North Cascades

About North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is a dramatic and remote park located in northern Washington near the Canadian border. Known as the “American Alps”, the park features jagged mountain peaks, massive glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dense evergreen forests.

The park is one of the most rugged and least visited national parks in the United States. Steep mountains rise sharply from deep valleys, and more than 300 glaciers carve the landscape. While there are few developed facilities inside the park, the scenery is some of the most striking in the country.

What Makes North Cascades National Park Worth Visiting?

Washington Pass Overlook

If you love alpine landscapes, challenging hikes, and uncrowded wilderness, North Cascades National Park is an ideal destination.

North Cascades is particularly worth visiting if you:

• Want dramatic mountain views and alpine lakes
• Enjoy strenuous hiking and backpacking
• Prefer remote parks with fewer visitors
• Love glacier-fed rivers and rugged terrain

How Long Should I Spend in North Cascades National Park?

I would recommend spending 3 days in this park to really explore it and get some good hikes in. Many of the hikes are long and challenging, so it can take a few days to really explore the park.

When Should I Visit North Cascades National Park?

This park has a short season that it’s fully open, and because of this I recommend visiting in the summer time (July-September). This is when trails and mountain passes are snow-free. All other seasons tend to have limited access due to snow.

What Are the Highlights of North Cascades National Park?

Ruby Mountain

• Diablo Lake: Striking turquoise lake surrounded by steep peaks
• North Cascades Highway: One of the most scenic drives in Washington
• Glaciers: Over 300 glaciers, more than any other U.S. national park outside Alaska
• Cascade Pass: A 7 mile hike with gorgeous views
• Maple Pass Loop: A 6.6 mile challenging route with incredible views of the Northern Cascades

Getting to North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is located in northern Washington

Nearest Airports

• Seattle-Tacome International Airport (SEA): About 3 hours away
• Bellingham International Airport (BLI): About 2 hours away

Park Fees and Passes

• Entrance Fee: Free

Where to Stay Near New River Gorge National Park

Campgrounds

Newhalem Campground

The largest campground in the park, located near the Skagit River and North Cascades Highway.

• Reservable: Yes

Colonial Creek Campground

Located along Diablo Lake, this campground offers beautiful lake views and access to popular trails.

• Reservable: No (first-come, first-served)

Goodell Creek Campground

A quieter campground near the river with a more secluded feel.

• Reservable: Yes

Towns Nearby

Marblemount, WA

The closest town to the park, offering limited services and lodging

Winthrop, WA

A charming western-style town located on the east side of the park with lodging, dining, and shops

Sedro-Woolley, WA

Located about 1.5 hours away, offering additional hotels and amenities