North Cascades National Park-everything you need to know
Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park
Summer to Fall
From June to September is undoubtedly the best time to visit North Cascades National Park. The temperature is pleasant, and the snow from winter has already melted, expanding the hiking opportunities at both lower and higher elevation trails. It is a favorable time for many recreational activities such as camping, fishing, backpacking, bird watching, and observing other wildlife.
Fall is also welcoming in North Cascades National Park because of the fascinating natural views and colors. It is a busy time, and the park’s main places are crowded until November.
Winter
From December to March, the conditions are not as good as other months due to snow and cold. Moreover, the North Cascades Highway is closed then for safety purposes, making it tough to reach most places in the park. This situation continues until May. In my opinion, winter is not the best time to visit the park.
Spring
Spring in North Cascades National Park is warm and quite enjoyable. After the snowy winter, spring welcomes visitors with blooming wildflowers, abundant vegetation, and wildlife. The temperature remains between 40°F and 60°F in spring. The snow starts melting, but it can still be found at higher elevations, so there are still hiking opportunities at lower trails. However, Highway 20 is not open until April or May. Exploring some areas and services is limited during this time.
Things to Know about North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is located in the North Cascades Mountain Range of Washington. It covers an area of 505,000 acres and was designated as a national park in 1968. The park is known for its mountain range, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and biodiversity. It also offers various recreational activities for visitors. The highest elevation is recorded at Goode Mountain (9,220 feet), and the lowest elevation point is at Goodell Creek.
How to Get There
Driving Directions:
You can reach the park via North Cascade Highway (State Route 20). From the west, it links with Interstate 5, and from the east, it connects to U.S. Route 97 and State Route 153.
The nearest airport is Vancouver International Airport. The closest major airports are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport.
Accommodations in the Park
- Stehekin Valley Ranch
- Ross Lake Resort
Campgrounds:
- Newhalem Campground
- Swift Creek Campground
- Marble Creek Campground
- Silver Fir Campground
Entry Pass
There is no entry fee for North Cascades National Park, which is good news.
Main Attractions in the Park
Diablo Lake
Diablo Lake is the most famous lake in the park and is located in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. It is just 11.8 miles east of the North Cascades Visitor Center. You need to drive about 20 minutes on Highway 20 to reach there.
This is also one of the visitors’ favorite photographic spots. The water color changes with glaciers, and it also provides restrooms and picnic tables with an incredible viewpoint.
Ladder Creek Falls
The interesting part of this waterfall is that there is a powerhouse situated to use the water’s power. The light show with music is alluring. The hike is 0.4 miles roundtrip, covering a waterfall overlook along with a garden full of exotic plants. The Gorge Powerhouse is behind the trails, and you can even see a bit of the hydroelectric project.
Ross Lake Overlook
It is situated at 136 miles over the turnout for the Happy Creek Nature Trail. This overlook is admirable for its scenic view. From there, the southernmost end of Ross Lake becomes visible.
Cascade Pass
Cascade Pass is popular among visitors for its satisfactory viewpoint and trails. It is located near the actual boundary of the park. Hikers have two options: one is a 7.4-mile out-and-back to Cascade Pass, and the other is an 11.8-mile out-and-back to Sahale Glacier. The trails are busy in summer. If you are lucky, you may experience snowfall from the hanging glaciers on Johannesburg Mountain.
Blue Lake
Blue Lake is one of the most beautiful viewpoints. Compared to others, it has an easy and short trail, reaching an elevation of 1,000 feet. The view from this elevation is out of this world. You can take beautiful shots for photography from there.
Sterling Munro Trail
This 300-foot trail gives you the view of the wild, remote, and mysterious range of mountains. People who love adventure and have a fascination with mountain views enjoy the hiking. It is located on the northwest side of the Visitor Center.
Thunder Knob
This trail is 3.6 miles roundtrip, starting over some bridges up to the creek and ending at an amazing natural view on the top of the knoll. You can see Jack Mountain, Pyramid Peak, and Colonial Peak over the trail. The trail continues through the forest, making your trip unforgettable.
Stehekin
Stehekin is a small village located on the bank of Lake Chelan, the third deepest lake in America. There is a lot to explore and enjoy, such as hiking trails, a pastry shop, a waterfall, an orchard, and the Visitor Center. Fishing, cycling, horseback riding, and boating are available there. The place is peaceful, and the mountain view is spectacular. The place is accessible by boat, and you can enjoy the journey.
Things to Do in North Cascades National Park
- Scenic Driving
- Hiking
- Camping
- Horseback Riding
- Fishing
- Wilderness Trips
- Boating
- Wilderness Mountaineering
- Bicycling
- Visiting Stehekin
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Various recreational activities
- Sightseeing
- Wilderness exploration
Cons:
- Very cold in winter
- Closure of roads and services
Achievements & Suggestions
Plan your vacation to explore the vast area of the park with friends and family. Some places are wheelchair accessible, so older people or people with disabilities can enjoy the vacation as well. There are some endemic species present in the park, which bring pleasure to the visitors. They can also learn about different ecosystems there. Try to visit the service center to collect more information.
