Many travelers enjoy experiencing a drive through the loop as they stop for different experiences. Distance:.6 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: Minimal Time Required: 20-30 minutes About this North Cascades National Park Hike. 810 State Route 20 The park consists of two sections, called units. Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades. View New Trips. There is not a particularly cheap or expensive time to visit the North Cascades. Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. No more mosquitoes, wild berries are aplenty, and the fall foliage cannot be beat! Since nature is unpredictable, those open areas can change quickly. If you camp in the park, there may be fire restrictions to reduce forest fires. 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). This is a classic hike in the Stehekin side of the park. Though summer is spectacular here, I highly recommend autumn in the North Cascades. Mount Shuskan, Late September/Early October Conclusion If you're looking to visit North Cascades National Park in June, the park will be accessible, but just barely. Over millions of years, these glaciers created some of the steepest mountain ranges in the USA, some mountains rising 4,000 to 6,000 feet above their bases. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. For a longer river hike in Stehekin, try the Stehekin River Trail, or for more elevation gain and more spectacular views, hike the 15 round trip up to Purple Pass. The distinction instead belongs to North Cascades National Park in Washington. The best time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the summer through early autumn. It is a 400-meter walk, round trip, on a paved trail to the overlook. North Cascades National Park September 13, 2016 JPEG - TIFF Despite its name, the most heavily glaciated area in the contiguous United States is not Montana's Glacier National Park. Thunder Knob: 3.6 miles, easy to moderate. The trailhead can be reached by crossing Ross Lake by boat or by hiking an additional 16 miles on the East Bank Trail. Glaciers drape over their slopes, cracking around the terrain to expose deep icy-blue crevasses. Rachel Means. Whether you go to a big city or a rural vista, the weather and available activities can make or break your trip. Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. As a result, you can enjoy your time in the North Cascades without too many people around. From Winthrop, it takes one hour to drive to Ross Lake and 40 minutes to drive to Rainy Lake Picnic area. see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. This is one of the best places to get views of the jagged, rocky, snow-covered mountain range, unless you plan to hike high into the mountains. This is a family-friendly trail that starts at Diablo Lake. 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 A ranger can direct you to the safest trails during this time. You walk through an old growth forest that faintly resembles the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park. I recommend this trip if you want to immerse yourself in the area and have a few days to spend in the backcountry. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. Huckleberries and blueberries, heather and many more. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). The best overall time to visit is in the summer, between June and September. During the winter and shoulder seasons, there are some accessible trails and campgrounds. 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. . 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. 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. From the popular to the obscure, here are a few good day hikes in North Cascades National Park. We stayed at Twisp River Suites in a 2-bedroom apartment. The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and December (30F). While that snow often appears at higher elevations, it can have a big impact on parts of the park at a lower elevation. There are also a few boat-in campsites in and near the park, especially at Diablo lake. The desert may seem like a barren and inhospitable place, but it is actually home to a unique and stunning beauty. Trapper Peak is a perfect entry-level summit as you follow the Thorton Lakes trail most of the way. This can be purchased for $5 at the trailhead. Colonial Creek South Campground in North Cascades National Park is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. North Cascades National Park is fairly isolated from any sizable city. This 4.5-mile hike right off of Washington Pass also might not be entirely in the National Park boundaries, but this is the perfect short hike to take a leg stretcher while driving the North Cascades highway. Once the road is safe to clear from snow, Highway 20 typically opens in April or May. There are also many options for lodging outside of North Cascades National Park. Stehekin is a town cut off from the world, accessible only by boat, plane, or foot. Certain times of the year are much better when planning your visit to this park. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. 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. Marblemount is the closest town on the west side of the park. In Stehekin, stay at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin. The vast expanses of sand dunes, the towering rock formations, and the clear night skies all contribute to the captivating allure of the desert. Grizzly bear sightings are rare however that may change. The key to any trip is knowing the best time to schedule your visit. Some essential tools include a shovel, heat packs, GPS, goggles, an avalanche probe, and a small stove with fuel. These bears do not generally bother humans as long as they store food properly and engage in other safe practices. North Cascades National Park forms part of the Cascade Range in northwestern Washington state and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle. Campground appropriate for tents and small RVs. The best part of the hike is crossing the log footbridge just before you reach the lake. Cutthroat Lake is another lovely lake. North Cascades is 108 miles away from Seattle. North Cascades National Park Travel Guide. The summer months of June - September are the driest months and perfect for a Washington elopement. Layers and layers of glacier-capped mountains stretch off in all directions. Maple Pass Loop: 7.2 miles, moderate to difficult. Within the park, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and you can make a reservation on. Located at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, this 300-foot boardwalk trail takes you to a viewpoint of the Picket Range. , 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. Required fields are marked *. The hike to Sahale Arm and the Glacier Camp is truly spectacular, and in our opinion, the best way to experience this national park, other than going on a backpacking trip. Our website uses cookies. For a view over Ross Lake, make the quick stop at the Ross Lake Overlook. Benefits included four paid Holidays. Ask a ranger or pick up a hiking guidebook to discover one of the less popular and hopefully less crowded hikes! Most of the day hikes listed above can be made into short overnight trips or extended into longer backpacking trips. The summer is short in the North Cascades, which is one reason why it's one of the least-visited parks in the country. Stehekin is a small community located on the far northern end of Lake Chelan. The snow has melted by August, and the park has transformed into a huge, lush, green jewel. 