Even though outdoor activities are most popular in the North Cascades, consider adding a scenic drive to your trip can be fun. The expense will come down to the activities in which you want to participate. This is one of the best places to get views of the jagged, rocky, snow-covered mountain range, unless you plan to hike high into the mountains. Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. The cascades have their permit requirements for camping that vary from surrounding campsites. This beautiful, remote lake is surrounded by rocky mountains. And then we tried to go in September, and there were forest fires. When navigating the lakes within the North Cascades, there is a ferry that can take you between Diablo and Ross lakes. 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. This weather limits the activities available to you. In the spring, the park often needs time to recover from the winter as snow melts. Thornton Lake: 10.4 miles, strenuous. Unlike many national parks, the North Cascades is not one that you can simply drive through to see the iconic features. I recommend this trip if you want to immerse yourself in the area and have a few days to spend in the backcountry. From Winthrop, it takes one hour to drive to Ross Lake and 40 minutes to drive to Rainy Lake Picnic area. Tucked away in North Cascades National Park, the Ross Lake Resort was built in 1950. Road access is weather dependent, typically accessible spring through late fall. Summary of Position North Cascades Institute is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic individual to join our retail team. If you want to stay in the national park along Highway 20, Ross Lake Resort is the only lodge in this area of the park. There is an effort underway to restore the population of grizzly bears to the North Cascades. This is a classic hike in the Stehekin side of the park. The Beautiful Glacier-fed Freshwater of Lake Chelan on December 19, 2022 at 5:09 pm [] Chelan is about a 3-hour drive from Seattle, and the drive . As a result, you will need to plan in terms of gas, transportation, and food. Cutthroat Lake: 4 miles, easy. Add on a morning scramble of Trappers peak, and you have a classic North Cascades backpacking trip. Visitors enjoy a large amount of biodiversity and beautiful waterways. In 1956, he spent part of the summer here working as a watchman in the fire tower and wrote the book Desolation Angels from this experience. There are ways to camp inside the park. The expense of these items does not change significantly over the year. Find information on boating in the park complex. Those from lower altitude areas may get tired faster. , North Cascades Institute is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic individual to join our retail team. The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the summer from mid-June to late September. Another good day hike that could be a perfect short backpacking trip is. This gorgeous area in northern Washington state is 500,000 acres of rivers, mountains, lakes, and recreation areas. Washington Pass is the highest point on Highway 20 and marks the middle of the western and eastern sections of . In the park, there are over 300 glaciers and 300 lakes. North Cascades National Park is a highly underrated park but for those who venture here, it is a peaceful, beautiful experience. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. It is not overly difficult and from the trail, you get to see wonderful views of Stehekin Valley, Lake Chelan, Rainbow Creek, wildflowers, and the surrounding mountains. The wild flowers will be past bloom by mid -September in all but pockets of the highest Alpine regions of NCNP proper. Since the park is isolated and filled with very few artificial structures, it is a great place to escape the rigors of everyday life. Start Here North America Washington The Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park in 2023, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. 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. Note: This post contains affiliate links. However, the mountains are not accessible for most visitors since the risk of avalanches is often high. During the summer, you can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Check out our Enchantments Trail Guide and our guide to how to handle the logistics of hiking the Enchantments. Discover the latest conservation jobs and internships Always bring some survival tools with you when you hike in the winter. So, those seasons can get more expensive, leaving summer as the cheapest season. Picture an alpine wonderland full of blue lakes, meadows, and towering peaks. Feb 27 - Northwest Youth Corps hiring North Cascades National Park - Trail Crew Steward Internship in Stehekin, Washington on Conservation Job Board. Some parts of the park may even be closed for the winter due to avalanches and other concerning conditions. We spent three days in the North Cascades as part of a three-week road trip through Washington state. 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. Otherwise, there are lodges and Airbnbs nearby for you to stay at. Read all of our articles about the USA in our United States Travel Guide. Here are some common questions about visiting the North Cascades National Park: The ideal length of time will vary based on what activities you want to do and your comfort level with outdoor activities. Whether you go to a big city or a rural vista, the weather and available activities can make or break your trip. During the winter and shoulder seasons, there are some accessible trails and campgrounds. Our Driving Directions. A variety of trails crisscross throughout the park. North Cascades National Park, WA Average high temperature in September: 61F The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (70F). Popular trails may be crowded on many summer and fall weekends, but you can always find secluded areas if you search. As such, the color is most vibrant on sunny days July through September when seasonal glacial melts occur. Unlike some National Parks, you cant truly experience the spectacle of the park without putting in some real effort. Our website uses cookies. Overnight camping or parking is only allowed in designated campgrounds or campsites. Thunder Knob Trail - 3.6 mile roundtrip with a 425 foot elevation gain. Costs for visiting the North Cascades include clothing, survival supplies, campsites, activity supplies, and transportation. In spite of all this National Park has to offer, it is not one of the most popular parks to visit. The view isnt quite as good as it is at the Diablo Lake Overlook, but I still think it is worth the very quick stop. If you want to camp in the campground, you can use one of the options near the park. 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. 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. From June to September, you will find gorgeous weather, safer conditions, and the opportunity for plenty of activities. Located on Ross Lake, Desolation Peak offers sweeping views over the park. A ranger can direct you to the safest trails during this time. This high elevation national park of northern Washington is perhaps the most rugged place to visit in the state. 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. As the snow melts, conditions may not be particularly hospitable. 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. - September 8th, 2022 Several fires in North Cascades National Park in Washington state have led to some backcountry camp closures. This hike is 9 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. 