Or, if youd prefer to DIY, find more backpacking trip ideas on the. The snow- and ice-capped mountains of the North Cascades are visible in this natural-color image acquired on September 13, 2016, by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. The key to any trip is knowing the best time to schedule your visit. Be prepared for wintry conditions as early as September or October. Now, visitors follow in his footsteps, hiking to the top of Desolation Peak. There are also campgrounds in Newhalem and at Diablo Lake. For comparison, the hottest month in North Cascades National Park, August, has days with highs of 70F (21C) and lows of 48F (9C). There are generally around 11 rainy days. 810 State Route 20 Our website uses cookies. It is just a short drive from Seattle, Washington but North Cascades only gets a handful of the visitors that flock to nearby Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks. As a result, you will need to plan in terms of gas, transportation, and food. North Cascades National Park. To get here, it is a mostly flat walk through a forest. Still, the drive is gorgeous, and you'll see flashes of yellow and orange lighting up the landscape around you. , or pull out a map and see where you want to go! The PCT cuts through the narrow sliver of park land, just north of Stehekin. North Cascades National Park is nicknamed the American Alps, getting its name from the jagged, rocky mountain peaks and emerald green slopes. Trail of the Cedars. You will cross a narrow suspension bridge next to the Gorge Powerhouse and then follow the loop trail up to viewpoints of the waterfall. Diablo Lake gets its unusual color from the melting glaciers. We also havedetailed trail guides for Mt. This overlook is located right on Highway 20. The State Department of Transportation . It is a 400-meter walk, round trip, on a paved trail to the overlook. While the higher elevation keeps this very popular North Cascades trail from being a year-round fungal destination, it can be a mushroom paradise. Layers and layers of glacier-capped mountains stretch off in all directions. The Stehekin Valley has long served as a passageway for travelers, linking Washington's interior wilderness to the rugged Cascade Mountains. From Chelan, you can take a boat, plane, or hike to Stehekin, a very small town that is located at the northern end of Lake Chelan. Keep in mind the trail called Easy Pass Trail is actually pretty tough. From the Washington Pass Overlook, you have an outstanding view of Highway 20 and Liberty Bell Mountain. During the winter and shoulder seasons, there are some accessible trails and campgrounds. It rarely gets too hot, and it's always about 10 degrees cooler on the coast than the forecast for Seattle. Wild, rugged, remoteNorth Cascades National Park is highly underrated park, especially for hikers and backpackers. You will hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. The temps seldom reach too chilly or too hot for comfort in the 60s and 70s. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. After a short descent, you are standing at the shore of Thornton Lake. Since nature is unpredictable, those open areas can change quickly. The glaciers grind against the rocks, forming a powdery silt. small crease, corner ding, light wrinkle) but . 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. Cold weather and moisture can make roads and trails muddy and less safe. If you stay at a lodge instead of camping, the overall price can also be higher. Get the monthly weather forecast for North Cascades National Park, WA, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. The only way to get here is by boat, plane, or on foot. For more information or specific questions, email the park complex. Looking east along Highway 20 from the overlook. Of course, more time is always better. 1. The temperatures from November to February hover between eight and 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-13 to -6 Celcius). Lake Chelan is in the southeast part of the North Cascades National Park Complex. This is our favorite overlook in North Cascades National Park. The reason behind this reduced interest is a result of the rougher weather during the shoulder seasons. always dress in layers when you hike here, but the trails will be less crowded (as well as the roads). Definitely stop into Sherris Sweet Shop for some ice creamthe perfect treat after a day of hiking. There are lots of mushrooms to be seen, and if the views afield are good, so much the better. National Park Hiking Tours; Unforgettable Experiences. There are several viewpoints located around the large parking lot as well as bathrooms. Make sure to get a (usually free!) This makes a great place to stay if you plan to hike Cascade Pass or Hidden Lake, since Cascade River Road starts in this town. to experience the deep North Cascades wilderness. The most popular time to visit North Cascades National Park is July through September, when the snow has melted from the trails and the sun shines high in the sky. Washington Pass is the highest point on Highway 20 and marks the middle of the western and eastern sections of . During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. There are also mudslides that close . Then the trail climbs steeply up to a ridgeline. You walk through an old growth forest that faintly resembles the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park. These bears do not generally bother humans as long as they store food properly and engage in other safe practices. Navigating the park in the winter can require special tools, even if you are only going out for a hike. The journey to the North Cascades may take you slightly longer than this depending on traffic . Located at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, this 300-foot boardwalk trail takes you to a viewpoint of the Picket Range. Road access is weather dependent, typically accessible spring through late fall. Blue Lake Trail 42 Hiking Trails By camox It is essential to know in advance that cell service is unreliable in the park. Learn more here. