However, the trails are where North Cascade National Park really shines. Other seasons can be inhospitable to safe travel throughout the park for anyone but the most experienced backpackers. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. If you camp, it is essential to bring warm and comfortable layers, walkable shoes, and rain gear. California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, The Ultimate Guide to North Cascades National Park in Washington. , So be sure to pack lots of water, good walking shoes, and sun . It includes eight distinct life zones thanks to its variety of elevation and fire ecology. As a result, you can enjoy your time in the North Cascades without too many people around. 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). . There is not a particularly cheap or expensive time to visit the North Cascades. The expense of these items does not change significantly over the year. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. This overlook is located right on Highway 20. However, there are a few man-made structures that remind you civilization exists. Have your camera ready! This is a gorgeous hike and beyond the lake sits North Cascades National Park. If you want to try out backpacking but dont have the experience or gear, a, is the perfect opportunity to get your feet wet and see if you like it. If you want to see the world, go see it! From Winthrop, it takes one hour to drive to Ross Lake and 40 minutes to drive to Rainy Lake Picnic area. Learn about current conditions for roads, trails, lakes, and more. Visiting in the Fall Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Day 1: Arrive in the evening to Twisp. The PCT cuts through the narrow sliver of park land, just north of Stehekin. WA The temperatures from November to February hover between eight and 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-13 to -6 Celcius). Grizzly Bear Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The image was draped over terrain data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). If you dont have a watercraft, Ross Lake Resort rents kayaks, canoes, motorboats, and other equipment, making the perfect daytime activity for families or anyone wanting to spend time on the water. 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). . Cascade Pass 55 Hiking Trails By mistyschulz Lots of wild blueberries and we saw a bear and mountain goats. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Whether you go to a big city or a rural vista, the weather and available activities can make or break your trip. While visiting the park, keep an eye out for elk, moose, marmots, pika, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bear, coyote, lynx, bobcats and otters. . North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park [] Reply. Just 2 hours from the urban bustle of Seattle, WA, North Cascades National Park is an underrated gem waiting to be explored. USA Hiking Vacations. Of course, more time is always better. If you go climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering, make sure you have the knowledge and equipment to make it safe, or go with someone who does. You will hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. While the higher elevation keeps this very popular North Cascades trail from being a year-round fungal destination, it can be a mushroom paradise. "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. While persistent snow is not always common, it can happen sometimes. (Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty . Annual Events Skagit Eagle Festival (December and January) The hike to Sahale Arm and the Glacier Camp is truly spectacular, and in our opinion, the best way to experience this national park, other than going on a backpacking trip. Arizona. People love to visit the park because of the plethora of flora and fauna available. Skyline Divide. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter North Cascades National Park. On Wildland trips, Go for a Scenic Drive on North Cascades Highway, 9. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. Sun protection is also essential when hiking or camping. Stay safe by knowing which animals to look out for, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and planning. It covers nearly 1 million acres of land and is home to miles of ocean coastline, a temperate rainforest, and the Olympic Mountain range. A ranger can direct you to the safest trails during this time. We slept in Marblemount and on day 3 hiked Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. North Cascades National Park consists of a northern and southern section, bisected by the Skagit River that flows through the reservoirs of Ross Lake National . From April to September, daytime temperatures . The Hoh rainforest. 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. Glaciers cap the mountains and snow blankets trails well into the summer. 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 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. North Cascades offers a variety of programs in the different areas of the park. In the northern area of the park is the Picket Range, a collection of mountains, most rising over 8,000 feet. Hidden Lake: 9 miles, moderate to strenuous. Too late for flowers, but the bugs will be gone, there will be few people, weather is still generally good, and there will be blueberries/huckleberries and a little fall color. 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. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You will need a $5/daily or $30/annual Northwest Forest Pass for Rainy Lake Trail. If you luck out, you may find some nice hikes, boating opportunities, and scenic drives. Definitely stop into Sherris Sweet Shop for some ice creamthe perfect treat after a day of hiking. In some seasons, you may need more gear, making those seasons more expensive. