Lake, one of the most photographed scenes in the North Cascades.
Starts at: Colonial Creek area
7.4 mi · 3,000 ft gain · out & back
Despite its name, a steep trail to a mountain pass with panoramic vistas of jagged peaks and glacial valleys.
Starts at: Highway 20
10.4 mi · 2,984 ft gain · out & back
Through old-growth forest to high mountain lakes surrounded by rugged peaks.
Starts at: Highway 20
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for North Cascades National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit North Cascades
Best time to visit: July–September
The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is July–September. North Cascades Highway is open and high trails are mostly snow-free from mid-July; golden larches appear in late September.
In those months, average highs are 71–78°F at North Cascades Visitor Center. Fewer than 10,000 people visit even in the busiest month.
Monthly averages at North Cascades Visitor Center (560 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
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.