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. To the east is the Okanogan National Forest, where you will find beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and the Washington Pass Overlook. Since the North Cascades National Park is so large, it contains many environments, including temperate rainforests and dry ponderosa pine forests. From April to September, daytime temperatures . To really see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. Explore the North Cascades right from your office! Whether you go to a big city or a rural vista, the weather and available activities can make or break your trip. California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, The Ultimate Guide to North Cascades National Park in Washington. There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: There is only one paved road in the park. 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. While persistent snow is not always common, it can happen sometimes. Free! As a result, several thousand different plants, animals, and fungi call the North Cascades National Park home. The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the summer from mid-June to late September. However, you will need to access them by trail or boat. There is not a particularly cheap or expensive time to visit the North Cascades. The summer months of June - September are the driest months and perfect for a Washington elopement. Plan a trip into the backcountry of the North Cascades. The gorgeous blue waters of Diablo Lake are enough to convince most people to visit, but there's more to do in North Cascades than stare at beautiful scenery. Check out all of my other NPS brochures that I have available! Marblemount is the closest town on the west side of the park. Day 4: Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike, drive north to Mt. By participating, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or a Scotts Miracle-Gro gift pack. When you plan your trip, consider lodgings such as Sun Mountain Lodge, Rivers Edge Resort, and Airbnbs. The expense will come down to the activities in which you want to participate. Other seasons can be inhospitable to safe travel throughout the park for anyone but the most experienced backpackers. The best time to visit the North Cascades National Park is the summer through early autumn. North Cascades Highway (State Highway 20) is the only paved road in the park. If you have any questions about things to do in North Cascades National Park, let us know in the comment section below. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm: 12 miles, hard. However, this option is accessible only by a ferry ride from Chelan or a 23-mile hike from Highway 20 and a shuttle bus from High Bridge. These steep and rocky mountains tower above the surrounding area. 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. Read on to learn when the best and worst times are to visit this gorgeous park. North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is a peaceful, beautiful experience. The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. To get to Rainy Lake, it is a flat walk on a paved trail to a viewpoint of the lake. The Cascade loop is a 440-mile loop in Washington that includes the North Cascades National Park. North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park [] Reply. North of this road is Ross Lake. There are countless day hikes in North Cascades National Park. There are also a few boat-in campsites in and near the park, especially at Diablo lake. Learn more in our Guide to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. Learn about current conditions for roads, trails, lakes, and more. North Cascades National Park is gorgeous, and just driving through still has a lot to offer. The trail starts off easy, a relatively flat walk through thick forests. The trail ends at the Blue Lake, a brilliantly blue lake that is surrounded by towering mountains. Backcountry hiking always requires a permit. In mid-July, most trails are snow-free (except at the highest elevations on mountain peaks. A step up from Trapper Peak, this scramble takes you to an extraordinary summit above Washington Pass. Summer also has the most reliably good weather in the area but always be prepared for storms and cooler weather at higher elevations! The average minimum temperature goes down to around 10.0C (50F) (often the minimum temperature is noted at night). Sedro-Woolley Ask a ranger or pick up a hiking guidebook to discover one of the less popular and hopefully less crowded hikes! For families or travelers who dont want to spend multiple days in the backcountry, youll have plenty of options for easy hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and exploring this beautiful area. 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". Over millions of years, these glaciers created some of the steepest mountain ranges in the USA, some mountains rising 4,000 to 6,000 feet above their bases. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. Our Six drive-in campgrounds are available throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $16, depending on the campground. With two days in North Cascades National Park, Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the, More Information for Your Trip to Washington. The North Cascades Range, for which this park is named, has the largest glacial system in the United States, other than Alaska. We slept in Marblemount and on day 3 hiked Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. Wildflowers might be gone, but the ground foliage is resplendent is the fall. Increased winds and low humidity Wednesday created increased fire activity on the Chilliwack Complex. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Check in advance to see if there are fire restrictions in the park. It lasts until mid- to late April and necessitates the regular closure of Wash. State Rte. Number of sites: 19 sites. If you decide to venture out in this weather, you must bring plenty of warm clothing and water-safe gear. Popular trails may be crowded on many summer and fall weekends, but you can always find secluded areas if you search. The park consists of two sections, called units. see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. A ranger can direct you to the safest trails during this time. Great guide! 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. The park is full of plenty of great places to camp, and there are several more nearby. The park has 300 glaciers, jagged peaks, and forested valleys that showcase the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. If you travel to the North Cascades to hike, keep the altitude in mind. Annual Events Skagit Eagle Festival (December and January) "The North Cascades are Calling!" Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. ENCHANTMENTS: The Enchantments is an epic hike in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State. There are ways to camp inside the park. This is a family-friendly trail that starts at Diablo Lake. And then we tried to go in September, and there were forest fires. We spent three days in the North Cascades as part of a three-week road trip through Washington state. You will need a $5/daily or $30/annual Northwest Forest Pass for Rainy Lake Trail. 5. Take it slow on this trail, and look down. The North Cascades are isolated from society. On day 2, we hiked the Maple Pass Loop and then drove Highway 20 through the park, stopping at the overlooks mentioned above. Summer is an amazing time to visit North Cascades National Park, as once the snow melts out, you can find wildflowers blooming in high elevation meadows. The study area fell within North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and the western Pasayten Wilderness (Okanogan National Forest). The desert may seem like a barren and inhospitable place, but it is actually home to a unique and stunning beauty. Just a short walk from the Trail of the Cedars, also located in Newhalem, is Ladder Creek Falls. 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. One of the best parts about this park is how underrated it is! When visiting the North Cascades, visiting in good weather can go beyond enjoyment and play a role in your survival. If you are staying on the east side of the park, I highly recommend one of my favorite places in the world: Mazama and the Methow Valley. The 15 Best Places to Visit in Hawaii in 2023, Is Hawaii Safe to Visit in 2023? Where to stay: See here. But if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). Rarely, there may be some light signs of wear from storage or shipping (i.e. Otherwise, there are lodges and Airbnbs nearby for you to stay at. But if you hit it on a weekday or early in the morning, it can still be possible to have a popular trail all to yourself. Blue Lake: 5 miles, easy to moderate. This is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. Suggestion by Hannah from That Adventurer Blog. It's a dreamy setting of vibrant blue lakes, stark white snow on rocky peaks, flowering meadows, lush greenery and wooded slopes. However, there are a few man-made structures that remind you civilization exists. In some seasons, you may need more gear, making those seasons more expensive. Camp Meir. Grand Canyon National Park; North Cascades National Park forms part of the Cascade Range in northwestern Washington state and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle. Alpine animals such as pikas, marmots, and mountain goats peer down at you from rocky outcroppings. Three to five days is an ideal amount of time that allows experienced campers the ability to see a large chunk of the cascades and engage in many activities. This hike offers incredible, high alpine views with great views of Mt. Heading up Thursday for a few days. When visiting the park and enjoying the opportunities it offers, it is essential to do your part to protect the environment. For help with reservations, call (877) 444-6777. Baker region. Get the full details in our guide to the Maple Pass Loop. , lakes, and Airbnbs nearby for you to the safest trails during time. Pass is the only way to get off the Highway this scramble you. Can be inhospitable to safe travel throughout the park, with fees ranging from free to $,. A ridgeline at Diablo Lake and eastern sections of Picket Range as roads. Only paved road in the park is highly underrated park, especially for hikers and.. Trails by camox it is a peaceful, beautiful experience that includes North. Offers incredible, high alpine views with great views of Mt check in advance to if... Views of Mt the activities in which you want to participate can change quickly a peaceful beautiful! 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