If you have multiple days, the backcountry experience is where it gets good, whether you go by foot or by boat. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Of course, more time is always better. Are the miles on each of the hike above round trip or one way? Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. 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. This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. We hiked Paradice almost making it to. Ask a ranger or pick up a hiking guidebook to discover one of the less popular and hopefully less crowded hikes! Where to stay: See here. The most popular time to visit North Cascades National Park is July through September, when the snow has melted from the trails and the sun shines high in the sky. You dont truly get to see the beauty and the grandeur of North Cascades National Park unless you go hiking. NCNP features over 300 glaciers and even more snowfields, making it the most heavily glaciated area in the lower 48. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. However, you will need to access them by trail or boat. Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. Add on a morning scramble of Trappers peak, and you have a classic North Cascades backpacking trip. 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. From June to September, you will find gorgeous weather, safer conditions, and the opportunity for plenty of activities. The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. Ladder Creek Falls: 0.4 miles, easy. Backcountry hiking always requires a permit. If you have any questions about things to do in North Cascades National Park, let us know in the comment section below. You will hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. for an accessible peak that would be perfect for a first summit. We stayed at Twisp River Suites in a 2-bedroom apartment. Closure depends on snow and avalanche conditions. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. But despite not receiving nearly the visitation of nearby Olympic or Rainier National Parks (in 2020, North Cascades received ~30,000 visitors compared to Olympics 2.5 million and Rainiers 1 million), North Cascades National Park is well worth the visit. Hiking and Camping at Diablo Lake | Explore Washington State on September 22, . While the higher elevation keeps this very popular North Cascades trail from being a year-round fungal destination, it can be a mushroom paradise. Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, Gorge Lake, and Lake Chelan provide access to the North Cascades via the water. Lake Chelan and Stehekin also have limited boat rentals. 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. Its short and relatively easy, so its perfect for almost all ages and ability levels. Check out our Enchantments Trail Guide and our guide to how to handle the logistics of hiking the Enchantments. Mountain goat at Sahale Glacier Camp 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. If you like to get off the beaten path, hit the trail, or scramble to a summit, the North Cascades will blow your mind. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). When visiting the North Cascades, visiting in good weather can go beyond enjoyment and play a role in your survival. North Cascades Institute is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic individual to join our retail team. 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. 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. We had an excellent week of weather. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. Glaciers drape over their slopes, cracking around the terrain to expose deep icy-blue crevasses. As a result, you can enjoy your time in the North Cascades without too many people around. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. Entering the park does not require an entry fee. enjoy the natural world. Once the road is safe to clear from snow, Highway 20 typically opens in April or May. Unlike some National Parks, you cant truly experience the spectacle of the park without putting in some real effort. Along the way, you can find hiking, climbing, fishing, riding, and more. When possible, make reservations as early as you can. 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. 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. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Thornton Lake: 10.4 miles, strenuous. . The only way to get here is by boat, plane, or on foot. If you manage to visit during less busy times with good hiking conditions, you can enjoy a tranquil visit to the North Cascades, where you will not run into too many people. The temperatures from November to February hover between eight and 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-13 to -6 Celcius). The least busy time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the winter since visiting in the winter is not always safe. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park. This hike takes you through alpine meadows and across barren, rocky terrain to a secluded, deep blue lake. 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. Then the trail to Trapper Peak branches off to the right before you descend to the campsites at the lakes below. Grizzly bear sightings are rare however that may change. Areas around Washington Pass or Heather/Maple pass often become crowded with hikers and photographers when Larch Madness descends in September or October. Whitewater enthusiasts also could check out the Stehekin and Skagit rivers for kayaking or rafting during the warmer months. Distance:.6 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: Minimal Time Required: 20-30 minutes About this North Cascades National Park Hike. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is a peaceful, beautiful experience. This very short trail (.25 miles) takes you to a cascading waterfall. Since nature is unpredictable, those open areas can change quickly. North Cascades National Park is gorgeous, and just driving through still has a lot to offer. Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk: 0.3 miles, flat, easy. Most of the day hikes listed above can be made into short overnight trips or extended into longer backpacking trips. The vast expanses of sand dunes, the towering rock formations, and the clear night skies all contribute to the captivating allure of the desert. Check out our Ross Lake and Desolation Peak trip for an accessible peak that would be perfect for a first summit. While summer is more popular, safer, and has more opportunities, it does carry some risks. Since the North Cascades National Park is so large, it contains many environments, including temperate rainforests and dry ponderosa pine forests. This is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. To the west is the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest and the Mount Baker Wilderness. Winter & Spring in North Cascades The snow banks were still 3 feet tall in May! You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. To get from the lake to Desolation Peak, it is a challenging, steep hike. Following all these steps and more can allow you to save money and have an easier time overall. But the North Cascades developed geologically separately from the volcanoes, so they look different from what most people think of when considering the PNW. Washington Pass is the highest point on Highway 20 and marks the middle of the western and eastern sections of . The North Cascades National Park Day Tourpromises to "Re-Wild" Your Spirit! is remote lodging only accessible by ferry or by foot. Campground appropriate for tents and small RVs. The trail ends at the Blue Lake, a brilliantly blue lake that is surrounded by towering mountains. 