15. : This 10 mile round trip trail leads you to a lake surrounded by rocky peaks. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. It includes eight distinct life zones thanks to its variety of elevation and fire ecology. The position is mostly based out of the Newhalem North Cascades National Park Visitor Center with a possible . We slept in Marblemount and on day 3 hiked Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. North Cascades National Park Travel time from Seattle: 2.5 hours National park since: 1968 Area: 504,781 acres Major peaks: Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains Visit for: Ample wildlife, hiking trails, and alpine lakes For more: nps.gov/noca * Visit Seattle partner Free! North Cascades National Park. In 1956, he spent part of the summer here working as a watchman in the fire tower and wrote the book Desolation Angels from this experience. By participating, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or a Scotts Miracle-Gro gift pack. 20. These steep and rocky mountains tower above the surrounding area. Even though technical rock climbing skills are not required, loose rock abounds on this summit, so wear a helmet! The Best Months to Visit the North Cascades are August and September. September 20, 1999 Fifty hair snags were set up over the course of the summer: 27 in the early season (May 24 - July 15) and 23 in the late season (July 15 - September 20). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-61002313', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Ross Lake Recreation Area. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. During the summer, you can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. 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. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. 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). This makes a great place to stay if you plan to hike Cascade Pass or Hidden Lake, since Cascade River Road starts in this town. Youll discover the hidden beauty of one of the most beautiful alpine regions of the country. Baker region. During this high season, you can catch some views at the North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass Overlook, and Cascade Pass. 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. Take it slow on this trail, and look down. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Things to Know Before Visiting North Cascades National Park Entrance Fees. This beautiful, remote lake is surrounded by rocky mountains. From the Washington Pass Overlook, you have an outstanding view of Highway 20 and Liberty Bell Mountain. These small towns are lovely places to fill up on gas and any supplies you forgot. Discover the latest conservation jobs and internships In colder weather, it is always good to have socks, a hat, and good socks. If you want to see the world, go see it! Day 3: Maple Pass Loop hike, scenic drive and overlooks on Highway 20; sleep in Marblemount. Just 2 hours from the urban bustle of Seattle, WA, North Cascades National Park is an underrated gem waiting to be explored. with a guide, hitting the trail by yourself, or just driving through to see the sights, make sure to add the North Cascades to your summer road trip schedule or make it a point to check it out next time youre in Washington. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." . Camp Meir. Be prepared for snowfall and cold temperatures beginning in September. Great guide! Rarely, there may be some light signs of wear from storage or shipping (i.e. Its well worth a stay in addition to being excellent access for North Cascades National Park and the surrounding mountains. Then the trail climbs steeply up to a ridgeline. The area along Highway 20 and around Ross Lake is called the Ross Lake National Recreational Area. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. Your email address will not be published. If you want to camp in the campground, you can use one of the options near the park. Day 2: Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake, Washington Pass Overlook, afternoon in Winthrop; sleep in Twisp. From April to September, daytime temperatures . Those from lower altitude areas may get tired faster. The average minimum temperature goes down to around 10.0C (50F) (often the minimum temperature is noted at night). Make sure to check out the Mazama Store for local art, treats, and other goodies. The expense will come down to the activities in which you want to participate. The mountains outside Tucson are spectacular. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK: Take your pick from 17 awesome hikes in Olympic National Park. Trail of the Cedars is one of the easiest hikes in North Cascades National Park at just .3 miles round trip and almost no elevation gain. For families or travelers who dont want to spend multiple days in the backcountry, youll have plenty of options for easy hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and exploring this beautiful area. In some seasons, you may need more gear, making those seasons more expensive. There is an effort underway to restore the population of grizzly bears to the North Cascades. 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. During the winter, Highway 20 closes through most of the Park from just west of Mazama to Ross Lake. 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). There are also usually more activities during this time in general. Wild, rugged, remoteNorth Cascades National Park is highly underrated park, especially for hikers and backpackers. The North Cascades National Park Day Tourpromises to "Re-Wild" Your Spirit! Navigating the park in the winter can require special tools, even if you are only going out for a hike. We just came back from our Washington trip. Check out our Enchantments Trail Guide and our guide to how to handle the logistics of hiking the Enchantments. Areas around Washington Pass or Heather/Maple pass often become crowded with hikers and photographers when Larch Madness descends in September or October. To get to Rainy Lake, it is a flat walk on a paved trail to a viewpoint of the lake. Following all these steps and more can allow you to save money and have an easier time overall. : Often called the best hike in the North Cascades, combine these trails for a challenging 12-mile hike through some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. Or, if youd prefer to DIY, find more backpacking trip ideas on the. This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. Leave