Various guiding companies also run river trips in these areas for those who do not have gear or experience. Cutthroat Lake Trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail. People love to visit the park because of the plethora of flora and fauna available. The expense will come down to the activities in which you want to participate. Location: Washington. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. Diablo Lake gets its unusual color from the melting glaciers. Go for a Scenic Drive on North Cascades Highway, 9. However, if you only have a day, North Cascades National Park is perfect for road trippers visiting all of the national parks in Washington (Olympic and Mount Rainier are also well worth the visit). small crease, corner ding, light wrinkle) but . Even though North Cascades National Park is just three hours from Seattle by car, it welcomed a mere 17,855 visitors in 2021 a staggering number when compared to the 14.1 million people who . North Cascades National Park Highway: One of the World's Best. Are the miles on each of the hike above round trip or one way? North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. Stay safe by knowing which animals to look out for, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and planning. Dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise bodies of water define camping at North Cascades National Park. 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. This weather limits the activities available to you. If you camp in the park, there may be fire restrictions to reduce forest fires. 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. The Beautiful Glacier-fed Freshwater of Lake Chelan on December 19, 2022 at 5:09 pm [] Chelan is about a 3-hour drive from Seattle, and the drive . All meals are prepared by your guide and we provide nearly all the gear. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. By participating, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or a Scotts Miracle-Gro gift pack. When visiting the North Cascades, visiting in good weather can go beyond enjoyment and play a role in your survival. Cold weather and moisture can make roads and trails muddy and less safe. If you prefer short, easy hikes, we recommend Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, or Thunder Knob. 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. Since the loop is so big, it encompasses many different environments. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Glaciers cap the mountains and snow blankets trails well into the summer. There is an effort underway to restore the population of grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Check out our. Check out our Enchantments Trail Guide and our guide to how to handle the logistics of hiking the Enchantments. Now, visitors follow in his footsteps, hiking to the top of Desolation Peak. Camping is the perfect way to explore this beautiful national park. And then we tried to go in September, and there were forest fires. The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and December (30F). , or pull out a map and see where you want to go! In some seasons, you may need more gear, making those seasons more expensive. Get the monthly weather forecast for North Cascades National Park, WA, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. 2022-10-27. Though summer is spectacular here, I highly recommend autumn in the North Cascades. It looks like something out of the wild west and it is worth the drive out this way just to see it. When navigating the lakes within the North Cascades, there is a ferry that can take you between Diablo and Ross lakes. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Ilana is a writer, photographer, and lifelong learner. There are only a few class three moves as you follow the south ridge to the summit, so most experienced hikers will be able to attempt this summit. 6. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. Various plans have been proposed to restore grizzly bear populations within North Cascades National Park. 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. 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. While summer is more popular, safer, and has more opportunities, it does carry some risks. Position Summary: The North Cascades National Park is recruiting one 680 Hour Trail Crew Steward Individual Placement beginning May through September 2023 to provide recreation and natural resource management assistance. These small towns are lovely places to fill up on gas and any supplies you forgot. 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. Ross Lake Resort is remote lodging only accessible by ferry or by foot. Even once the highway is open, trails and dirt roads might still be covered with snow until deep into the summer. 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. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. These steep and rocky mountains tower above the surrounding area. This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after . The park is full of plenty of great places to camp, and there are several more nearby. Also, there is no entrance booth along Highway 20. You could drive Highway 20, stop at Diablo Lake, and then hike a few miles to Blue Lake at Washington Pass. The park encompasses over a half-million acres, including the noteworthy Lake Chelan and Ross Lake National Recreation Areas. North Cascades is the largest of the three National Park Service units which comprise the North Cascades . Lake Chelan is in the southeast part of the North Cascades National Park Complex. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Camp Meir. We hiked Hurricane Ridge and I think we saw flowers there too. While there are countless peaks in the North Cascades, some are still more popular than others. With two days in North Cascades National Park, do what I list above on day 1. 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. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Alpine animals such as pikas, marmots, and mountain goats peer down at you from rocky outcroppings. Some options are perfect for inexperienced hikers, while others are best only for advanced hikers. This short driving tour would make for a scenic and very worthwhile trip to North Cascades National Park. 1. This trail makes for a great overnight trip as well. ). You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. With such prominent peaks and exceptional natural features, it's no surprise that the park has been nicknamed the "American Alps". After a short descent, you are standing at the shore of Thornton Lake. Visitors enjoy a large amount of biodiversity and beautiful waterways. Walk Up the Sterling Munro Trail. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Once here, you can explore Stehekin Valley on foot, go camping, and discover the cultural history of the people who live here. . The park consists of two sections, called units. If you want to see the world, go see it! Overnight camping or parking is only allowed in designated campgrounds or campsites. In 2021, it only had 18,000 visitors, making it the 4th least visited national park in the United States. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. As a result, you can enjoy your time in the North Cascades without too many people around. This town is made up of a handful of hotels and restaurants. Check out the Mazama Country Inn and the Freestone Inn. Paul Peak is a quiet summit at a popular national park. North of this road is Ross Lake. The PCT cuts through the narrow sliver of park land, just north of Stehekin. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park. To get to Rainy Lake, it is a flat walk on a paved trail to a viewpoint of the lake. This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On ; . This park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. 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. with its incredible jagged mountain peaks, expansive glacially-carved valleys, endless temperate rainforest, old-growth trees, turquoise-colored lakes and life-sustaining rivers. Always bring some survival tools with you when you hike in the winter. Visit the scenic overlooks, yes . The park peak operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. Closure depends on snow and avalanche conditions. North Cascades offers a variety of programs in the different areas of the park. North Cascades is one of three national parks in the state of Washington, the others being Olympic and Mount Rainier. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. For something more challenging that will offer spectacular views of the North Cascades Range, the Maple Pass Loop is amazing. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There are several viewpoints located around the large parking lot as well as bathrooms. The average maximum daytime temperature in North Cascades National Park in September lies at 20.2C (68.36F). On the other side of the mountains, coming from Seattle or Bellingham, you could stay in Sedro Wooley, Newhalem, or Marblemount. Once in Stehekin, you can go on day hikes or start a backpacking adventure into the interior of the park. I love September in the mountains. For help with reservations, call (877) 444-6777. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Heading up Thursday for a few days. Here are the 9 best things to do in North Cascades National Park. But, if you have the experience and gear to head out on your own, here are some ideas for backpacking trips in the North Cascades. This valley nestled at the base of the North Cascades has a magic unlike many places I have visited. Whether you go to a big city or a rural vista, the weather and available activities can make or break your trip. You do not need a park pass to visit; however, some areas near Lake Ross require a $5 parking fee (which is covered by the national park pass if you have it). However, with cold temperatures, it may be good to avoid camping unless you are comfortable camping in cold weather. 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. Campground appropriate for tents and small RVs. This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. It is an awe-inspiring sight. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Maple Pass Loop: 7.2 miles, moderate to difficult. I suggest stopping by the visitor's center to get acquainted with fees and parking. Take it slow on this trail, and look down. 5. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Within the park, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and you can make a reservation on. Note: Highway 20 is usually closed between November and April due to snowfall. National Park Hiking Tours; Unforgettable Experiences. Thunder Knob Trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot elevation gain. Cascade Pass 55 Hiking Trails By mistyschulz Lots of wild blueberries and we saw a bear and mountain goats. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. We slept in Marblemount and on day 3 hiked Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. This hike is 9 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. If you know anything about the Pacific Northwest and the Cascades, you may imagine big snowy volcanoes, which there are plenty of in the area. Plan a trip into the backcountry of the North Cascades. It rarely gets too hot, and it's always about 10 degrees cooler on the coast than the forecast for Seattle. The trail ends at the Blue Lake, a brilliantly blue lake that is surrounded by towering mountains. Always familiarize yourself with current events from the park before venturing into nature. 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. Great guide! Washington Pass is the highest point on Highway 20 and marks the middle of the western and eastern sections of . From North Cascades National Park, we drove north to the Mount Baker area. Benefits included four paid Holidays. Those from lower altitude areas may get tired faster. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. The worst time to visit the North Cascades National Park is in the winter. Then the trail climbs steeply up to a ridgeline. These deciduous conifers grace the alpine zones of the North Cascades and turn bright yellow in the fall before shedding their needles for the winter. 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 . North Cascades is 108 miles away from Seattle. 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. A little farther down the road from Winthrop is Twisp. Cutthroat Lake is another lovely lake. Backcountry hiking always requires a permit. In terms of the times when visitors are common, the months of April to June and late September to late October are some of the least busy times. see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Drive north on I-5 from Seattle towards . North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. Get the full details in our guide to the Maple Pass Loop. The least busy time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the winter since visiting in the winter is not always safe. 18 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail travels through North Cascades National Park. The cascades have their permit requirements for camping that vary from surrounding campsites. It lasts until mid- to late April and necessitates the regular closure of Wash. State Rte. 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. 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 Just hiking Cascade Pass on its own is about 8 miles but still worth it if you dont have time for the add-on to Sahale arm. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. Even though outdoor activities are most popular in the North Cascades, consider adding a scenic drive to your trip can be fun. North Cascades National Park is fairly isolated from any sizable city. The North Cascades are isolated from society. All very beautiful. This is our itinerary for visiting North Cascades National Park. Arizona. However, you will need to access them by trail or boat. If you camp, it is essential to bring warm and comfortable layers, walkable shoes, and rain gear. These bears do not generally bother humans as long as they store food properly and engage in other safe practices. What a gorgeous view, dont you think? To get here, it is a mostly flat walk through a forest. Julie Last updated: November 7, 2022 United States 25 Comments. LEARN MORE: 12 Great Hikes in the North Cascades. 