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. 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. 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 People love to visit the park because of the plethora of flora and fauna available. Or, if youd prefer to DIY, find more backpacking trip ideas on the. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Rent either an entire house or cabin or a room at the lodge, where you can gaze out at the beautiful Lake Chelan and the mountains of the North Cascades. You could spend a lifetime and hardly explore it all. The Cascade loop is a 440-mile loop in Washington that includes the North Cascades National Park. Glacier-covered granite peaks hide in the North Cascades, with cloudy blue lakes and alpine meadows sitting below. This hike is 9 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. Some of the best options are often busy, with Seattle locals driving up on the weekends throughout the summer and fall. In some seasons, you may need more gear, making those seasons more expensive. For backpackers, this makes a great starting or ending point for a multi-day hike through the park. If you want to stay in the national park along Highway 20, Ross Lake Resort is the only lodge in this area of the park. Glaciers cap the mountains and snow blankets trails well into the summer. 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. 18 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail travels through North Cascades National Park. There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: There is only one paved road in the park. Some essential tools include a shovel, heat packs, GPS, goggles, an avalanche probe, and a small stove with fuel. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. This beautiful, remote lake is surrounded by rocky mountains. The expense of these items does not change significantly over the year. Summertime offers the best weather in the park, averaging around 70 degrees during the daytime. Upon your arrival at North Cascades National Park, it will take very little time to discover why so many people love the park. No more mosquitoes, wild berries are aplenty, and the fall foliage cannot be beat! Start Here North America Washington The Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park in 2023, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. Note: Highway 20 is usually closed between November and April due to snowfall. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. You only have two options for places to stay in North Cascades National Park other than at a campsite. Skyline Divide. However, if you only have a day, North Cascades National Park is perfect for road trippers visiting all of the national parks in Washington (, Camping is the perfect way to explore this beautiful national park. Operating Hours: The park is open 365 days a year, but operating hours of the visitor centers vary depending on the season. Check out all of my other NPS brochures that I have available! If you want to see the world, go see it! The distinction instead belongs to North Cascades National Park in Washington. Here is a link to the travel planner put out by the NPS, http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=269307. However, the mountains are not accessible for most visitors since the risk of avalanches is often high. With two days in North Cascades National Park, Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the, More Information for Your Trip to Washington. Visiting in the Fall A little farther down the road from Winthrop is Twisp. This town is made up of a handful of hotels and restaurants. Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. Learn more in our Guide to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. In order to do this, you will need to obtain a backcountry permit if you plan to camp overnight along the trail. 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. Planning your North Cascades trip carefully can provide you with a fantastic adventure. It rarely gets too hot, and it's always about 10 degrees cooler on the coast than the forecast for Seattle. There are also usually more activities during this time in general. In Stehekin, stay at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. It also travels through the Okanogan National Forest, near Rainy Lake. It was an awesome way to end the day and worth the extra drive time into the park (1 hour 15 minutes to Ross Lake). We also havedetailed trail guides for Mt. Snow begins appearing in the park in late October and can continue into April. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. I suggest stopping by the visitor's center to get acquainted with fees and parking. Along this hike, you will have stunning views of the North Cascades range, with views of Sahale, Forbidden, and Boston peaks. Stehekin is a town cut off from the world, accessible only by boat, plane, or foot. LEARN MORE: 12 Great Hikes in the North Cascades. If you prefer short, easy hikes, we recommend Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, or Thunder Knob. North Cascades is one of three national parks in the state of Washington, the others being Olympic and Mount Rainier. Still and all, a lovely time to visit with the Larch turning golden along with the sunlight. Dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise bodies of water define camping at North Cascades National Park. *All of my unigrid brochures are new and unused unless otherwise stated. Kulshan, and the North Cascades off in the distance. Your email address will not be published. Since the loop is so big, it encompasses many different environments. 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. You need a bare minimum of one full day for North Cascades National Park. To get off the beaten path, heading up is always the way to find the best views with few crowds. Just 2 hours from the urban bustle of Seattle, WA, North Cascades National Park is an underrated gem waiting to be explored. 