This is a classic hike in the Stehekin side of the park. Cutthroat Lake Trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-61002313', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Ross Lake Recreation Area. This short, easy trail makes a loop alongside the Skagit River. California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, The Ultimate Guide to North Cascades National Park in Washington. Just three hours from Seattle, North Cascades National Park's rugged beauty is characterized by jagged peaks, deep forested valleys, cascading waterfalls, and over 300 glaciers more than any other U.S. park outside of Alaska. Stehekin is a small community located on the far northern end of Lake Chelan. During the winter, Highway 20 closes through most of the Park from just west of Mazama to Ross Lake. Add on a morning scramble of Trappers peak, and you have a classic North Cascades backpacking trip. During the 30 miles the road travels through the park, there are several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes to visit. Day 2: Rainy Lake, Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake, Washington Pass Overlook, afternoon in Winthrop; sleep in Twisp. Learn how to stay safe while enjoying the park complex. 20. Hike a Portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Happy travels! Reservations for backcountry permits begin in March 2023. There are several viewpoints located around the large parking lot as well as bathrooms. Its well worth a stay in addition to being excellent access for North Cascades National Park and the surrounding mountains. Note: This post contains affiliate links. The trailhead can be reached by crossing Ross Lake by boat or by hiking an additional 16 miles on the East Bank Trail. This is a seasonal/temporary, full-time, non-exempt position from May 8 to September 30, 2023. This 4.5-mile hike right off of Washington Pass also might not be entirely in the National Park boundaries, but this is the perfect short hike to take a leg stretcher while driving the North Cascades highway. Check in advance to see if there are fire restrictions in the park. This weather limits the activities available to you. Dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise bodies of water define camping at North Cascades National Park. The unassuming National Park sign sits on the side of a highway, but theres no entrance gate, no entrance fee, nothing except the views, and a map to tell you that you have entered a spectacular national park. North Cascades National Park is nicknamed the American Alps, getting its name from the jagged, rocky mountain peaks and emerald green slopes. WA Bear in mind that the lands accessible directly adjacent to highway 20 are not in the North Cascades National Park, rather are the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? As a result, several thousand different plants, animals, and fungi call the North Cascades National Park home. The average maximum daytime temperature in North Cascades National Park in September lies at 20.2C (68.36F). It's the 2nd least visited national park in the contiguous US, which means privacy and seclusion if you choose a North Cascades National Park elopement. see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. Rainfall during September is moderate with an average of 52mm (2.0 inches). So, always check regularly for any changes before your trip. 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. If you want to avoid snow as much as possible, avoid booking a campsite before July. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. During the summer, you can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. You could spend a lifetime and hardly explore it all. Thornton Lake: 10.4 miles, strenuous. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. Add on the scramble to Trapper Peak above the lake for an additional challenge and great views. , If you manage to visit during less busy times with good hiking conditions, you can enjoy a tranquil visit to the North Cascades, where you will not run into too many people. North Cascades National Park. However, the mountains are not accessible for most visitors since the risk of avalanches is often high. This high elevation national park of northern Washington is perhaps the most rugged place to visit in the state. On Wildland trips, Definitely stop into Sherris Sweet Shop for some ice creamthe perfect treat after a day of hiking. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On ; . Feb 27 - Northwest Youth Corps hiring North Cascades National Park - Trail Crew Steward Internship in Stehekin, Washington on Conservation Job Board. Keep in mind the trail called Easy Pass Trail is actually pretty tough. Benefits included four paid Holidays. Certain times of the year are much better when planning your visit to this park. Due to the popularity, this trail is often busy. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. Once at the Sahale Glacier Camp, you get to enjoy spectacular views over Doubtful Lake and layers of jagged, snow-capped peaks. North Cascades is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. From the highest points along the trail, you will have spectacular views of the national park. The town of Mazama also makes a nice option. Check out the day hikes options below if you only have a day. Since nature is unpredictable, those open areas can change quickly. North Cascades National Park is one of the lesser-visited but most stunning in the national park [] Reply. Once in Stehekin, you can go on day hikes or start a backpacking adventure into the interior of the park. By participating, you could win one of three $1,000 prizes or a Scotts Miracle-Gro gift pack. 98284, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. If you want to experience the great outdoors during the day and sleep in a bed instead of a tent at night, there are plenty of nearby options. However, there are a few man-made structures that remind you civilization exists. LEARN MORE: 12 Great Hikes in the North Cascades. Day 4: Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike, drive north to Mt. Leave city life behind during your visit to North Cascades National Park, a vast wilderness of conifer-clad mountains, glaciers, and lakes. To the east is the Okanogan National Forest, where you will find beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and the Washington Pass Overlook. We had an excellent week of weather. 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 There are also a few boat-in campsites in and near the park, especially at Diablo lake. Entering the park does not require an entry fee. Colonial Creek South Campground in North Cascades National Park is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. However, you will need to access them by trail or boat. 810 State Route 20 Description. Before you go, make sure you get updates about park conditions, road closures, and trail closures on the National Park service website. 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". The region is frequently called the North American Alps. There are three sections to North Cascades National Park Complex: the Chelan Lake National Recreational Area (which includes Stehekin), Ross Lake National Recreational Area, and North Cascades National Park. Many national park visitors skip this park in favor of other more popular destinations. The necessary clothing for the North Cascades National Park will depend on your activities and the time of year you visit. Skyline Divide. It is a 400-meter walk, round trip, on a paved trail to the overlook. There are also many options for lodging outside of North Cascades National Park. If you have the energy and stamina to hike high into the mountains, the views that await you are breathtaking. Each year, Olympic sees over 3 million visitors while Mount Rainer sees about 2.25 million. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. As a result, you will need to plan in terms of gas, transportation, and food. Wild, rugged, remoteNorth Cascades National Park is highly underrated park, especially for hikers and backpackers. Learn more here. The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. The park consists of two sections, called units. Get the full details in our guide to the Maple Pass Loop. You dont truly get to see the beauty and the grandeur of North Cascades National Park unless you go hiking. North Cascades Travel Tips Cascade National Park is Free! From June to September, you will find gorgeous weather, safer conditions, and the opportunity for plenty of activities. If you want to pack in as many activities and sights as possible on your day trip to North Cascades National Park from Seattle, it makes sense to embark on short hikes rather than full-day treks. 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). Our website uses cookies. Late spring can be a good time to visit the North Cascades, but Highway 20 does not typically open until April or May, so be aware that much of the area will still be in winter mode. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and December (30F). There are also campgrounds in Newhalem and at Diablo Lake. We drove up from Leavenworth, visiting Chelan on the way. You can also find options for camping in the National Forest surrounding North Cascades National Park, from established campgrounds to dispersed camping. 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). Position Summary: The North Cascades National Park is recruiting one 680 Hour Trail Crew Steward Individual Placement beginning May through September 2023 to provide recreation and natural resource management assistance. Stay safe by knowing which animals to look out for, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, and planning. 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. , or pull out a map and see where you want to go! The best part of the hike is crossing the log footbridge just before you reach the lake. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). You walk through an old growth forest that faintly resembles the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park. 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. 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