North Cascades National Park in Washington, USA - map, photos and visitor information

North Cascades National Park in Washington protects steep mountain country reached mainly on foot. Plan a visit around your access point. A highway stop near Diablo Lake and a trip to Cascade Pass involve different roads, facilities, and preparation.

The national park shares management with Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Many highway viewpoints, campgrounds, and visitor facilities belong to these recreation areas. This guide identifies that distinction where it affects your plans.

Highlights of the North Cascades

• Cascade Pass: a mountain hike with views of peaks and glaciers, reached from Cascade River Road.
• Diablo Lake corridor: viewpoints and forest walks in Ross Lake National Recreation Area along State Route 20.
• Remote wilderness: overnight routes that require an itinerary, a permit, and more preparation than a highway visit.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Safety in mountain terrain

Carry navigation tools, extra clothing, food, water, and emergency supplies even for a day hike. Tell someone your route and return time. Cell coverage has gaps. High routes can retain steep snow well into summer, and autumn snowfall can end access early.

Burned areas can contain unstable trees, loose ground, and falling debris. Follow the official fire closure list rather than assuming that an advertised trail is available. Remove valuables and electronic cables from parked vehicles.

Protect the landscape

Stay on established trails and leave natural objects and cultural remains in place. Store food and scented items using the method required for your camp. Follow local fire restrictions and pack out trash.

Pet rules change at unit boundaries. Most trails within the national park prohibit pets; the Pacific Crest Trail is an exception. Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas allow leashed pets. Keep permitted pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet and remove their waste. Confirm the boundary and route before bringing a dog.

Camping reservations and wilderness permits

Backcountry permits are required throughout the year. During the winter closure of the Marblemount permit office, use the physical self-issue forms outside the office or follow its email procedure. Read the current permit instructions before starting.

During the staffed season, advance backcountry reservations use Recreation.gov. A reservation still requires an issued permit. Roughly 40% of sites are held for walk-up allocation, which does not guarantee your preferred itinerary. Check the next season's dates and fees before booking.

Maps, location, and access

SR 20 is the main highway through Ross Lake National Recreation Area. From the west, reach it from I-5 at Burlington. Use the NPS maps to distinguish highway facilities from national park trailheads, and save maps for offline use.

Cascade River Road leaves SR 20 at Marblemount. Its upper section is narrow and gravel. NPS advises against sedans and low-clearance vehicles and prohibits vehicles over 22 feet, RVs, and large trailers. Check the road report before driving. Confirm road conditions with staff before a remote outing.

Stehekin, in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, has no road connection to the highway network. Passenger boats from Chelan provide access. Arrange transport and local services separately. The Hozomeen border gate does not provide a permitted vehicle or walking crossing from Canada.

Choose a walk or a longer hike

For a shorter forest visit, consider the boardwalks at Sterling Munro or Happy Creek. Route descriptions do not establish current opening status. Check conditions before choosing a walk, paddle, or overnight trip.

Facilities across the park complex

Visitor services concentrate near road corridors and settlements. Accessible restrooms are available at visitor information stations and most campgrounds. NPS identifies Sterling Munro and Happy Creek as accessible boardwalk routes; confirm their condition and the opening of nearby facilities through the park accessibility information.

Highway campgrounds have seasonal reservation periods. Limited winter sites at Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, and the south loop of Colonial Creek operate without drinking water or trash collection and are free, first come, first served. Use designated sites and take waste with you.

Buy fuel and supplies before entering the mountain corridor. NPS lists lodging at Ross Lake Resort and in surrounding communities. At Stehekin Landing, flood damage disrupted the wastewater system. The 2026 service notice says the lodge cannot provide its usual lodging, meals, fuel, laundry, or showers. Confirm any restored service and arrange other valley accommodation directly with its provider.

About North Cascades National Park

A landscape of long human use

Congress established the national park and its two neighboring recreation areas in 1968. Indigenous communities had used mountain resources and travel routes for thousands of years before that designation. Archeological work at Cascade Pass records human activity over about 9,600 years. Later sites include mines, lookouts, sawmills, and homesteads.

Wildlife from forests to rocky slopes

Habitats across the complex range from wet forests to drier woodland. Black-tailed deer, pikas, and Douglas squirrels live here, along with birds such as osprey and bald eagles. Wolverines and wolves are present in small numbers and are elusive. Treat wildlife sightings as a possibility rather than a planned attraction.

Contact the park

Visitor information: 360-854-7200. Wilderness Information Center: 360-854-7245. Administrative mail goes to North Cascades National Park Service Complex, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. This address is not a substitute for your trailhead destination. Use the NPS contact page for trip questions.