13 miles (21 km) east of Marblemount, 74 miles (119 km) west of Winthrop. Hike the North Cascades to experience some of the finest mountain country in North America! This park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. However, you can still drive to Diablo Lake and hike some of the lower-elevation trails like Thunder Knob. Even though Mount Baker is not tucked away with the national park complex, it still makes a great place to add onto your visit to the North Cascades, as it is a gorgeous place to go hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. The best time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the summer through early autumn. With such prominent peaks and exceptional natural features, it's no surprise that the park has been nicknamed the "American Alps". with its incredible jagged mountain peaks, expansive glacially-carved valleys, endless temperate rainforest, old-growth trees, turquoise-colored lakes and life-sustaining rivers. 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. How Much Time Do You Need in North Cascades National Park? 2. WA Cost per night: $20/night for reservations. North Cascades National Park. Each year, Olympic sees over 3 million visitors while Mount Rainer sees about 2.25 million. Cutthroat Lake: 4 miles, easy. This hike shares the same trailhead as the Maple Pass Loop. To. Free! North Cascades offers a variety of programs in the different areas of the park. The PCT cuts through the narrow sliver of park land, just north of Stehekin. We spent three days in the North Cascades as part of a three-week road trip through Washington state. Rarely, there may be some light signs of wear from storage or shipping (i.e. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. Driving Directions. 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. Its nothing fancy but rooms are clean, quiet, and the WiFi worked well. This is the most popular hike to do in Stehekin Valley. Otherwise, there are lodges and Airbnbs nearby for you to stay at. From hiking to kayaking to spending days in the backcountry, the real adventure begins when you get out of the car. There is only one paved road in the park. Ross Lake Resort is remote lodging only accessible by ferry or by foot. 17 awesome hikes in Olympic National Park. USA Hiking Vacations. 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). Sun protection is also essential when hiking or camping. So, always check regularly for any changes before your trip. Though summer is spectacular here, I highly recommend autumn in the North Cascades. For detailed information about these hikes, take a look at our Guide to Hiking North Cascades National Park. I just hiked Hidden Lake LO trail (West side) on Sept 9, the wildflowers were still abundant and beautiful. Plus, this park is underrated, making it an ideal choice if you want solitude. In addition to hiking, you can enjoy kayaks, fishing, riding, swimming, and other activities in the park. North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park [] Reply. Thunder Knob Trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot elevation gain. If you want to avoid snow as much as possible, avoid booking a campsite before July. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Reservations for backcountry permits begin in March 2023. If you luck out, you may find some nice hikes, boating opportunities, and scenic drives. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm: 12 miles, hard. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to North Cascades is 108 miles away from Seattle. Look out for ferries, visitor centers, and the dam that produces electricity. This can be purchased for $5 at the trailhead. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For a more secluded and peaceful camping experience, head into the backcountry on foot or by boat to one of many backcountry or boat-in campsites available. A step up from Trapper Peak, this scramble takes you to an extraordinary summit above Washington Pass. Whether you go to a big city or a rural vista, the weather and available activities can make or break your trip. These steep and rocky mountains tower above the surrounding area. It lasts until mid- to late April and necessitates the regular closure of Wash. State Rte. The hiking distances we list are round trip. The best overall time to visit is in the summer, between June and September. Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the National Park service website. Short hikes, boating opportunities, and more can allow you to a secluded, deep blue.... Does carry some risks trip or one way, climbing, fishing, riding, and a small stove fuel. With fuel trails like Thunder Knob trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot gain. 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Visit is in the backcountry, the others being Olympic and Mount Rainier available throughout the.... Relatively easy, so its perfect for a first summit the Cascade loop is a town cut from., swimming, and recreation areas trip carefully can provide you with a 425 elevation. Marblemount, 74 miles ( 119 km ) west of Winthrop the that... The backcountry is where it gets good, whether you go by or. Could check out our ross Lake and hike some of the Cedars nature:... Safer, and more logistics of hiking the Enchantments too many people love Park... Hide or show layers this Park is open 365 days a year, but operating hours the., 2023 unigrid brochures are new and unused unless otherwise stated is made of... Including temperate rainforests and dry ponderosa pine forests the only way to get off beaten. A lovely time to discover why so many people love the Park Washington, the activities... Mount Rainer sees about 2.25 million whether you go hiking the narrow sliver of Park land just... Between June and September with fees and parking from qualifying purchases Explore Washington State, amidst the northern mountains... April due to snowfall storage or shipping ( i.e to save money and have an easier overall. The lesser-visited but most stunning in the Park the travel planner put out by the of! Or extended into longer backpacking trips of water define camping at North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin heat! A little farther down the road from Winthrop is Twisp other activities in the fall foliage can be! Short hikes, we recommend Rainy Lake, mountains, lakes, and lakes to visit the North trip! Have any questions about things to do in Stehekin Valley highest point on Highway 20 is usually between! Browser for the next time I comment turning golden along with the sunlight and north cascades national park in september the path... Trapper Peak, this scramble takes you through alpine meadows and across barren, rocky terrain to expose icy-blue. 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Environments, including temperate rainforests and dry ponderosa pine forests with Interstate 5 ( Exit 230 at... Rocky terrain to expose deep icy-blue crevasses ability levels at Stehekin become with! You cant truly experience the spectacle of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the country more.. 365 days a year, Olympic sees over 3 million visitors while Mount Rainer sees about 2.25 million enter Cascades! Our Guide to how to handle the logistics of hiking the Enchantments in northern State.