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. Located on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 94 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. Take it slow on this trail, and look down. Mount Shuskan, Late September/Early October Conclusion If you're looking to visit North Cascades National Park in June, the park will be accessible, but just barely. We just came back from our Washington trip. We drove up from Leavenworth, visiting Chelan on the way. . Winthrop is a very cool town. Happy travels! Huckleberries and blueberries, heather and many more. To really see this spectacular park, you need to get off the highway. Some would describe it as moderately chilly humid but cool. Learn more in our Guide to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. If you plan a spring trip to North Cascades National Park, be ready to explore trails at lower elevations and prepare for any sort of weather! Also, there is no entrance booth along Highway 20. 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. Or, if youd prefer to DIY, find more backpacking trip ideas on the. Still and all, a lovely time to visit with the Larch turning golden along with the sunlight. Developed campgrounds, like Early Winters Campground, are more common in the National Forest to the east of the Park and are usually first-come first-served. Be prepared for snowfall and cold temperatures beginning in September. The worst time to visit the North Cascades National Park is in the winter. A step up from Trapper Peak, this scramble takes you to an extraordinary summit above Washington Pass. 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. This is technically located outside of the North Cascades National Park Complex but it is still well worth the visit. Some popular drive-in sites include Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, Colonial Creek, and Newhalem Creek. 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. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and It lasts until mid- to late April and necessitates the regular closure of Wash. State Rte. Keep in mind, however, that winter arrives early at high elevations. So be sure to pack lots of water, good walking shoes, and sun . 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. North Cascades National Park does not require permits to hike in some areas while requiring a permit in others. Currently based out of Southwest Colorado, she spends her free time climbing, running, and skiing in the mountains, and exploring the world. It features a line of 12 individual cabins and three bunkhouses built on log floats situated on the west side . 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. From hiking to kayaking to spending days in the backcountry, the real adventure begins when you get out of the car. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park? 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. Arizona. Leave the natural space as you find it and avoid proliferating invasive species. If you like to get vertical, the alpine rock climbing, mountaineering, and scrambling in the park are incredible ways to get a view and experience without anyone else around. NPS Unigrid Brochure Map Newest Version. 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. North Cascades National Park (NCNP) sits in northern Washington State, amidst the Northern Cascade mountains. If you stay at a lodge instead of camping, the overall price can also be higher. There are also usually more activities during this time in general. You could drive Highway 20, stop at Diablo Lake, and then hike a few miles to Blue Lake at Washington Pass. The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. Whether you end up booking a trip with a guide, hitting the trail by yourself, or just driving through to see the sights, make sure to add the North Cascades to your summer road trip schedule or make it a point to check it out next time youre in Washington. Planning your North Cascades trip carefully can provide you with a fantastic adventure. Book your campsite far in advance, look out for sales on hiking or camping gear, and come in with a food plan. The park surrounds Highway 20, which travels between Sedro Wooley on the west side of the mountains and Mazama and the Methow Valley on the east side. From the Washington Pass Overlook, you have an outstanding view of Highway 20 and Liberty Bell Mountain. Explore the North Cascades right from your office! Stehekin is a small community located on the far northern end of Lake Chelan. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Layers and layers of glacier-capped mountains stretch off in all directions. The trailhead can be reached by crossing Ross Lake by boat or by hiking an additional 16 miles on the East Bank Trail. Most of the day hikes listed above can be made into short overnight trips or extended into longer backpacking trips. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in North Cascades National Park is to go hiking. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains as you hike to a peaceful (blue) lake. Where to stay: See here. Waterproofed items are essential to survival in cold temperatures. Spanning over 500,000 acres, North Cascades National Park in Washington is an alpine wonderland featuring vibrant lakes, thickly forested valleys, over 300 glaciers, and the most rugged peaks of the Cascade Range. Class three scrambling and route finding experience are necessary as there is no marked path to the summit. 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. North Cascades National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, but for those who venture here, it is a serene, beautiful experience. Camping is the perfect way to explore this beautiful national park. Benefits included four paid Holidays. Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, Gorge Lake, and Lake Chelan provide access to the North Cascades via the water. for an accessible peak that would be perfect for a first summit. These accommodations can be more expensive during the busy summer season. Great guide! Trapper Peak is a perfect entry-level summit as you follow the Thorton Lakes trail most of the way. Join NRPA this September and host a Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz to engage your community in nature, learn about pollinators and collect valuable data to help manage your parks. North of this road is Ross Lake. Many national park visitors skip this park in favor of other more popular destinations. Just 2 hours from the urban bustle of Seattle, WA, North Cascades National Park is an underrated gem waiting to be explored. Some of the best options are often busy, with Seattle locals driving up on the weekends throughout the summer and fall. If you want to see the world, go see it! But to experience these sights, youll have to get out of the car. 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. Wildflowers might be gone, but the ground foliage is resplendent is the fall. One of the best parts about this park is how underrated it is! North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. The backcountry is where the North Cascades shine if you have more time. The position is mostly based out of the Newhalem North Cascades National Park Visitor Center with a possible . There are countless day hikes in North Cascades National Park. Whitewater enthusiasts also could check out the Stehekin and Skagit rivers for kayaking or rafting during the warmer months. Julie Last updated: November 7, 2022 United States 25 Comments. The North Cascades National Park Day Tourpromises to "Re-Wild" Your Spirit! As a result, several thousand different plants, animals, and fungi call the North Cascades National Park home. After a short descent, you are standing at the shore of Thornton Lake. There is only one paved road in the park. small crease, corner ding, light wrinkle) but . 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