city life behind during your visit to North Cascades National Park, a vast wilderness of conifer-clad mountains, glaciers, and lakes. We only had one full day here and unfortunately, storms moved in, so we could not do any hiking. Learn more in our Guide to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. Ladder Creek Falls: 0.4 miles, easy. Lake Chelan is in the southeast part of the North Cascades National Park Complex. Planning your North Cascades trip carefully can provide you with a fantastic adventure. The Cascade loop is a 440-mile loop in Washington that includes the North Cascades National Park. If you decide to venture out in this weather, you must bring plenty of warm clothing and water-safe gear. Some parts of the park may even be closed for the winter due to avalanches and other concerning conditions. This is our favorite overlook in North Cascades National Park. We hiked Hurricane Ridge and I think we saw flowers there too. In the spring, the park often needs time to recover from the winter as snow melts. Its short and relatively easy, so its perfect for almost all ages and ability levels. As you hike through rocky meadows, you may hear the call of the tiny pika. This town is made up of a handful of hotels and restaurants. : This popular loop trail traverses ridges and provides excellent views of mountains, wildflowers, and yellow larches in the fall. It travels east-west along the Skagit River. . Operating Hours: The park is open 365 days a year, but operating hours of the visitor centers vary depending on the season. Blue Lake: 5 miles, easy to moderate. There are lots of mushrooms to be seen, and if the views afield are good, so much the better. There are no roads to Stehekin. . Heading up Thursday for a few days. This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after . There are ways to camp inside the park. 18 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail travels through North Cascades National Park. We will be taking this trip in September 2023, following your itinerary in reverse because it will fit better with a Labor Day concert weekend at the Gorge . Many national park visitors skip this park in favor of other more popular destinations. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in North Cascades National Park is to go hiking. Check out our. 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. North Cascades National Park Highway: One of the World's Best. Once in Stehekin, you can go on day hikes or start a backpacking adventure into the interior of the park. The Hoh rainforest. There are also campgrounds in Newhalem and at Diablo Lake. As a result, you will need to plan in terms of gas, transportation, and food. So be sure to pack lots of water, good walking shoes, and sun . . The reason behind this reduced interest is a result of the rougher weather during the shoulder seasons. We started on the east side of the park, hiking the trails in Okanogan National Forest, just east of the national park border. I love September in the mountains. Its nothing fancy but rooms are clean, quiet, and the WiFi worked well. Check out all of my other NPS brochures that I have available! From North Cascades National Park, we drove north to the Mount Baker area. National Park Hiking Tours; Unforgettable Experiences. , are more common in the National Forest to the east of the Park and are usually first-come first-served. This includes the area north and south of Highway 20. If you have multiple days, the backcountry experience is where it gets good, whether you go by foot or by boat. It rarely gets too hot, and it's always about 10 degrees cooler on the coast than the forecast for Seattle. 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. The park itself also has a general store. 2022-10-27. Definitely stop into Sherris Sweet Shop for some ice creamthe perfect treat after a day of hiking. The park surrounds Highway 20, which travels between Sedro Wooley on the west side of the mountains and Mazama and the Methow Valley on the east side. Unlike many national parks, the North Cascades is not one that you can simply drive through to see the iconic features. If you have any questions about things to do in North Cascades National Park, let us know in the comment section below. The view isnt quite as good as it is at the Diablo Lake Overlook, but I still think it is worth the very quick stop. 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. Still, daytime temperatures in Joshua Tree National Park in September are generally in the high 80's (30-35C), rarely falling under 75F (24C). Whether you end up booking a trip with a guide, hitting the trail by yourself, or just driving through to see the sights, make sure to add the North Cascades to your summer road trip schedule or make it a point to check it out next time youre in Washington. To really see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern, Unlike many national parks, the North Cascades is not one that you can simply drive through to see the iconic features. For comparison, the hottest month in North Cascades National Park, August, has days with highs of 70F (21C) and lows of 48F (9C). Just a short walk from the Trail of the Cedars, also located in Newhalem, is Ladder Creek Falls. Thanks Daniel Y, that's good to know! 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. While the higher elevation keeps this very popular North Cascades trail from being a year-round fungal destination, it can be a mushroom paradise. 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. This hike is also 9 miles in length with 1,350 feet of elevation gain. Add on a morning scramble of Trappers peak, and you have a classic North Cascades backpacking trip. Witness a landscape sensitive to the Earth's changing climate. For help with reservations, call (877) 444-6777. Keep in mind, however, that winter arrives early at high elevations. Also, there is no entrance booth along Highway 20. We stayed at the North Cascades Inn. This is our itinerary for visiting North Cascades National Park. Even though outdoor activities are most popular in the North Cascades, consider adding a scenic drive to your trip can be fun. Location: Located south of State Route 20 at milepost 119. Washington, North Cascades Highway From Washington Pass Overlook Along Hwy, 20. There are countless day hikes in North Cascades National Park. Kulshan, and the North Cascades off in the distance. 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. All of these activities are safer and more fun during the summer months. In spite of all this National Park has to offer, it is not one of the most popular parks to visit. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. For something more challenging that will offer spectacular views of the North Cascades Range, the Maple Pass Loop is amazing. Hidden Lake: 9 miles, moderate to strenuous. Cascade Pass 55 Hiking Trails By mistyschulz Lots of wild blueberries and we saw a bear and mountain goats. 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