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Backpacking is an exceptional way to enjoy the world's amazing national parks, wilderness areas and remote landscapes! Wild, rugged, remoteNorth Cascades National Park is highly underrated park, especially for hikers and backpackers. The position is mostly based out of the Newhalem North Cascades National Park Visitor Center . The trail ends at the Blue Lake, a brilliantly blue lake that is surrounded by towering mountains. As a National Park, the main activities you can do here include hiking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and swimming. In Winthrop, Rivers Edge Resort, Mt Gardner Inn, and Methow River Lodge all get great reviews. We just came back from our Washington trip. If you want to visit Stehekin, you will need a minimum of two days, since travel times can be long between Chelan and Stehekin. In addition to hiking, you can enjoy kayaks, fishing, riding, swimming, and other activities in the park. There are ways to camp inside the park. The temps seldom reach too chilly or too hot for comfort in the 60s and 70s. Winthrop is a very cool town. You could spend a lifetime and hardly explore it all. No more mosquitoes, wild berries are aplenty, and the fall foliage cannot be beat! Class three scrambling and route finding experience are necessary as there is no marked path to the summit. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. Wildland Trekking offers spectacular guided trips that allow you to get out there without the stress of planning the trip yourself! North Cascades National Park is an American national park in the state of Washington.At more than 500,000 acres , it is the largest of the three National Park Service units that comprise the North Cascades National Park Complex. The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? Within the park, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and you can make a reservation on Recreation.gov. The park touches Canada on the north and reaches south to Lake Chelan, where you can access one of the gems of the North Cascades, Stehekin. All very beautiful. 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. This very short trail (.25 miles) takes you to a cascading waterfall. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Stay in one of 15 floating cabins on Ross Lake with views out onto the lake and surrounding mountains, or access boat-in-only camping through the resort. Book your campsite far in advance, look out for sales on hiking or camping gear, and come in with a food plan. Check out the day hikes options below if you only have a day. This is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. It is smaller than Winthrop but it is located closer to the east entrance of the park so you will have a shorter drive. Unlike some National Parks, you cant truly experience the spectacle of the park without putting in some real effort. . Learn about the different camping options within the park complex. Wildflowers might be gone, but the ground foliage is resplendent is the fall. North Cascades is the largest of the three National Park Service units which comprise the North Cascades . Its short and relatively easy, so its perfect for almost all ages and ability levels. 17 awesome hikes in Olympic National Park. Waterproofed items are essential to survival in cold temperatures. Make sure you either find a guide, a friend with experience, or have the knowledge and gear yourself to do this climb. You need a bare minimum of one full day for North Cascades National Park. To the east is the Okanogan National Forest, where you will find beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and the Washington Pass Overlook. Along the way, you can find hiking, climbing, fishing, riding, and more. Walk Up the Sterling Munro Trail. Olympic National Park Vs. North Cascades: Overviews. 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 The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. LEARN MORE: 12 Great Hikes in the North Cascades. Re: Is mid September a good time to visit North Cascades 8 years ago Save Bear in mind that the lands accessible directly adjacent to highway 20 are not in the North Cascades National Park, rather are the Ross Lake Recreation Area. Desolation Peak: 9.4 miles, hard. Once the road is safe to clear from snow, Highway 20 typically opens in April or May. When visiting the park and enjoying the opportunities it offers, it is essential to do your part to protect the environment. 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. Washington Pass is located on Highway 20, just east of the national park. You dont truly get to see the beauty and the grandeur of North Cascades National Park unless you go hiking. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This tiny town isnt as scenic as Winthrop and doesnt have nearly as many restaurants, but we stayed here and loved it. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. Where to stay: See here. Some of the best options are often busy, with Seattle locals driving up on the weekends throughout the summer and fall. Check in advance to see if there are fire restrictions in the park. 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. The cascades have their permit requirements for camping that vary from surrounding campsites. This is a great to add on to your North Cascades to-do list. This hike takes you through alpine meadows and across barren, rocky terrain to a secluded, deep blue lake. ). There are also campgrounds in Newhalem and at Diablo Lake. 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. Once here, you can explore Stehekin Valley on foot, go camping, and discover the cultural history of the people who live here. The park is full of plenty of great places to camp, and there are several more nearby. Check out all of my other NPS brochures that I have available! 1. 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