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. On Wildland trips, Learn more in our Guide to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. The park itself also has a general store. It includes eight distinct life zones thanks to its variety of elevation and fire ecology. Class three scrambling and route finding experience are necessary as there is no marked path to the summit. 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. 15. NPS Unigrid Brochure Map Newest Version. During the winter, Highway 20 closes through most of the Park from just west of Mazama to Ross Lake. The temps seldom reach too chilly or too hot for comfort in the 60s and 70s. Rachel Means. Reservations for backcountry permits begin in March 2023. All of these activities are safer and more fun during the summer months. This is a great to add on to your North Cascades to-do list. Shuksan, Mt. Keep in mind, climbing and mountaineering requires technical skills and know-how. Definitely stop into Sherris Sweet Shop for some ice creamthe perfect treat after a day of hiking. North Cascades National Park Travel Guide. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. National protected lands lie right outside of the National Park Complex. We spent three days in the North Cascades as part of a three-week road trip through Washington state. The desert may seem like a barren and inhospitable place, but it is actually home to a unique and stunning beauty. For backpackers, this makes a great starting or ending point for a multi-day hike through the park. In order to do this, you will need to obtain a backcountry permit if you plan to camp overnight along the trail. Youll discover the hidden beauty of one of the most beautiful alpine regions of the country. As such, the color is most vibrant on sunny days July through September when seasonal glacial melts occur. If you luck out, you may find some nice hikes, boating opportunities, and scenic drives. North Cascades Hiking and Leave No Trace How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. The Cascade loop is a 440-mile loop in Washington that includes the North Cascades National Park. North Cascades Travel Tips Cascade National Park is Free! Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. Since the park is isolated and filled with very few artificial structures, it is a great place to escape the rigors of everyday life. The North Cascades National Park Day Tourpromises to "Re-Wild" Your Spirit! Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Snow begins appearing in the park in late October and can continue into April. No more mosquitoes, wild berries are aplenty, and the fall foliage cannot be beat! The best part of North Cascades National Park is the hidden beauty. Stehekin is a small community located on the far northern end of Lake Chelan. Explore amazing North Cascades National Park with Wildland Trekking on the Wonders of the North Cascades Backpacking Adventure! The area along Highway 20 and around Ross Lake is called the Ross Lake National Recreational Area. One of the best parts about this park is how underrated it is! Day 1: Arrive in the evening to Twisp. There are ways to camp inside the park. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. Many national park visitors skip this park in favor of other more popular destinations. This hike is also 9 miles in length with 1,350 feet of elevation gain. 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. 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. (Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty . Leave the natural space as you find it and avoid proliferating invasive species. The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? However, you can still drive to Diablo Lake and hike some of the lower-elevation trails like Thunder Knob. We stayed at Twisp River Suites in a 2-bedroom apartment. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. Rarely, there may be some light signs of wear from storage or shipping (i.e. To get off the beaten path, heading up is always the way to find the best views with few crowds. With three or more days, you can add in more hikes or visit Stehekin. Some good trails for beginners include Cascade Pass Trail, Thunder Knob, and Fourth of July Pass. 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. From Winthrop, it takes one hour to drive to Ross Lake and 40 minutes to drive to Rainy Lake Picnic area. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. Many travelers enjoy experiencing a drive through the loop as they stop for different experiences. , During the summer, you can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. Destinations. The timing changes every year, depending on the weather. So, those seasons can get more expensive, leaving summer as the cheapest season. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! Trapper Peak is a perfect entry-level summit as you follow the Thorton Lakes trail most of the way. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Since winter is not a viable time to visit the Cascades, it is not necessary to consider how much it would cost to visit during that time. When you plan your trip, consider lodgings such as Sun Mountain Lodge, Rivers Edge Resort, and Airbnbs. If you want a beautiful adventure deep in nature, take a visit to North Cascades National Park. Grand Canyon National Park; Average low temperature in September: 39F Picture an alpine wonderland full of blue lakes, meadows, and towering peaks. Just three hours from Seattle, North Cascades National Park's rugged beauty is characterized by jagged peaks, deep forested valleys, cascading waterfalls, and over 300 glaciers more than any other U.S. park outside of Alaska. How Much Time Do You Need in North Cascades National Park? The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. The distinction instead belongs to North Cascades National Park in Washington. View New Trips. The Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park in 2023, Why You Should Visit North Cascades National Park, Overall Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park, Cheapest Time to Visit North Cascades National Park, Least Busy Time to Visit North Cascades National Park, Worst Time to Visit North Cascades National Park. Here are some common questions about visiting the North Cascades National Park: The ideal length of time will vary based on what activities you want to do and your comfort level with outdoor activities. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. North Cascades National Park does not require permits to hike in some areas while requiring a permit in others. The reason behind this reduced interest is a result of the rougher weather during the shoulder seasons. Road access is weather dependent, typically accessible spring through late fall. Once at the Sahale Glacier Camp, you get to enjoy spectacular views over Doubtful Lake and layers of jagged, snow-capped peaks. Add on the scramble to Trapper Peak above the lake for an additional challenge and great views. Autumn and Spring are becoming more popular for visits since car tours of the Skagit, Okanogan and Stehekin Valleys are enticing for color and wildlife during the less busy "shoulder seasons". A rural vista, the others being Olympic and Mount Rainier as long as stop. The Highway is open, trails and dirt roads might still be covered with snow until deep the! 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