Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about North Cascades National Park.
Q:Where is North Cascades National Park located?
A:North Cascades National Park is located in the extreme northwest of Washington State.
Q: What are some of North Cascades National Park attractions?
A:This national park consists of mainly protected wilderness. As such there are few maintained structures. However, it is popular with backpackers and mountain climbers. Anyone seeking untouched beauty will appreciate visiting and photographing this pristine area. The casual traveler will enjoy boat trips along Lake Chelan.
Q:When is the best time to visit North Cascades National Park?
A:April through October is the prime time to visit North Cascades National Park. Another popular time to visit is during the summer, mid-June through September this is the driest time of the season. During July and sometimes into August their still remains snow covered areas in the higher elevations.
Q:Is there lodging available inside North Cascades National Park?
A:Stehekin Landing Resort is part of the North Cascades National Park Complex and is accessible only by the Lady of the Lake Ferry Boat, float plane, or mountain trail. A secluded and scenic lodging choice.
Q:Can I drive in North Cascades National Park?
A:You can drive along the picturesque highways that display the scenic beauty of North Cascades. The North Cascades Highway is acclaimed for winding around vast alpine trees, and behold the local wildlife. Your options consist of Highway 2, WA State Route 20 and Interstate 90 all lead to the North Cascades Scenic Highway.
Q:What is the recommended stay duration at North Cascades National Park?
A:Minimalist (2 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: ½ day
Hiking/Exploring: 1 day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: ½ day
Adventurist (4-5 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 1 -2 days
Hiking/Exploring: 2 day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 day
Notes: There is so much recreational opportunity available to visitors of North Cascades it is hard trying to fit it all into a short-stay itinerary. If you only have a couple days in the park, take a day trip up the north Cascades Highway through the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. This daytrip will give you an overview of the areas lakes and dams, the parks mountains and the glacier-fed Skagit River. On you second day in the park, enjoy a hike into the backcountry of the beautiful Cascades. This park is a smorgasbord of incredible hiking trails ranging from short accessible trails, to grueling mountainside climbs. Or if you’re not into hiking, go for a horseback ride through the wilderness, or rent a boat and float the Skagit or Stehekin Rivers. If you are an adventurist, then 2 days will not be nearly enough time to enjoy all the bounty of North Cascades National Park. You will need a few more days to visit the other corners of the park and to enjoy some additional recreational activities like fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout in the Skagit River, tackling some of the great scenic mountain trails in the park, or taking a drive up the Cascade River Road for a picnic and a visit to some of the areas majestic peaks and alpine meadows. If you can afford 4 – 5 days in the park, you might even consider taking the ferry or a scenic flight back into Stehekin for an overnight stay at this off-the-beaten-path community or at a backcountry camp.
Q:What are the entrance fees for North Cascades National Park?
A:There is no fee to enter this park. Have a great visit!
Q:What is the weather like at North Cascades National Park?
A:
Month
High (F°)
Low (F°)
January
29
15
February
36
19
March
46
25
April
58
31
May
67
39
June
74
46
July
82
51
August
82
51
September
73
43
October
57
33
November
38
25
December
27
21
Q:Is there cellular and WiFi service?
A:
Cellular service is very minimal to none in the park. Some services may be available in the town of Newhalem. There is however a public phone located in Diablo in Newhalem at the Skagit Information Center, or inside the North Cascades Visitor Center, calling cards are required to use the phones. WiFi is not available.
Q:Are pets allowed inside of the park?
A:
Pets are not allowed in the park with the exception of the Pacific Crest Trail, or within 50 feet of roads. Pets are allowed within the Lake Chelan and Ross Lake Recreation Areas. You can not leave your pet unattended or tied up to an object. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.
