This is technically located outside of the North Cascades National Park Complex but it is still well worth the visit. Storm King, the hike to the peak of Mount Angeles, and the underrated Staircase Rapids Loop. Learn how to stay safe while enjoying the park complex. The temps seldom reach too chilly or too hot for comfort in the 60s and 70s. The Stehekin Valley has long served as a passageway for travelers, linking Washington's interior wilderness to the rugged Cascade Mountains. This hike takes you through alpine meadows and across barren, rocky terrain to a secluded, deep blue lake. Some good trails for beginners include Cascade Pass Trail, Thunder Knob, and Fourth of July Pass. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. But the North Cascades developed geologically separately from the volcanoes, so they look different from what most people think of when considering the PNW. 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. 20. There are also usually more activities during this time in general. Goodell Creek Campground. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. 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. There are also a few boat-in campsites in and near the park, especially at Diablo lake. The park has 300 glaciers, jagged peaks, and forested valleys that showcase the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The Best Months to Visit the North Cascades are August and September. Always bring some survival tools with you when you hike in the winter. 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. 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. We went to Ruby, Second, and LaPush beaches. Each year, Olympic sees over 3 million visitors while Mount Rainer sees about 2.25 million. For backpackers, this makes a great starting or ending point for a multi-day hike through the park. 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. 15. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Go for a Scenic Drive on North Cascades Highway, 9. . In spite of all this National Park has to offer, it is not one of the most popular parks to visit. 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. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and NPS Unigrid Brochure Map Newest Version. 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. Looking east along Highway 20 from the overlook. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On ; . Blue Lake: 5 miles, easy to moderate. 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 key to any trip is knowing the best time to schedule your visit. 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. Top 25 National Parks Where You're Most Likely to Die North Cascades National Park - Washington (652.35 deaths per 10 million visitors) Denali National Park - Alaska (100.50) Upper. While persistent snow is not always common, it can happen sometimes. Olympic National Park Vs. North Cascades: Overviews. 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 is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. We started on the east side of the park, hiking the trails in Okanogan National Forest, just east of the national park border. Since nature is unpredictable, those open areas can change quickly. Drive north on I-5 from Seattle towards . Check in advance to see if there are fire restrictions in the park. The best overall time to visit is in the summer, between June and September. The North Cascades National Park Day Tourpromises to "Re-Wild" Your Spirit! 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 hike is also 9 miles in length with 1,350 feet of elevation gain. HIKES IN THE NORTH CASCADES: We cover the top hiking trails in our North Cascades Hiking Guide. The temperatures from November to February hover between eight and 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-13 to -6 Celcius). Guide to Hiking North Cascades National Park. Those from lower altitude areas may get tired faster. Cold weather and moisture can make roads and trails muddy and less safe. The journey to the North Cascades may take you slightly longer than this depending on traffic . A variety of trails crisscross throughout the park. She is passionate about intersectional social justice in the outdoors and creating outdoor access for all. This includes the area north and south of Highway 20. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information 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. The mountains outside Tucson are spectacular. USA Hiking Vacations. Skyline Divide. Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk: 0.3 miles, flat, easy. Rainy Lake: 2 miles, easy. The small towns of Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp have lots to offer on their own, and the Methow Valley as a whole holds many opportunities for outdoor recreation. "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. 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. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. If you luck out, you may find some nice hikes, boating opportunities, and scenic drives. Following all these steps and more can allow you to save money and have an easier time overall. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers. I suggest stopping by the visitor's center to get acquainted with fees and parking. This is a classic hike in the Stehekin side of the park. always dress in layers when you hike here, but the trails will be less crowded (as well as the roads). Various guiding companies also run river trips in these areas for those who do not have gear or experience. Hike a Portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Rainy Lake Trail is an easy 2.0-mile out-and-back trail near Stehekin. 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". When visiting the North Cascades, visiting in good weather can go beyond enjoyment and play a role in your survival. Unlike some National Parks, you cant truly experience the spectacle of the park without putting in some real effort. Camp Meir. When navigating the lakes within the North Cascades, there is a ferry that can take you between Diablo and Ross lakes. The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the summer from mid-June to late September. *All of my unigrid brochures are new and unused unless otherwise stated. This valley nestled at the base of the North Cascades has a magic unlike many places I have visited. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable How Much Time Do You Need in North Cascades National Park? Note: Highway 20 is usually closed between November and April due to snowfall. Book your campsite far in advance, look out for sales on hiking or camping gear, and come in with a food plan. 2022-10-27. If you plan a spring trip to North Cascades National Park, be ready to explore trails at lower elevations and prepare for any sort of weather! During this high season, you can catch some views at the North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake Overlook, Washington Pass Overlook, and Cascade Pass. 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. Are the miles on each of the hike above round trip or one way? Rainfall during September is moderate with an average of 52mm (2.0 inches). Otherwise, there are lodges and Airbnbs nearby for you to stay at. This hike shares the same trailhead as the Maple Pass Loop. North Cascades Travel Tips Cascade National Park is Free! Entering the park does not require an entry fee. This is our itinerary for visiting North Cascades National Park. The State Department of Transportation . This beautiful, remote lake is surrounded by rocky mountains. There is an effort underway to restore the population of grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in North Cascades National Park is to go hiking. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you stay at a lodge instead of camping, the overall price can also be higher. One of my first backpacking trips was camping at, , a perfect one-night trip with a good friend. In the evenings, we would get carryout and wine, sit in the river, and have dinner. During the winter, Highway 20 closes through most of the Park from just west of Mazama to Ross Lake. 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